Copa América Firsts
The Copa América is the main men's football tournament contested among national teams from South American Football Confederation. It has been played for over 100 years, and there have been many firsts.
- The FIRST tournament was held in 1916, won by Uruguay. Uruguay also won the second, the following year.
- The FIRST tournament was called the South American Championship. It was not called the Copa América until after 1967.
- The FIRST hat-trick in Copa America history was in 1919, scored by Brazilian player Arthur Friedenreich in a match against Chile.
- The FIRST (and so far only) team to win three consecutive titles was Argentina, winning the championships in 1945, 1946 and 1947.
- The FIRST tournament to feature all ten CONMEBOL members was in 1975.
- The FIRST official Best Player Award was in 1987, awarded to Colombian Carlos Valderrama, though unofficial best players from before then are on the list.
- The FIRST mascot was Gardelito, for the 1987 competition. See more about Copa América Mascots.
- The FIRST time non-South American teams were invited was in 1993, when Mexico and the United States competed.
- The FIRST tournament hosted held outside of South America was 2016 in the United States. The USA hosted the 2024 event too.
- The FIRST time two players were awarded the Best Player of the tournament was in 2021, Lionel Messi & Neymar both winning the award.
Related Pages
- Copa America Trivia
- More about the Copa América
- History of the Copa América
- Copa América Mascots
- FIFA World Cup Trivia
- Sports Trivia
- List of Sports Trivia
- Copa América Mascots
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