Copa chaos concerns for 2026 World Cup. The chaotic circumstances at the Copa America final have caused the North American organizers of the 2026 World Cup to seriously consider their options.
Overwhelmed security struggled to facilitate the safe entry of supporters. As entering into Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, delaying the start of Sunday’s final. That is between Colombia and Argentina by eighty-two minutes. The decision to keep the gates locked for over three hours beyond the scheduled opening time. This made by the organizers, who accused ticketless spectators for rushing the entry points into the venue.
Although having shown ample proof of fans entering without tickets. It was also evident that the security system could not handle the volume of people.
Amidst concerning situations, some fans who were trapped in the crowd. That’s around the barrier at the entry to the 65,000-seat facility need medical assistance for heat exhaustion.
The USA, along with Mexico and Canada, is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup. And Hard Rock Stadium will play host to seven of the games.
While FIFA, the world’s regulatory body, and its local organization will oversee the World Cup, the South American confederation CONMEBOL organized the Copa America. Copa chaos concerns for 2026 World Cup
Alexi Lalas remarks
“This is not a good look,” remarked Alexi Lalas, a prominent television pundit for Fox Sports and a former USA international.
“I understand this is not a good look for CONMEBOL and this is also, because it is happening on our watch. In our country, not a good look for the US less than two years out from the World Cup,” he stated.
Although FIFA, which was not involved in the Copa’s administration. Which remained silent over the occurrences at first. There were indications that they would now be talking more and more with venues about their security arrangements.
Poor organisation was the cause of the Hard Rock disaster. According to a former stadium worker who spoke to AFP under the condition of anonymity.
“After spending more than two hours in the crowd outside the ground, I know this facility like the back of my hand. This should never happen,” he uttered. Also read
