QATAR are set to compete in the 2019 Copa America, three years before hosting the World Cup.
The South American tournament takes place every four years and Conmebol — the continent’s football governing body — often invite teams from abroad to compete.
And Aspire Academy director general Ivan Bravo has confirmed the Gulf nation will participate in the 2019 Copa America.
Speaking at the Bilbao International Football Summit, he said:”It will be the first time that Qatar has faced teams such as Brazil and Argentina.
“It will be a unique opportunity for the national team to gain experience, so that it can compete on the right level at the 2022 World Cup.”
For the second edition in a row, there will be 16 teams, meaning Conmebol will invite six other participants.
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It had been reported that Spain, Portugal, Italy and France would be invited.
However, the extra participants are now expected to comprise of countries which are part of the North American and Asian football federations.
Japan are the only Asian side to have competed so far, taking part in 1999 — but finished bottom of their group with just one point.
Chile won the last official edition in 2015, and retained their title in the Copa America Centenario a year later.
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