Copa America has been postponed until next summer due to the coronavirus pandemic, CONMEBOL announced Tuesday.
All 10 South American countries, along with invited teams Australia and Qatar will participate in the tournament, which is co-hosted by Colombia and Argentina.
“It is an extraordinary measure for an unexpected situation, and therefore responds to the fundamental need to avoid an exponential evolution of the virus; already present in all the countries of the Member Associations of the Confederation,” CONMEBOL said in a statement. “CONMEBOL has not been easy to make this decision, but we must safeguard at all times the health of our athletes and of all the agents who are part of the great family of South American football. Have no doubt that the oldest team tournament in the world will return with renewed strength in 2021, ready to make the continent and the whole world vibrate again with the passion that always characterizes us.”
Peru could feature five MLS players next summer — New York City FC center back Alex Callens, San Jose Earthquakes fullback Marcos Lopez and forwards Edison Flores from D.C. United, Raul Ruidiaz from the Seattle Sounders and Andy Polo of the Portland Timbers.
Seattle Sounders center back Xavier Arreaga, Diego Palacios and Jose Cifuentes of LAFC and Jhegson Mendez from Orlando City SC could be part of Ecuador’s squad, while LA Galaxy defender Rolf Feltscher, midfielders Junior Moreno from D.C. United and Renzo Zambrano from the Portland Timbers are possible for Venezuela.
Peru could feature three MLS players — Houston Dynamo defender Jose Bizama, Sporting Kansas City midfielder Felipe Gutierrez and Colorado Rapids forward Diego Rubio.
