The 2024 Copa América final between Argentina and Colombia is off to a catastrophic start.
The game, originally scheduled to begin at 8 PM ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday, July 14, has been delayed due to multiple situations involving fans.
Several fans from both sides reportedly entered the stadium without tickets, using vents and other methods to gain access.
Widespread pushing and a near crowd crush from fans inside and attempting to enter the venue caused the match to be delayed first to 8:45 PM ET, and then again to 9:15 PM ET.
The match finally kicked off at around 9:22 PM ET, one hour and 22 minutes after the scheduled time.
Colombian musician Shakira is set to perform a halftime show lasting 20 minutes, which is longer than the usual 15-minute break between halves, raising concerns from Colombia's manager Nestor Lorenzo about its potential impact on the players' fitness.
Fans slam disastrous crowd control in 2024 Copa America Final
Several fans voiced their displeasure during the game, especially since the United States is set to host several matches in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, some pointed fingers at CONMEBOL, the governing body that organizes the Copa América, rather than the United States or Hard Rock Stadium.
They argue that the stadium has hosted numerous NFL and college football games without incident, with similarly rowdy crowds over the years.
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