<p>A post-game altercation between fans and players following a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america-tv-schedule/">Copa America 2024</a> semifinal matchup has left the tournament with a black eye. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/colombia-national-team-tv-schedule/">Colombia</a> outlasted <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/uruguay-national-team-tv-schedule/">Uruguay</a> on the pitch to advance to a mouthwatering matchup against Argentina in the tournament final. La Tricolor <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america/colombia-survive-uruguay-attacks-to-advance-to-finals/">held on</a> to an early lead despite going down to 10 men ahead of halftime. They will now face Lionel Messi’s team on Sunday, July 14th for the title.</p>



<p>While the game was certainly tense throughout the 90 minutes, pressure boiled over into the stands following the final whistle. Moments after the game ended, Uruguayan players were seen rushing to a lower section of the stadium to fight Colombian fans. Initial reactions to the unfortunate scene were to lambast the professional athletes from taking part in the melee. Nevertheless, more information regarding the situation eventually came to the surface.</p>



<p>According to those close to the situation, the skirmish started because a group of Colombian fans were targeting the families of Uruguay’s players. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> striker Darwin Nunez was one of the more noticeable stars to partake in the fight. He, however, was certainly not alone. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a>‘s Ronaldo Araujo and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/atletico-madrid-tv-schedule/">Atletico Madrid</a> center-back Jose Maria Gimenez were also among the players to be seen fighting with the Colombian fans.</p>



<h2>Uruguay star says players were protecting family members</h2>



<p>After the incident, Gimenez spoke on camera to better explain the issue. “Colombian fans in a certain section descended on all our families,” <a href="https://x.com/OptusSport/status/1811294603145773510" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> the defender. “They won’t let us speak on the microphone. This is a disaster, our families were in danger. We had to rush into the stands to remove our loved ones with tiny newborn babies.”</p>



<p>“It’s a total disaster. There wasn’t a single police officer. They showed up half an hour later. A disaster. And we were there, standing up for ourselves, for our loved ones. Hopefully, organizers take a little more precautions with our families, with the people and those around the stadiums. Because this happens every game.”</p>



<p>The incident was undoubtedly not a good look for the tournament’s organizers. CONMEBOL, the governing body of the sport in South America, issued an official statement on social media a few hours after the match. The organization asserted that they condemn “any act of violence that affects football.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240711_WST_515783_Copa-America-violence-1200x675_adc1c51b.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-515814" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Copa-America-violence-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Copa-America-violence-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Copa-America-violence-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Copa-America-violence-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Copa-America-violence.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>“Our work is based on the conviction that soccer connects and unites us through its positive values,” read the <a href="https://x.com/copaamerica_ENG/status/1811249958999249144" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a>. “There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the field. We invite everyone in the remaining days to pour all their passion into cheering on their national teams and having an unforgettable party.”</p>



<h2>Incident casts shadow over Copa America and raises World Cup concerns </h2>



<p>Despite the statement, there are now serious security concerns heading into the Copa America 2024 final at the weekend. Not only is this particular match a potential area of worry but there is now an unsettling feeling surrounding the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Just like the current Copa America tournament, the next World Cup will be (mostly) hosted by the United States.</p>



<p>While security personnel did eventually step in to break up the fight on Wednesday night, the initial reaction by the officers did seem unnecessarily slow. Unfortunately, fights involving soccer fans have been an issue within the sport for decades. </p>



<p>However, security, particularly at these major tournaments, needs to help diffuse these situations before they get out of hand. Protecting the families of players, especially young children, should also be a key point of concern for the authorities.</p>



<p>Wednesday’s incident is certainly an embarrassing moment for Copa America organizers in the United States. Nevertheless, the regrettable issue will hopefully be in the minds of security officials throughout the 2026 World Cup. </p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Copa América 2024</h3>
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Here are some resources to get you ready for Copa!</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america-tv-schedule/"><strong>Copa América Schedule:</strong></a> Full schedule of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america-tv-schedule/">all games</a> for the 2024 tournament</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/copa-america-pits-usa-against-uruguay-panama-and-bolivia-20231208-WST-475848.html"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We break down <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/copa-america-pits-usa-against-uruguay-panama-and-bolivia-20231208-WST-475848.html">each Copa América group</a></div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/copa-america-2024-bracket-free-download-20231208-WST-473617.html"><strong>Tournament Bracket:</strong></a> Track the action with our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/copa-america-2024-bracket-free-download-20231208-WST-473617.html">FREE printable Copa bracket</a></div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-copa-america-on-us-tv/"><strong>How to watch:</strong></a> Information on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-copa-america-on-us-tv/">where to find the games</a> on TV and streaming</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/how-to-stream-copa-america-2024-20240107-WST-481040.html"><strong>How to Stream</strong></a> Learn how you can <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/how-to-stream-copa-america-2024-20240107-WST-481040.html">stream Copa games</a> live in 2024</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/copa-america-dates-20231127-WST-473122.html"><strong>Key Dates:</strong></a> Learn <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/copa-america-dates-20231127-WST-473122.html">All the important dates</a> to mark on your calendar</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2024-copa-america-to-be-hosted-in-united-states-20230127-WST-417271.html"><strong>Copa (United States of) América:</strong></a> South America&apos;s biggest tournament <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2024-copa-america-to-be-hosted-in-united-states-20230127-WST-417271.html">comes back to the USA</a></div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/biggest-soccer-events-in-2024-mark-your-calendars-20231025-WST-464504.html"><strong>2024 Soccer Calendar:</strong></a> Get the lowdown on what will be <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/biggest-soccer-events-in-2024-mark-your-calendars-20231025-WST-464504.html">a busy year in soccer</a></div>
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2026 World Cup: Copa America raises security concerns

A fight between fans and players after a recent Copa America 2024 match has raised serious security concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

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<p>Concacaf has <a href="https://www.concacaf.com/gold-cup/article/concacaf-announces-match-schedule-for-2023-gold-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unveiled</a> the schedule for the upcoming <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/gold-cup-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 Gold Cup</a>, including where the USMNT will be in action. The tournament runs from June 16 to July 16 this summer. However, the first week of the competition will be the prelims. Three teams will qualify for the main tournament during this phase.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/usmnt-tv-schedule/">United States men’s national team</a> will play their group stage games in Chicago, St. Louis and Charlotte. Solider Field in Chicago hosts the team’s opening matchup of the competition against Jamaica on June 24. The Yanks will then travel to CITYPARK in St. Louis to face one of the prelims winners four days later. They will complete their group stage fixtures against Nicaragua at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on July 2nd.</p>



<h5>14 U.S. stadiums, 1 Canadian city to host games </h5>



<p>Along with these three arenas, 11 other stadiums around the United States are set to host Gold Cup matches. BMO Field in Toronto will also host one group stage match as well. Canada is set to play their first game of the competition on home soil.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our 2023 <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GoldCup</a> Group schedule:<br><br>🇺🇸 USA vs Jamaica 🇯🇲<br>📆 June 24 <br>🏟️ Soldier Field, Chicago<br><br>🇺🇸 USA vs Winner Prelims 9 ⬜️<br>📆 June 28<br>🏟️ CITYPARK, St. Louis<br><br>🇺🇸 USA vs Nicaragua 🇳🇮<br>📆 July 2 <br>🏟️ Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte <a href="https://t.co/LemM3Go3Ux">pic.twitter.com/LemM3Go3Ux</a></p>— U.S. Men&apos;s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USMNT/status/1648407405624201216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Fort Lauderdale’s DRV PNK Stadium will be the home venue for all of the prelim matches. Stadiums in Arlington, Cincinnati, San Diego, and Las Vegas are set to host knockout stage games. The 2023 Gold Cup Final will be held at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on July 16th.</p>



<p>Tickets for the summer tournament are set to go on sale on Tuesday, April 25th via <a href="https://www.concacaf.com/gold-cup/tickets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GoldCup.org</a>.</p>



<h2>USMNT kicks off Gold Cup in Chicago</h2>



<p><strong>Complete 2023 Gold Cup Group Stage schedule (all times eastern):</strong></p>



<h5>Saturday, June 24, 2023 – Group A</h5>



<p>United States vs Jamaica – Soldier Field, Chicago, IL (9:30 PM)</p>



<h5>Sunday, June 25, 2023 – Groups A and B</h5>



<p>Nicaragua vs <em>Winner Prelims 9</em> – DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, FL (3:30 PM)<br>Haiti vs Qatar – NRG Stadium, Houston, TX (6:00 PM)<br>Mexico vs Honduras – NRG Stadium, Houston, TX (8:00 PM)</p>



<h5>Monday, June 26, 2023 – Group C</h5>



<p>El Salvador vs <em>Winner Prelims 8</em> – DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, FL (6:30 PM)<br>Costa Rica vs Panama – DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, FL (8:30 PM)</p>



<h5>Tuesday, June 27, 2023 – Group D</h5>



<p>Canada vs <em>Winner Prelims 7</em> – BMO Field, Toronto, CAN (7:00 PM)<br>Guatemala vs Cuba – DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, FL (8:45 PM)</p>



<h5>Wednesday, June 28, 2023 – Group A</h5>



<p>Jamaica vs Nicaragua – CITYPARK, St. Louis, MO (7:30 PM)<br><em>Winner Prelims 9</em> vs United States – CITYPARK, St. Louis, MO (9:30 PM)</p>



<h5>Thursday, June 29, 2023 – Group B</h5>



<p>Qatar vs Honduras – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ (7:45 PM)<br>Haiti vs Mexico – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ (10:00 PM)</p>



<h5>Friday, June 30, 2023 – Group C</h5>



<p><em>Winner Prelims 8</em> vs Panama – Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ (6:30 PM)<br>El Salvador vs Costa Rica – Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ (8:30 PM)</p>



<h5>Saturday, July 1, 2023 – Group D</h5>



<p>Cuba vs <em>Winner Prelims 7</em> – Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX (7:30 PM)<br>Guatemala vs Canada – Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX (9:30 PM)</p>



<h5>Sunday, July 2, 2023 – Groups A and B</h5>



<p>United States vs Nicaragua – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC (7:00 PM)<br>Jamaica vs <em>Winner Prelims 9</em> – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA (7:00 PM)<br>Honduras vs Haiti – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC (9:00 PM)<br>Mexico vs Qatar – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA (9:00 PM)</p>



<h5>Tuesday, July 4, 2023 – Groups C and D</h5>



<p><em>Winner Prelims 7</em> vs Guatemala – Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ (6:30 PM)<br>Canada vs Cuba – Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX (6:30 PM)<br>Costa Rica vs <em>Winner Prelims 8</em> – Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ (8:30 PM)<br>Panama vs El Salvador – Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX (8:30 PM)</p>


The USMNT will play its opening 2023 Gold Cup group stage game in Chicago before travelling to St. Louis and Charlotte.

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Copa America 2024

2026 World Cup: Copa America raises security concerns

Gold Cup

USMNT to play in Chicago, St Louis and Charlotte in Gold Cup