The simultaneous running of two major international football tournaments, Euro 2024 and Copa America 2024, has sparked a debate about the relative difficulty of each competition. While French star Kylian Mbappe believes the Euros are more challenging, Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi disagrees. However, the Copa America has faced criticism for the state of its playing conditions, particularly the size and quality of the pitches used in the United States.
Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, expressed his frustration after his team’s group stage match against Canada, saying the “disaster” of a field made the game difficult. The Copa America, being played across 14 stadiums, many of which are multi-purpose venues also used for American football, has faced issues with pitch dimensions. The smaller size of NFL fields (110 meters long and 49 meters wide) compared to FIFA’s minimum requirement for football (100 meters long and 64 meters wide) has forced stadiums to adjust their pitch size, often leaving little room for players outside the touchline. This lack of space was evident in the Peru vs. Chile match, where players struggled to take corner kicks due to a limited run-up.
The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) has opted to maintain a consistent pitch size across all venues, regardless of the stadium’s original dimensions. However, this has resulted in smaller pitches, sometimes resembling those used by U-13 players in Europe. This has been particularly detrimental for South American teams, who often rely on individual flair and creativity.
The narrower pitches have led to a more crowded game, with most of the action taking place in the midfield. This has resulted in a decrease in goals, as teams struggle to find space in the final third. The 2024 Copa America is averaging 2.21 goals per match, a decrease from previous editions. The smaller pitch dimensions have also made it difficult for teams to effectively counter-attack, leading to low-scoring matches and several games decided by penalties.
Beyond the size of the pitches, the quality of the temporary grass surfaces has also been a cause for concern. Laid on top of artificial turf, the grass has been inconsistent and prone to damage, leading to injuries and affecting the game’s flow. The surface installation has been criticized for its shoddy work and lack of durability, with Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni and other players expressing their displeasure with the conditions.
The smaller pitches and temporary grass surfaces have also contributed to an increase in fouls. Brazil’s clash against Uruguay saw 41 fouls committed, highlighting the physical nature of the games played on the cramped fields. The Copa America has already seen a significant number of fouls, surpassing the total for the 2021 edition.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup partially hosted in the United States, concerns have been raised about the country’s readiness to handle such a major tournament. The same stadiums used for the 2024 Copa America will be used for the World Cup, putting pressure on organizers to address the issues related to pitch size and surface quality. The criticism surrounding the Copa America serves as a warning sign for the upcoming World Cup, highlighting the need for improvements to ensure a successful and enjoyable tournament for players and fans alike.
