After Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Canada in the Copa América opener, both teams had strong criticisms about the playing surface at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from Argentina described the field as a disaster, stating that it felt like a springboard with the ball constantly bouncing. He emphasized the need for improvements, suggesting that the tournament may be at a lower level compared to the Euro if the issue persists.
The complaints continued with Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni expressing his dissatisfaction with the field. Scaloni mentioned that the grass was only installed after a Major League Soccer game was played on the artificial turf just a few days before the Copa América match. Despite the victory, Scaloni highlighted that the poor quality of the field was evident and not suitable for the players.
Canadian defender Kamal Miller also chimed in, likening the field to walking on a stage and feeling hollow underneath. The criticisms raised concerns about the playing conditions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, especially with the venue set to host eight games during the 2026 World Cup, including a semifinal match.
The Copa América opener drew a crowd of 70,564 spectators, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead. The United States is scheduled to play against Panama at the stadium on June 27, adding to the anticipation of the upcoming matches. Meanwhile, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, preparations are being made for a concert on July 6, which falls between the last group stage game and the final on July 14. A new grass surface will be installed at the stadium to ensure optimal playing conditions.
The criticisms from both Argentina and Canada highlight the importance of maintaining high-quality playing surfaces for competitive matches. As the Copa América continues and with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, stadium authorities must address these concerns to ensure that players can perform at their best. The feedback from the teams serves as a reminder of the significance of suitable playing conditions in major international tournaments.