The 2024 Copa America, hosted by the United States, was marred by a series of problems and controversies, culminating in chaotic scenes during the final match between Argentina and Colombia at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. The tournament, initially intended to showcase the passion for football in the Americas, instead became a world-class failure, raising concerns for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

From the start, issues plagued the Copa America. Poor pitch conditions were apparent in the opening game between Argentina and Canada, with complaints from players and coaches alike. The tournament featured 14 host venues, most of which were NFL stadiums with grass pitches installed over an artificial surface, some just days before the matches. Despite claims by Conmebol, South American football's governing body, that the pitches were in good condition, Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa publicly criticized them, calling them a "plague of liars."

The problems extended beyond the playing field. The Football Federation of Chile (FFC) demanded that referee Wilmar Roldan be disciplined for his "disastrous conduct" during their group game. Uruguay players clashed with Colombia fans following their semi-final defeat, underscoring the insufficient security measures in place. Colombian and Uruguayan fans were not segregated, leading to confrontations in the stands.

Attendance also became a concern during the tournament. Despite most knockout stage games being sold out, crowds were noticeably below capacity for 50% of the 32 matches. Ticket prices, averaging around $200 (£155), were deemed too high by many fans. Resale sites and dynamic ticket pricing inflated prices further, deterring some from attending the matches.

The climax of the Copa America descended into chaos. Thousands of ticketless fans attempted to forcibly enter the stadium, scaling fences, breaching gates, and even venturing through ventilation ducts. The situation became overcrowded, with fans waiting outside in scorching heat, prompting a joint decision to temporarily allow fans in without scanning tickets to prevent stampedes and injuries. The stadium eventually reached its capacity, gates were closed, and attempts to re-open them were halted due to safety concerns.

The delayed start of the final match, which kicked off more than an hour late, caused further frustration. Players' families were also caught in the chaos, leaving everyone involved in a state of uncertainty. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expressed his unease, saying, "We had to start a match without knowing where our family members were. It was very weird."

As the 2024 Copa America ended in a spectacle of disorder, it leaves organizers and fans questioning the preparation and management of future tournaments, particularly the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup. Lessons must be learned from the numerous missteps and controversies that plagued this event if football's biggest stage is to avoid a repetition of the Copa America's world-class failure.