As the Copa America 2024 unfolds, it’s an opportune moment to highlight the legends who have paved the road to today’s lineups. This article delves into the details of this exciting tournament’s timeline, focusing on the winners and historic rivalries that have defined its legacy. Beginning in 1916, the Copa America has showcased players like Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, inspiring fans around the world.

Full Copa America Winners List: Iconic Wins

Listed below are the Copa America winners since the competition’s inception:

YearWinnerRunner-up
2024ArgentinaColombia
2021ArgentinaBrazil
2019BrazilPeru
2016ChileArgentina
2015ChileArgentina
2011UruguayParaguay
2007BrazilArgentina
2004BrazilArgentina
2001ColombiaMexico
1999BrazilUruguay
1997BrazilBolivia
1995UruguayBrazil
1993ArgentinaMexico
1991ArgentinaBrazil
1989BrazilUruguay
1987UruguayChile
1983UruguayBrazil
1979ParaguayChile
1975PeruColombia
1967UruguayArgentina
1963BoliviaParaguay
1959UruguayArgentina
1959ArgentinaBrazil
1957ArgentinaBrazil
1956UruguayChile
1955ArgentinaChile
1953ParaguayBrazil
1949Brazil Paraguay
1947ArgentinaParaguay
1946ArgentinaBrazil
1945ArgentinaBrazil
1942UruguayArgentina
1941ArgentinaUruguay
1939PeruUruguay
1937ArgentinaBrazil
1935UruguayArgentina
1929ArgentinaParaguay
1927ArgentinaUruguay
1926UruguayArgentina
1925ArgentinaBrazil
1924UruguayArgentina
1923UruguayArgentina
1922BrazilParaguay
1921ArgentinaBrazil
1920UruguayArgentina
1919BrazilUruguay
1917UruguayArgentina
1916UruguayArgentina

History of the Copa America teams: Memorable moments

In the 2011 Copa America, Uruguay stood alone at the top with the most championships after their win against Paraguay. Argentina asserted their dominance in the Copa America, clinching their 16th title with resounding victories over Brazil in 2021 and Colombia in 2024.

Emiliano Martinez goalkeeper of Argentina celebrates with the Copa America 2021 trophy after winning a match between Argentina and Colombia as part of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers at Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium on February 01, 2022 in Cordoba, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

Argentina

Copa America 2016 was the last time La Albiceleste lost a final, suffering a defeat against Chile. However, Argentina has won the competition 16 times, making them unique leaders. Their victories include the years 1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991, 1993, 2021 and 2024.

Brazil

Brazil’s last Copa America triumph was in 2019, where they won 3-1 against Peru on home ground. Dominating from the 1990s to the 2010s, Brazil secured four Copa America titles and the 1994 and 2002 World Cups. Legends like Ronaldo, Romario, Zico, and Ronaldinho have all emerged from Brazil. They have won nine Copa America titles so far.

Uruguay

Uruguay has a storied history in Copa America, winning the first two tournaments in 1916 and 1917. They dominated the 1920s, winning four times in that decade. Their last title was in 2011, the 15th in their history.

Bolivia

Bolivia’s success came in the 1963 Copa America when they won their only title by defeating Paraguay. They reached the final again in 1997 but lost to Brazil. Bolivian football hopes for brighter times and more titles.

Peru

Peru won their first Copa America in 1939, led by Teodoro “Lolo” Fernández. Their last triumph was in 1975. Peru has been a consistent performer, reaching the semi-finals five times and the finals as recently as 2019.

Colombia

Colombia’s remarkable 2021 Copa America campaign saw them win without conceding a goal. However, they haven’t won the title since 2001 but achieved third place in 1987, 1993, 1995, and 2016, and were runners-up in 2024.

Paraguay

Paraguay won Copa America in 1953 and 1979 but fell short in six other finals. Their last final appearance was in 2011, where they lost to Uruguay. The current team, led by Miguel Almiron, aims to return to the top.

Chile

Chile’s recent success includes back-to-back Copa America titles in 2015 and 2016. They reached the finals in 1955, 1956, 1979, and 1987, and have consistently performed well, making the semi-finals ten times.

Copa America recent champions

In a thrilling finale punctuated by Lautaro Martinez’s decisive goal in extra time, Argentina clinched the 2024 Copa America, marking the 16th continental triumph for the Albiceleste. Following a grueling battle against Colombia, Argentina emerged victorious, capping an undefeated and well-deserved campaign as the tournament favorites.

Most Copa America titles ever achieved

Argentina it the top winner witth sixteen titles. Then comes Uruguay with fifteen and Brazil has nine. Paraguay, Peru, and Chile each have two titles, and Colombia and Bolivia hold one title each.

Team with the most consecutive Copa America titles

Argentina

Argentina won the Copa America consecutively in 1927 and 1929, and three times in a row in 1945, 1946, and 1947. They also secured titles in 1957 and 1959, in 1991 and 1993, and in 2021 and 2024.

Chile

Chile’s recent back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016 were their only wins. Star players Claudio Bravo and Alexis Sanchez were pivotal in these achievements.

Uruguay

Uruguay won the first two Copa America tournaments in 1916 and 1917. They continued their dominance in the 1920s, winning in 1923 and 1924. Uruguay also won consecutive titles in 1983 and 1987.

Brazil

Brazil’s consecutive wins came in 1997 and 1999, with dominant performances, including several 7-0 victories. Ronaldo played a starring role in these triumphs.

Copa America rivalries

Argentina vs. Brazil is a renowned rivalry, with both teams boasting World Cup and Copa America successes. Uruguay and Argentina also have a historic rivalry, both being the most winners of the tournament: Argentina with 16 titles, and Uruguay with 15.

The impact of Copa America champions

Copa America is more than just a soccer tournament; it holds immense pride for South American nations. The inclusion of teams from North and Central America and the Caribbean has expanded its significance. Along with the Euro, it is considered the most difficult continental tournament.