The 2024 Copa America was expected to be a grand showcase of football passion in the Americas. However, it was a tumultuous event marred by numerous issues. Hosted by the United States, the tournament faced poor pitches, half-empty stadiums, and crowd troubles. The final match between Argentina and Colombia epitomized the chaos, raising concerns about the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Opening Game Troubles
Argentina vs. Canada: A Disappointing Start
Problems surfaced right from the opening game between Argentina and Canada. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and players from both teams heavily criticized the condition of the pitch in Atlanta. The poor state of the pitches became a recurring issue throughout the tournament.
The Issue with NFL Stadiums
Eleven of the fourteen host venues were NFL stadiums. Six had grass pitches installed over artificial surfaces, with some laid just days before matches. Despite Conmebol’s claims of thoroConmebol’sg, the pitches were far from satisfactory.
Security Concerns and Crowd Troubles
Uruguay’s Struggle with SeUruguay’s Uruguay players clashed with Colombian fans after their semi-final defeat in Charlotte. The lack of segregation between fans led to violent confrontations. The Uruguay Football Association (AUF) highlighted the insufficient security measures, putting players and fans at risk.
Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium Miami’s final match was delayed by 80 minutes due to ticketless fans forcing their way in. The resulting clashes with police and security personnel led to multiple arrests and injuries. This chaos severely tarnished the event’s reputation.
Tickeevent’ss and Attendance Issues
High Ticket Prices
The average ticket price was around $200, making it unaffordable for many fans. It resulted in significantly low attendance, with crowds at only 50% of the 32 games across the tournament.
Dynamic Ticket Pricing
Dynamic ticket pricing further exacerbated the issue, as tickets for specific games were far more expensive on resale sites. This pricing strategy discouraged many potential attendees, contributing to the half-empty stadiums.
Criticism from Players and Coaches
Bielsa’s Outburst
Uruguay Bielsa’srcelo Bielsa did not hold back, calling Conmebol officials “a plague of liars.” He criticized the substance “dard training pitches and alleged that players were threatened not to speak out against the conditions.
Vinicius Jr and FFC’s Complaints
Brazil’s FFC’ sius Jr. and Brazil’s All Federation of Chile (FFC) also expressed dissatisfaction. Vinicius Jr. criticized the pitch quality and refereeing standards, while the FFC demanded sanctions against referee Wilmar Roldan for his conduct during their final group game.
The Overcrowded Final
Shakira’s Half-Time Show
CShakira’soach Nestor Lorenzo had already voiced concerns about Shakira’s half-time perforShakira’sending the interval. However, the chaos unfolded as thousands of ticketless fans attempted to breach the stadium.
Security Failures
Footage showed fans climbing over walls and breaking through gates. To prevent a stampede, officials temporarily allowed fans in without scanning tickets. It led to overcrowding and a chaotic environment inside the stadium.
Lessons for the 2026 World Cup
Reviewing Safety Protocols
With the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, on the horizon, the chaotic scenes of Copa America have raised serious concerns. Officials are now reviewing safety and security protocols to prevent such incidents from happening again.
Stadiums Preparing for the World Cup
Eight Copa America venues will also be used for the World Cup. These stadiums, including Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, address the security lapses witnessed during Copa America to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for World Cup attendees.
Summary
The 2024 Copa America, intended to rejoice football, became a chaotic event plagued by poor enterprise and safety failures. The eyes of the arena might be on North America, and it’s vital to supply an occasion that meets global requirements of protection and entertainment.
