Empty Seats at Copa América Raise Concerns for the US, Canada, and Mexico World Cup

The 2024 Copa América is currently in full swing, entering the knockout stage, but low attendance at matches has sparked widespread concern. With just two years until the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the Copa América’s situation seems to foreshadow potential issues.

While top teams like Argentina and Brazil have drawn packed stadiums, less popular matches have been characterized by empty seats. As one of the hosts for the 2026 World Cup, the United States’ national team games in the group stage have not consistently filled their venues, drawing particular attention.

The USA’s opening match against Bolivia took place at AT&T Stadium, which can hold up to 80,000 spectators, but only around 48,000 were present. The match against Greenland at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with a capacity of 71,000, saw 59,145 attendees. More strikingly, the USA’s loss to Uruguay at Arrowhead Stadium was accompanied by a visibly sparse crowd.

This contrasts sharply with the near-capacity crowds at the ongoing UEFA European Championship in Germany, which has demonstrated a different level of enthusiasm and engagement. The average attendance for Euro group-stage matches reached 50,000 per game, a figure that the Copa América’s lower turnout cannot match.

However, the low turnout at Copa América matches isn’t solely attributed to a lack of fan interest. CONMEBOL, the South American football governing body, reports that over one million tickets have been sold by the end of the group stage, indicating the tournament’s continued appeal.

Several key factors contribute to the low attendance rates. Firstly, hosting matches in large NFL stadiums rather than specialized football venues may impact the atmosphere and spectator experience. For instance, the Venezuela vs. Ecuador fixture at Levi’s Stadium in California, with a capacity of 68,500, attracted only 29,864 spectators. Secondly, hot weather conditions, like the incident where an assistant referee fainted during a match in Kansas City due to heat, and high ticket prices might deter fans.

Compared to the Euros, where ticket prices are more affordable, fans hoping to watch the quarter-final clash between Spain and Germany, both former World Cup champions, could secure entry for as low as 60 euros (approximately 65 USD) under UEFA’s management. In contrast, the cheapest seat for the Copa América quarter-final between Venezuela and Canada would cost a minimum of 110 USD on ticket platforms.

Geographical factors also play a role. Unlike the Euro venues, all located within Europe with convenient travel options, Copa América fans often incur significant airfare expenses to follow their teams.

Despite these challenges, CONMEBOL optimistically predicts that ticket sales will reach 1.5 million by the end of the tournament, similar to the 2016 Copa América Centenario, also held in the U.S. This suggests that while there are attendance issues, the Copa América maintains a substantial audience base and market potential.

The low attendance at Copa América raises multifaceted concerns, including venue choice, weather conditions, pricing, and geography. Addressing these issues could enhance the spectator experience at future tournaments and provide valuable lessons for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.