The Copa América is the international championships contested among national teams from South America. Uruguay is one of the 10 CONMEBOL nations and is a regular participant in the tournament. Uruguay played in the very first tournament in 1916.

Uruguay's dominance in the 1920s, with victories in 1917, 1920, and 1926, solidified their status as a powerhouse in South American football.

Uruguay have won the tournament a record 15 times (tied with Argentina). Winning years: 1916, 1917, 1920, 1923, 1924, 1926, 1935, 1942, 1956, 1959-E, 1967, 1983, 1987, 1995 and 2011.

In 2024, Uruguay played Canada in the third place match. After regulation time the score was tied at 2 goal each. In the penalty shootout, Uruguay won 4-3 to finish in third place.