Copa America Winners List of All Time (1916-2024): A Comprehensive Overview
Copa America Winners List of All Time (1916-2024): A Comprehensive Overview
The Copa America, South America’s premier international football tournament, has a rich history that dates back to its inception in 1916. It is one of the oldest football competitions in the world and showcases the continent’s most talented teams and players. Organized by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), the tournament has evolved over the years, witnessing fierce rivalries, stunning upsets, and memorable moments.
This blog post explores the Copa America winners list throughout its history, detailing the champions, the tournaments they won, and some noteworthy facts about each edition.
Years | Winners | Runners |
1916 | Uruguay | Argentina |
1917 | Uruguay | Argentina |
1919 | Brazil | Uruguay |
1920 | Uruguay | Argentina |
1921 | Argentina | Brazil |
1922 | Brazil | Paraguay |
1923 | Uruguay | Argentina |
1924 | Uruguay | Argentina |
1925 | Argentina | Brazil |
1926 | Uruguay | Argentina |
1927 | Argentina | Uruguay |
1929 | Argentina | Paraguay |
1935 | Uruguay | Argentina |
1937 | Argentina | Brazil |
1939 | Peru | Uruguay |
1941 | Argentina | Uruguay |
1942 | Uruguay | Argentina |
1945 | Argentina | Brazil |
1946 | Argentina | Brazil |
1947 | Argentina | Paraguay |
1949 | Brazil | Paraguay |
1953 | Paraguay | Brazil |
1955 | Argentina | Chile |
1956 | Uruguay | Chile |
1957 | Argentina | Brazil |
1959 | Argentina | Brazil |
1959 | Uruguay | Argentina |
1963 | Bolivia | Paraguay |
1967 | Uruguay | Argentina |
1975 | Peru | Colombia |
1979 | Paraguay | Chile |
1983 | Uruguay | Brazil |
1987 | Uruguay | Chile |
1989 | Brazil | Uruguay |
1991 | Argentina | Brazil |
1993 | Argentina | Mexico |
1995 | Uruguay | Brazil |
1997 | Brazil | 1997 |
1999 | Brazil | Uruguay |
2001 | Colombia | Mexico |
2004 | Brazil | Argentina |
2007 | Brazil | Argentina |
2011 | Uruguay | Paraguay |
2015 | Chile | Argentina |
2016 | Chile | Argentina |
2019 | Brazil | Peru |
2021 | Argentina | Brazil |
2024 | Argentina | Colombia |
Historical Significance
The inaugural Copa América took place in 1916, featuring teams from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. Uruguay emerged as the first champion, setting the stage for a storied tournament history. Over the years, eight out of ten CONMEBOL national teams have claimed the title, with Argentina holding the record for the most championships at 16. Ecuador and Venezuela are the only teams yet to taste victory.
Argentina has hosted the tournament nine times, including the first edition. The United States made history by hosting the Copa América in 2016 and 2024, marking the only occasions the event was held outside South America.
Tournament Format and Participation
Since the 1990s, the Copa América has typically featured 12 teams: the ten CONMEBOL teams and two additional teams from other confederations. Notably, Mexico consistently participated from 1993 to 2016, while Japan and Qatar joined in 2019. The 2016 and 2024 editions expanded to 16 teams, with six teams from CONCACAF joining the competition.
A Rich History of Competition
Early Years
The tournament’s roots trace back to 1910, when Argentina organized an international competition to celebrate the May Revolution, although this event is not officially recognized by CONMEBOL. The first official tournament, the Campeonato Sudamericano de Football, was held in 1916, with Uruguay winning the title.
The tournament saw early dominance by Uruguay, followed closely by Argentina. Brazil claimed its first title in 1919 and subsequently won its first official championship in 1921. Over the years, the tournament underwent periods of disorganization, with many editions deemed unofficial.
Resurgence and Modernization
In 1975, the tournament was revitalized and officially renamed the Copa América. Since 1987, the event has been hosted every two years, with a shift to a four-year cycle starting in 2007. The tournament’s format has also evolved, often featuring a group stage followed by knockout rounds to determine the champion.
Significant victories include Brazil’s four titles between 1997 and 2007 and Chile’s first championship in 2015. The 2016 Copa América Centenario marked a special centenary celebration held in the U.S., expanding to 16 teams and setting attendance records.
Take a look at most no of titles won by each Country
1. Argentina – 16 Titles
Argentina holds the record for the most Copa América titles, having claimed the championship 16 times. The Albiceleste secured their victories in 1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991, 1993, 2021 and 2024*. The Argentine national team, known for its flair and technical skill, has produced some of the greatest footballers in history, including Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.
2. Uruguay – 15 Titles
Uruguay stands second on the list, having claimed the championship 15 times. Their victories came in the years: 1916, 1917, 1920, 1923, 1924, 1926, 1935, 1942, 1956, 1959, 1967, 1983, 1987, 1995 and 2011. The nation’s footballing prowess is underscored by its rich history and a legacy that includes two FIFA World Cup titles (1930, 1950).
3. Brazil – 9 Titles
Brazil, with its samba style of play and storied history, has won the Copa América 9 times. Their championships came in 1919, 1922, 1949, 1989, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2007, and 2019. The Brazilian squad consistently features a mix of legendary players, making them one of the most feared teams in international football.
4. Chile – 2 Titles
Chile has experienced a golden era in recent years, winning the Copa América twice: 2015 and 2016. The 2015 victory was particularly sweet as they triumphed on home soil, while the 2016 win came during the centennial edition of the tournament, making it a historic double for La Roja.
5. Paraguay – 2 Titles
Paraguay has also claimed the Copa América twice, with their victories coming in 1953 and 1979. The nation has a proud footballing tradition and has produced several talented players who have made their mark both domestically and internationally.
6. Peru – 2 Titles
Peru has lifted the Copa América trophy on two occasions: 1939 and 1975. Their 1975 victory was particularly noteworthy as they defeated Colombia in a thrilling final that ended in a penalty shootout.
7. Colombia – 1 Title
Colombia won its first and only Copa América title in 2001 when they hosted the tournament. The Cafeteros showcased their skills and determination, defeating Mexico in the final.
8. Bolivia – 1 Title
Bolivia managed to win the Copa América once, in 1963. Their victory is a proud moment in the nation’s football history, making them one of the few countries to have tasted success in this esteemed tournament.
