<p>In many ways, Copa America is an unofficial dry-run in preparation for World Cup 2026. But the CONMEBOL tournament has already exposed several issues in the United States that need to be addressed by FIFA before the World Cup kicks off in 2026.</p>



<p>It’s important to mention that the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/section/copa-america/">2024 Copa America</a>, hosted in the United States, only features one-third the number of teams at World Cup 2026. Copa America includes 16 nations. World Cup 2026, played mostly in the United States but also in Mexico and Canada, features a record 48 nations.</p>



<p>Let’s go through the issues one by one that have been exposed at this Copa America:</p>



<p><strong>1. Some of the stadium fields are of poor quality</strong></p>



<p>Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and MetLife Stadium just outside of New York City have been two points of focus. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america/copa-america-pitch-draws-criticism-as-argentina-defeats-canada/">state of the pitch in Atlanta</a> was a disaster. Kamal Miller, a defender on the opposing team, said the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium felt hollow. Even Vini Jr has criticized the Copa America pitches, which should be a <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13567723/copa-america-field-taylor-twellman-wake-call.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wake-up call for World Cup organizers</a>.</p>



<p>Likewise, in Argentina’s game at MetLife Stadium, sand shot up across the pitch with the temporary grass on top of the stadium’s turf. </p>



<p>In Los Angeles, Mexico star Edson Alvarez suffered a non-contact injury that has since ruled him out for the rest of the Copa America. If you <a href="https://x.com/Sixmodes/status/1804691060347883542" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watch a replay of the incident</a>, you’ll see Alvarez (shirt number four) suffer an injury due to the field surface. Luis Advíncula <a href="https://x.com/JuanG_Arango/status/1804393885885501568" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suffered a similar injury</a> in Copa America at AT&amp;T Stadium.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1182" height="544" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240701_WST_513652_Screenshot-2024-06-27-at-4.18.47 PM_613b50fe.webp&amp;width=1182&amp;height=544" alt="" class="wp-image-513781" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-27-at-4.18.47 PM.png 1182w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-27-at-4.18.47 PM-300x138.png 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-27-at-4.18.47 PM-768x353.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1182px) 100vw, 1182px"></figure></figure>



<p>Eight of the 14 venues in use for the Copa America will also feature in the World Cup in 2026. Of those, <a href="https://x.com/herculezg/status/1804188875365179855" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">five have used temporary real grass</a> on top of traditional artificial turf. Seven stadiums at the World Cup will follow that trend. However, if the host United States can’t prepare pitches for the Copa America, concerns arise for the World Cup in two years. </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_20240701_WST_513652_Copa-America-hear-1200x675_5d96cecf.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-513753" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Copa-America-hear-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Copa-America-hear-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Copa-America-hear-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Copa-America-hear-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Copa-America-hear.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Price issues mar Copa America: World Cup 2026 next?</h2>



<p><strong>2. Disappointing attendance at Copa America</strong></p>



<p>Outside of the playing surface, one of the standout issues of Copa America has been attendance. The combination of expensive travel into the United States and outrageous ticket prices has led to relatively <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america/copa-america-faces-uphill-battle-in-comparisons-to-euro-2024/">small turnouts at games</a>. For example, average ticket prices for the games top $200 despite the games happening at stadiums with giant capacities.</p>



<p>The 2024 Copa America has yielded control of ticket sales to the individual stadiums. By comparison, previous Copa America tournaments have had CONMEBOL control ticket prices. Likewise, UEFA controls ticket prices at Euro 2024, which is why those tickets have been more affordable. Euro 2024 tickets range from $32 to $215.</p>



<p>Exorbitant ticket prices are one thing, but the greed of the event organizers for Copa America takes it to a different level. Seemingly, they’d prefer there to be thousands of empty seats instead of selling the tickets at an affordable price.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1198" height="608" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240701_WST_513652_Screenshot-2024-06-27-at-4.27.39 PM_5148104a.webp&amp;width=1198&amp;height=608" alt="" class="wp-image-513786" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-27-at-4.27.39 PM.png 1198w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-27-at-4.27.39 PM-300x152.png 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-27-at-4.27.39 PM-768x390.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1198px) 100vw, 1198px"></figure></figure>



<p>Our concern is that the same model may be adopted by FIFA at World Cup 2026. If so, it’ll price out the average fans who are already reeling from inflation throughout the United States.</p>



<p>It’s not just the cost of tickets that is impacting fans. One report indicated that parking fees for the USMNT game against Bolivia at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas were $65.</p>



<h2>Unintended consequences</h2>



<p><strong>3. Disappointing atmospheres at games</strong></p>



<p>Copa America 2024 is being played at the same time as Euro 2024, so we can see a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america/copa-america-faces-uphill-battle-in-comparisons-to-euro-2024/">comparison between the two competitions</a>. The biggest difference off the field? Incredible match atmospheres at Euro 2024.</p>



<p>Empty seats have been a common sight throughout Copa America 2024. That even includes empty seats at games featuring well-supported nations such as Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and the United States. </p>



<p>Part of the issue for Copa America goes back to expensive ticket prices. By pricing out the average, hardcore fan, the people who can afford those ticket prices have more wealth (or credit card bills). They may be more mainstream than hardcore when it comes to supporting their favorite nation (or player).</p>



<p>Still, once inside a stadium, concessions for American sports are far more expensive than their European counterparts. A <a href="https://ferrygogo.com/prices-ferry-beer-and-bratwurst-euro-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beer at Euro 2024</a> is around $5, while a German sausage is generally around $4. By comparison, a hot dog at SoFi Stadium on June 24 was a stunning $25.</p>



<p><strong>4. Lack of public transportation has been a major issue for fans</strong></p>



<p>Going back to the example of the USA vs Bolivia game played in Texas, those staying in the Dallas area would have to take a 30-minute ride to AT&amp;T Stadium on some form of public transport. </p>



<p>Even then, the United States does not have a strong record of public transport. Many of the stadiums in use for the World Cup are some distance away from the center of major cities. There are no, or very few high-speed trains. In most places in the United States, the transportation infrastructure can really only handle people driving by car.</p>



<p>Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA, is hosting seven games at the World Cup in 2026. That includes a quarterfinal matchup. It is 30 miles, and roughly 50 minutes, from the center of Boston. The one saving grace is a train line known as the Patriot Line. </p>



<h2>In-stadium concerns</h2>



<p><strong>5. Weather in the United States continues to heat up to unbearable levels</strong></p>



<p>This is more of an issue when considering the wild temperatures in the United States. The weather in the United States is hot in the summer. While some areas, namely the West Coast, are cooler than others, many of the locations hosting games for both the Copa America and the World Cup have blistering temperatures. For instance, on Wednesday night, Kansas City had thousands of empty seats at Children’s Mercy Park in the sun as Canada beat Peru. </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_20240701_WST_513652_Copa-referee-collapse-1200x675_6c3e1476.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-513752" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Copa-referee-collapse-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Copa-referee-collapse-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Copa-referee-collapse-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Copa-referee-collapse-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Copa-referee-collapse.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>To be fair to the 15,625 who showed up, temperatures in Kansas City <a href="https://x.com/MattWikiera/status/1693016067008823659" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surpassed 100 degrees Fahrenheit</a>. It was enough to force off an assistant referee who fainted in the hot and humid conditions. Arrowhead Stadium will be hosting games in the 2026 World Cup in similar temperatures. </p>



<p>Water breaks help the players, but the heat and humidity throughout the United States are a legitimate concern for fans in attendance at larger stadiums. </p>



<p>July 2023 was the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-clocks-july-2023-as-hottest-month-on-record-ever-since-1880/#:~:text=According%20to%20scientists%20at%20NASA&apos;s,in%20the%20global%20temperature%20record." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hottest month ever on record</a>. Meanwhile, for many of us in the United States, heat advisories have now become a new norm. It’s not just heat either. The changing weather conditions are a concern with tornados and <a href="https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/nhc-noaa-hurricane-outlook-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a>.</p>



<p>If the organizers of the event cannot figure out this issue and the rest that the World Cup in 2026 faces, the tournament will struggle. </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>
</div>

Copa America issues reveal US is not ready for World Cup 2026

The 2024 Copa America has not been the smoothest tournament to date, and it is shedding light on the World Cup in 2026.

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<p>The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world. Every four years, a world champion is crowned, and the month-long festivities captivate nearly the entire planet. Traditionally, just one nation handles hosting duties for the tournament. But can multiple countries host the FIFA World Cup? The answer is yes – and it’s becoming a more common occurrence.</p>



<h2>FIFA World Cup tournaments with multiple host nations</h2>



<p>For the entire history of the competition, only one nation hosted each FIFA World Cup. That is, until 2002. </p>



<h5>Korea / Japan 2002</h5>



<p>The mold was broken when South Korea and Japan shared the honor of welcoming the world’s top national teams for the first World Cup of the 21st century.</p>



<p>Brazil took top honors (and the <a href="https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/brazil-legend-ronaldo-reveals-reason-behind-famous-2002-world-cup-haircut/12thomhexw9aw1lx8vt4awzlqk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">award for worst haircut</a>) that year, winning their fourth, and most recent, World Cup title.</p>



<p>As of 2023, this was the only World Cup to date hosted by more than one nation. But that’s about to change in a big way:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1280" height="715" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231203_WST_471839_WorldCupHosts2.webp&amp;width=1280&amp;height=715" alt="World Cup Host selection" class="wp-image-471850" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/WorldCupHosts2.jpg 1280w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/WorldCupHosts2-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/WorldCupHosts2-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/WorldCupHosts2-768x429.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px"></figure><figcaption>Representatives from three nations upon winning the right to host the World Cup</figcaption></figure>



<h5>United States / Mexico / Canada 2026</h5>



<p>For the first time since 1994, the men’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">World Cup</a> will return to North America for the next edition. And for the very first time, <em>three</em> countries will host. </p>



<p>The USA is the main host, with most games and venues Stateside. The USA hosted the 1994 tournament, which still holds attendance and revenue records.</p>



<p>Mexico hosted in 1970 and 1986, while Canada is making its men’s World Cup hosting debut. Canada did host the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.</p>



<p>The USA will host the final of the tournament as the main host in 2026.</p>



<h5>Morocco / Portugal / Spain / Argentina / Paraguay / Uruguay 2030</h5>



<p>Not content with just three countries, the World Cup goes trans-oceanic in 2030 to celebrate its 100th anniversary.</p>



<p><em>SIX</em> countries in total will host games for the centenary celebration. While the bulk of the tournament will take place at the gateway to the Mediterranean – Morocco, Portugal, and Spain – the three opening games will take place halfway around the world in South America. Why? The original World Cup took place in Uruguay in 1930. </p>



<p>Spain previously hosted the 1982 World Cup, while Uruguay as noted hosted the first World Cup, and Argentina were hosts in 1978. Paraguay, Morocco, and Portugal will see the first World Cup games on their soil in 2026. </p>



<p>It has not been announced which nation will host the final, but it is probable one of the iconic Spanish stadiums may be chosen for the honor.</p>



<p>Things will return to normal in 2034, with Saudi Arabia expected to go solo for the following competition.</p>



<h5>Australia / New Zealand 2023</h5>



<p>Multi-national World Cups aren’t just for the men! Just this year, the first Women’s World Cup took place across multiple countries, and technically, multiple continents. </p>



<p>Australia (a member of the Asian Football Confederation) and New Zealand (of the Oceania Football Confederation) split duties as Spain captured their first world title.</p>



<p>These certainly won’t be the last multi-nation World Cups for either version of the tournament. As single nations become less and less interested in the massive commitment to host these major events, countries pooling resources to host will likely become the more common scenario in the future.</p>



<p><em>Photo: Imago</em></p>


Can more than one country host the FIFA World Cup?

The FIFA World Cup with more than one host? It's happened - and will be a common occurence for the future of the biggest soccer tournament.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "World Cup hosts"

Copa America 2024

Copa America issues reveal US is not ready for World Cup 2026

FIFA

Can more than one country host the FIFA World Cup?