Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi

Luis Suarez, left, and Lionel Messi, two of the world's biggest soccer stars are likely to participate in the Copa America 2016.

(Associated Press)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - FirstEnergy Stadium might play host to one of the most prestigious men's soccer tournaments in the world next summer.

Stadium officials and members of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission are awaiting word as to whether they will be awarded several Copa America matches, being held on U.S. soil for the first time in the tournament's 100-year history.

Local officials formally submitted a bid last month and, venue selection is expected to be announced in the coming months. Cleveland was one of 24 cities expressing initial interest and it was encouraged to apply by US Soccer, the nation's governing body.

The event will be played next June at eight to 13 sites across the country and feature national teams from South America, North America and Caribbean. The United States and Mexico will participate.

The tournament will expose American soccer fans to some of the world's greatest players including Lionel Messi (Argentina), Neymar (Brazil), Luis Suarez (Uruguay) and James Rodriguez (Colombia), assuming they are fit and willing to represent their nation.

If Cleveland is chosen it would likely host two or three preliminary-round games.

The 24 cities that expressed initial interest in hosting matches for the Copa America 2016.

"We haven't received any feedback yet, but we feel good about our chances," said Jeff Pacini, vice president of business development for the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.

He believes the recent renovations to the stadium, its grass surface and the increase in downtown hotel rooms enhance the city's chances. FirstEnergy Stadium's seating capacity (67,431) easily meets the criteria (50,000) set by tournament organizers. The games would fall roughly six weeks before the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

Since the Browns changed ownership in 2012, team officials aggressively have sought major events for the stadium, even attempting to lure an outdoor NHL game. It's one reason they pushed for the $120 million renovation project.

The stadium hosted a United States men soccer team friendly against Belgium in 2013, drawing 27,720 fans on a weeknight in which the Indians also played a home game.

"We've developed good relations with US Soccer and I think they were pleased with the turnout we had that night," Browns president Alec Scheiner said.

U.S. manager Jurgen Klinsmann noted as much after the Belgium match.

"The experience was wonderful, the support was wonderful," Klinsmann said. "It was a great crowd."

Scheiner is no stranger to hosting major soccer events from his days with the Cowboys. The Mexican national team has played games at AT&T Stadium in Dallas over the years.

The Copa America always has been held in South America, but to mark its 100th anniversary it's taking the game on the road and expanding the format. The "Centenario" is a special event outside of the Copa's regular quadrennial schedule, which continues this year in Chile.

Next year's tournament will include 10 teams from South America, along with six from the CONCACAF region featuring the United States and Mexico.

The United States is expected to make a major play for the 2026 World Cup. If Cleveland lands several Copa America games and they are well received, the city could be in consideration for a host site at the next World Cup held in the U.S.

"The Browns and the sports commission would be very interested in being part of that equation," Pacini said.

Next year's tournament runs from June 3-26.