2001 Copa América — 2001 edition of the Copa América association football competition
Colombia won its first Copa América title without conceding a goal, amid major pre-tournament security concerns that nearly cancelled the event.
Key Facts
- Host country
- Colombia
- Tournament dates
- 11 to 29 July 2001
- Total teams competing
- 12
- Colombia goals conceded
- 0
- Argentina withdrawal date
- 10 July 2001
- Honduras final placement
- 3rd place
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Security concerns in Colombia led CONMEBOL to initially cancel the tournament on 1 July 2001. Argentina subsequently withdrew citing death threats to its players from terrorist groups, and Canada disbanded its camp entirely after the cancellation, leaving the tournament short of participants days before kickoff.
The 2001 Copa América was held in Colombia from 11 to 29 July, organised by CONMEBOL with twelve nations competing. Late replacements Costa Rica and Honduras filled spots vacated by Canada and Argentina. Colombia won the tournament for the first time, keeping a clean sheet throughout, while Brazil were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Honduras.
Colombia's historic first Copa América victory, achieved without conceding a goal, was a landmark for the host nation. Honduras, arriving mid-tournament with barely enough players, finished third, demonstrating a notable performance. Despite pre-tournament fears, the competition concluded without any security incidents.