CARSON — The U.S. men’s national soccer team had the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup circled on their calendar for the rest of this year.

On Friday, another big tournament was added for 2024, which will help in the run-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

From the uncertainty facing the coaching job of the U.S. Men’s national team and the opening of the Sporting Director position, the men’s national team learned that it will be participating in the prestigious Copa America tournament, as part of a new agreement between CONCACAF and CONMEBOL of South America.

The two soccer governing bodies announced a new “strategic collaboration agreement,” with a key point of the deal having the U.S. host and participate in the 2024 Copa América tournament.

The tournament, usually featuring 10 South American countries and two guest countries, was held in the U.S in 2016. Brazil hosted the last two (2019 and 2021).

“For us, after we left Qatar, all of us were looking at the schedule and thinking what our fixtures would look like ahead of the next World Cup,” U.S. defender Walker Zimmerman said Friday. “We knew we had to play in big tournaments and to have a chance to play in Copa América against some of the best teams in CONMEBOL, it is something that we can look forward to.”

Zimmerman and the national team will conclude this January camp Saturday with a friendly against Colombia at Dignity Health Sports Park (4:30 p.m./TNT). U.S. officials are expecting a crowd of more than 25,000.

Next year’s format for Copa América will feature 10 CONMEBOL teams and six “guest” CONCACAF teams. The CONCACAF teams will qualify for the Copa América through the 2023-24 Nations League. The CONCACAF teams will not automatically qualify, but the U.S., Mexico and Canada will be favored to secure at least three of the spots.

“It’s amazing news, exciting news and something that our players are looking forward to,” U.S. interim coach Anthony Hudson said. “It’s amazing for fans in this country and it will be great for growing the game here.”

The U.S. has competed in the 1993, 1995, 2007 and 2016 editions of the Copa América. They finished fourth in 2016.

The CONCACAF and CONMEBOL agreement will also create a women’s CONCACAF W Gold Cup in 2024, with four CONMEBOL “guest” teams and eight CONCACAF teams and a new four-team “Final Four-style” tournament will also be created.

“This is a partnership to support the ongoing growth of men’s and women’s football in CONCACAF and CONMEBOL and will truly be of mutual benefit to both Confederations,” CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani said in a statement. “Working hand in hand with CONMEBOL, we will deliver elite competitions that will provide more opportunities for our federations.”

The U.S. will begin Nations League in March and the Gold Cup follows in the summer.

Hudson, who at the start of the camp looked as if he would only be in charge for these games, will more than likely be in charge when the U.S. kicks off the Nations League. On Thursday, the USSF said he would remain as coach until a new sporting director is hired after Earnie Stewart announced he’s leaving the position.

“My focus is to keep preparing the team for as long as I’m asked to do it,” Hudson said. “I feel very connected to the team. I wasn’t expecting how any of this evolved, but when I get back, my focus will be on the next window and if I’m still asked to lead after that, I will prepare for that one.”

The U.S. kicked off 2023 with a 2-1 loss to Serbia on Wednesday at BMO Stadium, formerly Banc of California Stadium. In the game, eight players made their senior national team debut, including seven in the starting lineup.

The U.S. and Colombia last met in 2005, a 3-0 win by the U.S. at Cal State Fullerton’s Titan Stadium. Colombia’s roster features five MLS players, including LAFC’s Cristian “Chicho” Arango.

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“This will be different type of test than the other night,” Hudson said of Colombia. “They’re a good team, good individuals, aggressive team, a lot of good 1v1 players, lot of quick players, direct players, good on the counterattack.

“This is going to be a different test and, with the crowd, it’s going to be an intense game.”

Colombia vs. United States

When: 4:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson

TV: TNT, Peacock, Telemundo