The Copa America 2021 will be the 47th edition of the oldest national teamtournament. After being postponed last year due to the pandemic outbreak, in a few months we will finally get to see once again South America’s greatest competition . For the first time, the traditional contest organized by CONMEBOL will be held in two different countries: Argentina and Colombia .
The last edition played in Brazil two years ago was full of emotion and entertaining performances from the opening match until the final, in which the hosts claimed the trophy. As the beginning of the new tournament is getting closer, soccer fans all over the world are already eager for its kick-off.
Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suárez, James Rodríguez, and many other superstars always hog the spotlight whenever they represent their countries, and they are set to be doing it in the upcoming championship as well. However, the cities designated to host the Copa America always play an important part and provide an attractive factor to follow the tournament getting to know more about the countries’ culture. Find out more about the Copa America 2021 cities here.
Buenos Aires – Argentina
The iconic Obelisco in Buenos Aires (Getty).
Where the tournament will begin. Argentina’s capital city is one of the most famous cities on the continent and also has worldwide recognition. In Buenos Aires, you can find many emblematic places that attract tourists from all over the world. The Obelisco could be a very well-known building, but what makes this cityspecial is its history, involved with much more than being the epicenter of the country. Buenos Aires could be seen as the core of Argentina and it has a strong soccer history as well. TheEstadio Monumental of River Plate will host the Copa America 2021 opening game and many other matches to come after that.
Córdoba – Argentina
The Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium held the last Copa Sudamericana Final (Getty).
Another big city from the country, Córdoba is the second most inhabited one in Argentina after Buenos Aires. Being the province of Córdoba’s capital city, the first university of the country was established there and that’s why it waslinked to education and named ‘La Docta’ (The Learned). The National University of Córdoba is not only the oldest one in Argentina but one of the most traditional in South America as well. This city also has one of the best stadiums in the country, named after the legendary striker and World Champion in 1978, Mario Alberto Kempes.
Mendoza – Argentina
The Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza (Getty).
Mendoza not only is one of the most populous cities in Argentinabut an interestingdestination for tourists as well. Located close to the mountains and to the famous Andes, it is considered one of the Great Wine Capitals . That industry and the olive oil production are the mainactivitiesinMendoza , where attractiveplaces like the Cerro de la Gloria , a small mount frequently visited to see the city from the top, and the General San Martín Park can be found. In this city, it’s located the Malvinas Argentinas Stadium , where the Argentina national team played more than once.
Santiago del Estero – Argentina
Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero (Getty).
A much smaller city than the ones we’ve seen before, Santiago del Estero will host such a huge event for the first time. Its population isn’t among the biggest ones in Argentina, unlike the other three, but with a new stadium, they earned more attention. The Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades is even one of the best in the country, as it was built in 2018and was inaugurated this year. There was controversy for its construction, though, but it is without a doubt an outstanding venue which will be very interesting to see in the next Copa América.
Barranquilla – Colombia
Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez in Barranquilla (Getty).
The home of the 2021 Copa America final. The fourth most inhabited city in Colombia, Barranquilla has a great tradition of hosting important festivities, including the great Carnival of Barranquilla, one of the most important festivals in the country. Situated close to the Caribbean Sea and next to the Magdalena River, it serves as a port for its strategic location. Here it is found the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez, home of Junior and the Colombian national team, where the grand final of this tournament will be played.
Bogotá – Colombia
Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia (Getty).
The capital city of Colombia is the third with the highest altitude in the world being 2,625 meters above sea level , just behind Quito (Ecuador) and La Paz (Bolivia). It is the political, economic, and administrative epicenter of the country , and it is the most populous territory in Colombia. Bogotá’s Nemesio Camacho El Campín Stadium is the biggestin the country and it will be home to some Copa America 2021 games.
Cali – Colombia
The Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero in Cali (Getty).
The third most populous city in Colombia, Cali is an important economic and industrial center of the country. Besides, it has a deep tradition of hosting important festivals, while itis considered the capital of the music genre Salsa for embracingit withmany festivities. Cali is also a place where many cultural attractions can be enjoyed, and it has also a long history with literature, being home to well-known authors. The Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero is América de Cali‘s venue and was selected to host the 2021 Copa America as well.
Medellín – Colombia
The Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellín (Twitter @Libertadores).
The second biggest city of the country has an importance similar to that of Bogotá’s. It is a very agglomerated urban city just like the capital, and in Medellín, it can also be found an important education, economic, scientific, commercial, and industrial activity. Besides, this cityis greatly recognized for hosting iconic celebrations such as the Feria de las Flores. Itis also the home of two giants in Colombian soccer, Atlético Nacional and Independiente. The Estadio Atanasio Girardot is the third biggest stadium in the country and will receive four matches in the 2021 Copa America.
