A series of issues at the ongoing Copa America 2024, held in the United States, has prompted discussions about the country's preparedness for hosting the upcoming World Cup in 2026. With only one-third of the teams participating in Copa America compared to the record number set for the World Cup in 2026, concerns have been highlighted across various aspects of the tournament.

One major concern revolves around the quality of stadium fields, with reports of poor playing surfaces at venues like Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium and MetLife Stadium outside New York City. Players, including Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Mexico star Edson Alvarez, have voiced their dissatisfaction with the conditions, raising questions about the readiness of these facilities for international matches.

Additionally, disappointing attendance figures at Copa America games have been attributed to high ticket prices and logistical challenges. Unlike previous editions where ticket prices were controlled by governing bodies, individual stadiums have set high prices for this tournament, leading to sparse crowds in some matches. The impact of high ticket prices on the atmosphere within stadiums has been evident, with fans expressing concerns over the lackluster ambiance compared to other tournaments like Euro 2024.

Furthermore, inadequate public transportation options have been highlighted as a major issue for fans attending matches, particularly in locations where stadiums are situated far from city centers. The lack of efficient transport systems could pose challenges for both local and international fans planning to attend the World Cup in 2026, especially in areas where public transportation infrastructure is limited.

The environmental factor has also come under scrutiny, with soaring temperatures affecting both players and spectators at Copa America games. Concerns about extreme weather conditions, including heatwaves and natural disasters like tornados and hurricanes, have raised alarms about the challenges that both players and fans may face during the World Cup in the United States in 2026.

While comparisons to the vibrant atmospheres at Euro 2024 have been drawn, highlighting the disparity in fan experiences between the two tournaments, there are hopes that lessons learned from Copa America 2024 will lead to improved preparations for the upcoming World Cup. With critical feedback from players, fans, and observers, there is a call for FIFA and local organizers to address these issues promptly to ensure a successful global football event in 2026.