Every Winner in Copa America History

The inaugural Copa America tournament took place in 1916 under the name South American Football Championship, a title retained until 1975. Since then, across 11 different host nations, eight winners have emerged.

Argentina and Uruguay stand out as the most successful, each claiming victory in the tournament 15 times. Argentina has also appeared in the most finals, totaling 29, the highest among all participating countries. Brazil, another prominent South American contender, has secured more than two Copa America titles, making them the third major force in the region.

In the upcoming 48th edition, scheduled to be held in the USA, Lionel Messi's Argentina will strive to defend their title at Copa America 2024. This detailed breakdown encapsulates the rich history of tournament winners and their performances in one of South America's most prestigious competitions.

8. Bolivia

Copa Americas titles: 1

Bolivia cherishes the memory of their Copa America triumph in 1963, a victory achieved on home soil. Maximo Alcocer's remarkable six goals, including the decisive strike in a thrilling 5-4 victory over Brazil, secured Bolivia's first and only Copa America title to date. The 1963 tournament employed a league format with no knockout rounds, featuring seven teams competing against each other once. Bolivia topped the table with 11 points from six games, boasting five wins and a draw. Paraguay secured second place with nine points, with their lone defeat suffered at the hands of the hosts.

In 1997, Bolivia reached the final of the Copa America once again, coincidentally in their high-altitude surroundings. Despite the familiar setting, much had changed since their 1963 triumph. The competition had evolved from the South American Football Competition to the Copa America in 1975, introducing a new format featuring group stages and knockout rounds. Bolivia defied expectations to reach the final but fell short against a formidable Brazil team, settling for the runner-up position.

7. Colombia

Copa America titles: 1

Colombia clinched the 2001 Copa America title, capitalizing on home advantage to secure their first and only triumph in the prestigious tournament. They showcased their prowess throughout the event, emerging as the top team in a challenging Group A, which included Chile, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Colombia impressively won all three group matches, progressing to the knockout stage effortlessly, with Chile following closely in second place, having suffered only one defeat. Notably, Colombia maintained a clean sheet throughout the group stage, conceding no goals.

Continuing their dominance, Los Cafeteros defeated Peru 3-0 in the quarter-finals and comfortably overcame Honduras 2-0 in the semi-finals. The final against Mexico proved tense and nervy, but Colombia's formidable defense once again prevailed, securing a narrow 1-0 victory and lifting the Copa America trophy. They remain the only team in the tournament's history to complete the campaign without conceding a single goal, a remarkable feat indeed.

6. Peru

Copa America titles: 2

In 1939, Peru capped off a remarkable tournament by lifting the Copa America trophy. Their victory was further highlighted by Teodoro "Lolo" Fernandez, who not only secured the Player of the Tournament accolade but also clinched the Golden Boot with a tally of seven goals. Peru was one of five nations competing in the 1939 Copa America, alongside Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Peru emerged triumphant in the league format, amassing eight points by winning all four of their matches, with wins worth two points at the time. They finished two points ahead of Uruguay, who suffered their only defeat against Peru.

Peru's second Copa America triumph came in 1975, the inaugural year of the tournament under its current name, featuring knockout stages. Placed in Group B alongside Chile and Bolivia, Peru topped the group by winning three out of four games, with a 1-1 draw against Chile in the opening match being their only setback. La Blanquirroja's impressive performance saw them draw 3-3 on aggregate with Brazil in the semi-finals. Advancing to the final by virtue of being the group winners, they faced Colombia in the decisive match. After each team won one game in the two-legged final, Peru emerged victorious with a 1-0 win in the third game, securing their second Copa America title.

In 2019, Peru made a historic return to the final of the competition since their 1975 triumph. Despite Paolo Guerrero's equalizer against Brazil, they eventually succumbed to a 3-1 defeat, finishing as runners-up.

5. Chile

Copa America titles: 2

Prior to the 2015 Copa America, Chile had a history of coming close but falling short, having reached four finals and lost each one. However, their fortunes took a turn when they clinched two consecutive Copa America titles in 2015 and 2016, largely propelled by Eduardo Vargas, who emerged as the top scorer in both tournaments. Vargas is now just three goals shy of becoming the joint-all-time Copa America top scorer with 17 goals, a remarkable feat considering the stature of some competing teams in the tournament.

In both 2015 and 2016, Chile found themselves pitted against Argentina in the final, triumphing on penalties on both occasions and thwarting Lionel Messi's bid for his first Copa America trophy. Chile's campaign in 2015 was flawless, going undefeated and conceding only once, against Peru in the semi-finals.

4. Paraguay

Copa America titles: 2