USA record at Copa America: How many times has USMNT been in tournament and have they ever won?

Feargal Brennan

USA record at Copa America: How many times has USMNT been in tournament and have they ever won? image

The 2024 Copa America saw the U.S. knocked out at the group stages of the competition. 

As the tournament continues to expand, the USMNT were a key driving force in bringing more CONCACAF nations into it, with the 2016 centenary edition the first time the tournament was held outside of a CONMEBOL country.

However, despite their strides in this competition and on the world stage, the USMNT are still finding their Copa America feet, and continued to struggle against the established sides of South America.

The Sporting News looks at the USMNT's historical record at the Copa America including titles won, games and player records.

MORE: Copa America 2024 stadiums: List of host cities, venues for tournament in USA

How USA were eliminated from Copa America

Entering the final round of group play, the U.S. sat second in Group C, which is a qualifying position. However, they were then beaten by title contenders Uruguay, while Panama beat basement-dwellers Bolivia.

PosTeamGPPtsW-D-LGFGAGD
1.Uruguay393-0-091+8
2.Panama362-0-165+1
3.USA331-0-2330
4.Bolivia300-0-3110-9

USMNT Copa America record

The USMNT have never won a Copa America title, with no CONCACAF nation managing to break the CONMEBOL dominance of the competition, since they first became involved in the competition in 1993.

Mexico have reached the final twice, losing out to Argentina in 1993, and Colombia in 2001.

Copa America title winners
NationNo. of TitlesYears Won
Argentina151921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941,1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991, 1993, 2021
Uruguay151916, 1917, 1920, 1923, 1924, 1926, 1935, 1942, 1956, 1959, 1967, 1983, 1987, 1995, 2011
Brazil91919, 1922, 1949, 1989, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2007, 2019
Chile22015, 2016
Paraguay21953, 1979
Peru21939, 1975
Bolivia11963
Colombia12001

The changing nature of the Copa America has created a mixed picture for the USMNT. This is the first time they have been required to qualify after being invited to take part in 1993, 1995 and 2007 before hosting in 2016.

USMNT's Copa America record
TeamGames PlayedWinsDraws*LossesGoals ForGoals Against
USA2112132132

*Draws include games won or lost via penalty shootouts.

USA Copa America most goals, appearances

The record for USMNT Copa America appearances is jointly held by three players, with Cobi Jones, Alexi Lalas and Tab Ramos on nine each. Eric Wynalda and Clint Dempsey top the scoring charts with three each.

Most USMNT Copa America appearances
NameNo. of matchesNo. of tournaments
Cobi Jones92
Alexi Lalas92
Tab Ramos92
Paul Caligiuri82

 

Most USMNT Copa America goals

NameNo. of goals
Eric Wynalda3
Clint Dempsey3
Alexi Lalas2


Feargal Brennan

Feargal Brennan Photo

Feargal is a content producer for The Sporting News. He has been working with TSN since the start of 2022 after stints with Reach, Amazon UK and Squawka in a nomadic career in the football media pyramid. Always with a keen eye on Arteta's 'Reds' and Kenny's Ireland 'Greens' and a 100% five-a-side penalty record.