Despite CONMEBOL President Dominguez’s declaration at the end of 2023 that the 2024 Copa America in the United States would be “the best ever,” reality has cast a shadow over this promise. The data reveals a disappointing truth: approximately one-quarter of seats at this year’s Copa America have gone unoccupied, with attendance figures far below expectations.
According to AS, during the group stage of the Copa America, over 327,000 tickets went unsold, accounting for 25% of the total number of seats. In the knockout phase, more than 65,000 seats remained empty during the quarterfinals, representing 23% of the available tickets for that stage. This phenomenon not only undermines the commercial value of the event but also affects the atmosphere, as empty stands certainly dampen the spirit of competition for teams and fans alike.
In contrast, the 2024 European Championship in Germany has seen impressive attendance. Despite having more matches during the group stage, reaching 36 games, the number of unsold tickets was just over 51,000, or 2.7% of the total. This stark difference highlights the challenges the Copa America faces in attracting spectators.
The United States, not traditionally a football powerhouse, faces hurdles in generating public interest due to the dominance of sports like basketball, baseball, and American football within its borders. Additionally, geographical constraints make it difficult for South American fans to overcome long distances and high costs to attend the games. In contrast, Germany, being centrally located in Europe, offers easier access for fans from across the continent to watch the European Championship.
With the United States, Mexico, and Canada set to host the 2026 World Cup, the low attendance at the Copa America raises doubts about the U.S.’s ability to successfully stage the World Cup. Although Messi’s move to Inter Miami has injected new life into American football, significant challenges remain in achieving the goal of making the U.S. a global football force, and the issue of audience engagement at this Copa America is one of the pressing problems that need to be addressed.