Potential inclusion of Concacaf teams in Copa Libertadores

Conmebol is evaluating a proposal to modify the Copa Libertadores format by including four teams from Concacaf. The plan involves adding two clubs from Mexico’s Liga MX and two from the United States’ Major League Soccer (MLS) to expand the tournament’s commercial and sporting reach. Under this scheme, one slot per country would be granted via direct invitation, while a second would be based on sporting merit.

Following these developments, Liga MX President Francisco Iturbide formally requested that Mexican clubs be permitted to participate in Conmebol competitions, specifically the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, as invited guests. This effort aims to end the absence of Mexican teams from South American tournaments that has persisted since 2016.

The proposal faces significant hurdles. FIFA has reportedly rejected initial requests, citing directives intended to prevent clubs from different confederations from competing in the same continental tournament. Additionally, Concacaf remains a point of resistance, and South American clubs, particularly those in Brazil, have raised concerns regarding logistical challenges and increased travel distances.