The 2024 Copa America was meant to be a celebration of the Americas’ love for football, but it quickly turned into a chaotic event. Problems plagued the tournament from the start, with poor pitches, low attendance, and crowd trouble marring the matches. The final between Argentina and Colombia was delayed for 80 minutes due to ticketless fans storming the stadium in Miami.
The issues began with complaints about the pitch conditions during the opening game between Argentina and Canada. Several teams, including Uruguay and Brazil, criticized the quality of the pitches and the refereeing standards. Security concerns also arose when Uruguay players had to protect their families from Colombian fans after a match.
Despite most knockout stage games being sold out, the stadiums were only at 50% capacity for many matches. Ticket prices, averaging around $200, were also a deterrent for fans. The chaotic scenes at the final between Argentina and Colombia were a culmination of the problems that plagued the entire tournament.
The delay in the final match, caused by ticketless fans breaching security measures, led to overcrowding and chaos outside the stadium. Players’ families were caught up in the confusion, adding to the disarray. The match eventually started more than an hour late, disrupting the entire event.
Law enforcement officials made 27 arrests and ejected 55 people from the stadium after the final. The Miami-Dade County public safety chief emphasized the need for a review of safety protocols, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. The Copa America venues will also host World Cup matches, raising concerns about security and crowd control.
The Hard Rock Stadium, where the final was held, will host seven matches during the 2026 World Cup. The stadium management expressed disappointment over the disorder at the Copa America final and promised to work with authorities to prevent such incidents in the future. The safety and well-being of guests and staff remain a top priority for the venue.
Despite the mishaps at the Copa America, the Independent Supporters Council is optimistic about the 2026 World Cup. They believe that lessons will be learned from the Copa America chaos, and adequate measures will be put in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable tournament. Conmebol, the organizing body for Copa America, expressed regret over the violence that marred the final and called for better security measures in the future.
As preparations continue for the 2026 World Cup, both local authorities and international organizations are focused on creating a safe and secure environment for fans and players. The incidents at the Copa America final serve as a reminder of the importance of meticulous planning and effective security measures to prevent similar disruptions in the future.