FIFA aims for the perfect pitch at 2026 World Cup following fields called a disaster at Copa America
3 months, 3 weeks ago

FIFA aims for the perfect pitch at 2026 World Cup following fields called a disaster at Copa America

Associated Press  

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The 2026 World Cup is coming to North America with an ambitious plan, expanding the field by 50% and spreading the soccer spectacle over 16 cities in three countries with multiple climates and elevations. When the World Cup begins in less than two years with 48 teams playing 104 matches in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, no one wants the field — or pitch, as many soccer aficionados call it — to be a topic of conversation like it was earlier this summer for a different major tournament. “That’s why they’re supporting so much research and preparation so that they don’t have what happened at Copa, and the embarrassment of what CONMEBOL had.” Like at this year’s Copa America, some football stadiums — including some with a roof — will host games at the next World Cup. Sorochan, along with his mentor and former professor at Michigan State, Trey Rogers, addressed a similar challenge three decades ago when the World Cup first visited the United States in 1994 and games were played indoors at the Pontiac Silverdome in suburban Detroit. “While new varieties of grasses have not been bred to specifically address the challenges of the World Cup, turfgrass breeding efforts over the past 20 years have released new grass varieties that have improved heat, drought, disease and wear tolerance,” Sorochan said earlier this week.

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History of this topic

FIFA aims for the perfect pitch at 2026 World Cup following fields called a disaster at Copa America
3 months, 3 weeks ago

FIFA aims for the perfect pitch at 2026 World Cup following fields called a disaster at Copa America

The Hindu  

The 2026 World Cup is coming to North America with an ambitious plan, expanding the field by 50% and spreading the football spectacle over 16 cities in three countries with multiple climates and elevations. When the World Cup begins in less than two years with 48 teams playing 104 matches in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, no one wants pitch …

Chaos as Copa fans are nearly crushed, hundreds sneak in through vents
5 months, 1 week ago

Chaos as Copa fans are nearly crushed, hundreds sneak in through vents

Daily Mail  

The Copa America final between Colombia and Argentina descended into chaos on Sunday in Miami as throngs of supporters were nearly crushed outside the Hard Rock Stadium entrance before hundreds of fans forced their way through the perimeter gates. A day earlier, organizers told fans not to travel to Hard Rock Stadium unless they had a ticket, but that warning …

Why Copa America 2024 final between Argentina and Colombia has been delayed by over an hour
5 months, 1 week ago

Why Copa America 2024 final between Argentina and Colombia has been delayed by over an hour

Hindustan Times  

Crowd trouble at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami caused the final of the 2024 Copa America between Argentina and Colombia to be delayed by more than an hour. Images and videos from the stadium on various platforms show a crowd crush outside a gate of a stadium and a stampede-like situation once it was open, police arresting fans who …

Copa América 2024: Argentina wins Miami final marred by chaotic crowd scenes and tearful Messi goodbye
5 months, 1 week ago

Copa América 2024: Argentina wins Miami final marred by chaotic crowd scenes and tearful Messi goodbye

CNN  

CNN — Argentina claimed its third straight major title with an extra-time victory over Colombia in Miami on Sunday, as a tearful Lionel Messi likely said goodbye to international soccer in a Copa América final delayed by crowd trouble. Fans try to enter the Copa América 2024 final between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium on July 14, 2024 …

Copa America 2024: CONMEBOL opens investigation into Colombia vs Uruguay semifinal brawl
5 months, 1 week ago

Copa America 2024: CONMEBOL opens investigation into Colombia vs Uruguay semifinal brawl

The Hindu  

CONMEBOL has opened an investigation after Uruguay players clashed with Colombian fans at the end of their Copa America semifinal match on Wednesday, the South American football governing body said. After Colombia sealed a 1-0 victory in Charlotte, North Carolina, videos on social media showed what appeared to be Uruguay players climbing into the stands and exchanging blows with opposition …

The Take: What does Copa America tell us about football in the US?
5 months, 1 week ago

The Take: What does Copa America tell us about football in the US?

Al Jazeera  

With the loss of host countries, US and Mexico, Argentina and Colombia are headed to the final on July 14. The Copa America was supposed to be a dress rehearsal for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But sacked coaches, a brawl, and an early exit for the United States threaten to overshadow the Lionel Messi mania ahead of the final …

Copa America 2024: CONMEBOL Releases Official Statement On Violence During Colombia Vs Uruguay Match
5 months, 1 week ago

Copa America 2024: CONMEBOL Releases Official Statement On Violence During Colombia Vs Uruguay Match

ABP News  

Copa America 2024: The CONMEBOL has announced that the apex body for football operations of South America condems any sort of violence and that, the body will take proper measures to make sure the fans ain attendance are able to attend a chaos-free event. En route to Miami 🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/bgqkv2IqAL — CONMEBOL Copa América™️ ENG July 11, 2024 Not only …

Copa America 2024: Smaller US grounds, poor quality of surface hamper tournament
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Copa America 2024: Smaller US grounds, poor quality of surface hamper tournament

The Hindu  

While two of the biggest international football tournaments, Euro 2024 and Copa America 2024, are being played simultaneously, it has sparked a war of words off the pitch. “In South America, football is not as advanced as in Europe, that’s why when you look at the last World Cups it’s always Europeans who win,” Mbappe said. In response, Argentina’s captain …

Copa America 2024: CONMEBOL assures Hard Rock Stadium’s surface will be in ‘‘excellent condition’‘ for final
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Copa America 2024: CONMEBOL assures Hard Rock Stadium’s surface will be in ‘‘excellent condition’‘ for final

The Hindu  

South American football’s governing body maintained that the Hard Rock Stadium’s playing surface will be in great shape for the Copa America final on July 14 amid complaints during the group stage about grass at other fields used for the tournament. “We hope it is in excellent condition,” Maristela Kuhn, agricultural engineer of the South American Football Confederation and coordinator …

CONMEBOL assures Hard Rock Stadium’s surface will be in ‘excellent condition’ for Copa America final
5 months, 3 weeks ago

CONMEBOL assures Hard Rock Stadium’s surface will be in ‘excellent condition’ for Copa America final

Associated Press  

MIAMI — South American soccer’s governing body maintained that the Hard Rock Stadium’s playing surface will be in great shape for the Copa America final on July 14 amid complaints during the group stage about grass at other fields used for the tournament. “We hope it is in excellent condition,” Maristela Kuhn, agricultural engineer of the South American Football Confederation …

US prepared to face South American power Uruguay with its Copa America future hanging in the balance
5 months, 3 weeks ago

US prepared to face South American power Uruguay with its Copa America future hanging in the balance

Associated Press  

— The future of the U.S. in the Copa America tournament will be decided after 90 minutes against Uruguay on Monday night. “There can’t be more pressure on the outside than what we put on ourselves as staff and as players, and how we want to perform,” Berhalter said Sunday. And that’s what is motivating us.” Pulisic also does buy …

Argentina, Canada criticize playing surface at Mercedes-Benz Stadium after Copa America opener
6 months ago

Argentina, Canada criticize playing surface at Mercedes-Benz Stadium after Copa America opener

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — After Argentina beat Canada 2-0 in Thursday night’s Copa America opener, the teams criticized the playing surface at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. If not, Copa America will always be at lower level than the Euro.” Grass was installed after a Major League Soccer game Saturday was played on the usual artificial turf at the stadium. “It felt like walking on …

Messi and Argentina overcome Canada and poor surface, start Copa America title defense with 2-0 win
6 months ago

Messi and Argentina overcome Canada and poor surface, start Copa America title defense with 2-0 win

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Lionel Messi’s passing brilliance got Argentina off to a winning start in the defense of its Copa America title, overcoming Canada and a poor playing surface at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. “It’s been a long time since we’ve done this,” Messi said through a translator, “but we had patience to retain possession of the ball and it was hard to …

Copa América 2024 bigger than European Championship? Lionel Messi knows it is
6 months ago

Copa América 2024 bigger than European Championship? Lionel Messi knows it is

LA Times  

Kylian Mbappe clearly ruffled some feathers last week when he suggested the European Championship was the world’s most difficult international soccer competition. Hold my beer, said former club teammate Lionel Messi, who led Argentina past France in an epic 2022 World Cup final, in which he and Mbappe — who broke his nose in France’s Euro-opening win over Austria on …

Copa America 2024: Schedule, groups, venues, live streaming and all you need to know
6 months ago

Copa America 2024: Schedule, groups, venues, live streaming and all you need to know

India TV News  

The defending champions Argentina will kick off the Copa America 2024 against Canada at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday, June 20. Copa America 2024 Groups and Format The organisers changed the format of the tournament with six teams from the North American continent joining ten teams from South America. Group A Group B Group C Group D Argentina Mexico USA …

US views Copa America as last big challenge before hosting 2026 World Cup
6 months, 1 week ago

US views Copa America as last big challenge before hosting 2026 World Cup

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — In a region that provides few tests, the United States views the Copa America as its last significant challenge ahead of the 2026 World Cup. “A World Cup on home soil is the biggest thing that you know we’ll probably do in our career,” star attacker Christian Pulisic said. “It’s a special time for this sport in …

A beginner’s guide to Copa America 2024: Groups, format, location and dates
6 months, 2 weeks ago

A beginner’s guide to Copa America 2024: Groups, format, location and dates

New York Times  

Grab your burgers, hot dogs and root beers because, for the second time in its history, Copa America is being held in the United States. Nation Hosted First Most recent Argentina 9 1916 2011 Uruguay 7 1917 1995 Chile 7 1920 2015 Brazil 6 1919 2021 Peru 6 1927 2004 Ecuador 3 1947 1993 No host 3 1975 1983 Bolivia …

2026 World Cup final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
10 months, 2 weeks ago

2026 World Cup final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey

Associated Press  

The 2026 World Cup final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, beating out Texas and California for soccer’s showcase game. “The bigger picture is what leads up to it and what we leave behind for the decades to come.” FIFA made the announcement Sunday at a Miami television studio, allocating the opener of the 39-day tournament to …

Copa America 2024 Draw: Lionel Messi's Argentina Grouped With Old Rivals Chile
1 year ago

Copa America 2024 Draw: Lionel Messi's Argentina Grouped With Old Rivals Chile

News 18  

Lionel Messi and Argentina will get the chance to avenge their defeats to Chile in the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals after being grouped with their old rivals in the draw for next year’s tournament on Thursday. Reigning Copa America champions Argentina will defend their title in the United States next summer in an expanded 16-team tournament which features …

Atlanta to host opening game, Miami gets the final for 2024 Copa América
1 year, 1 month ago

Atlanta to host opening game, Miami gets the final for 2024 Copa América

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta was awarded the 2024 Copa América opener and South Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium will host the final of the tournament, held outside of its home continent for only the second time A joint announcement was made Monday by soccer’s governing bodies of South America and of North and Central America and the Caribbean. The …

Copa America 2024: Everything we know
1 year, 1 month ago

Copa America 2024: Everything we know

New York Times  

The 2024 Copa America is the latest iteration of the quadrennial competition that usually sees the likes of Brazil and Argentina go head-to-head in South America for a prestigious trophy, while displaying the continent’s richness and depth of talent. Group A : Argentina, Peru, Chile, Canada or Trinidad & Tobago : Argentina, Peru, Chile, Canada or Trinidad & Tobago Group …

South America’s 2030 Football World Cup bid seeks to rise above political tensions in the region
1 year, 3 months ago

South America’s 2030 Football World Cup bid seeks to rise above political tensions in the region

The Hindu  

The bid by four South American countries to host football’s 2030 World Cup will stay intact until next year regardless of political tensions in the region, a top team bid official says. The South American proposal will be unveiled to FIFA in October in a process that was delayed so football’s governing body could better access data from its latest …

FIFA tries to remind a sports-spoiled L.A. that World Cup is on the horizon
1 year, 7 months ago

FIFA tries to remind a sports-spoiled L.A. that World Cup is on the horizon

LA Times  

The proposed logo for the FIFA World Cup in 2026 to be held in Los Angeles. “We are a little bit — I don’t know if jaded is the right word — because of everything that goes on in this market,” said Larry Freedman, co-president of the Los Angeles World Cup host committee. Several iconic Southern California landmarks, including Dodger …

2024 Copa America to be Hosted by the United States of America
1 year, 10 months ago

2024 Copa America to be Hosted by the United States of America

News 18  

South America’s top national team competition, the Copa America, will be held in the United States in 2024 and feature 10 teams from South America’s CONMEBOL and six teams from the CONCACAF region. Conmebol and Concacaf have signed a strategic collaboration agreement to strengthen and develop football in both regions.→ 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America→ 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup→ New …

FIFA Vows 'Invasion' as 2026 World Cup Venues Revealed
2 years, 6 months ago

FIFA Vows 'Invasion' as 2026 World Cup Venues Revealed

News 18  

FIFA President Gianni Infantino warned Canada, Mexico and the United States to prepare for a football “invasion” on Thursday as the host cities for the 2026 World Cup were revealed. Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium — host of the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals — was included among three Mexican venues along with the cities of Monterrey and Guadalajara. …

Legacy and pride on the line as FIFA prepares to name 2026 World Cup host cities
2 years, 6 months ago

Legacy and pride on the line as FIFA prepares to name 2026 World Cup host cities

The Hindu  

The countdown to World Cup 2026 kicks off in earnest on Thursday, as football fans across Canada, Mexico and the United States learn whether their cities made the coveted cut to host the 48-team tournament. Four years after FIFA selected the tri-country North American bid, world football’s governing body will announce the host cities after a lengthy process shrouded in …

Atlanta, other US cities make pitch for 2026 FIFA World Cup
3 years, 3 months ago

Atlanta, other US cities make pitch for 2026 FIFA World Cup

The Hindu  

After being slowed by the pandemic, the race among 17 U.S. cities to land the coveted spot of hosting the 2026 World Cup is back on. Two FIFA inspectors were in Atlanta on Friday to take a look at the 72,000-seater Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of a record-setting Major League Soccer team and centerpiece of the city's bid. FIFA vice president …

Copa America 2021: Rio de Janiero to allow fans to attend Brazil-Argentina final in Maracana Stadium
3 years, 5 months ago

Copa America 2021: Rio de Janiero to allow fans to attend Brazil-Argentina final in Maracana Stadium

Firstpost  

This would make it the first match in the 2021 Copa America, South America’s largest international football tournament, with fans in the stands. Rio de Janeiro: Rio de Janeiro, one of the Brazilian cities hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, on Friday gave the go-ahead for thousands of fans to attend Saturday’s Copa America final against Argentina at the Maracana …

Copa America 2021 Semi-final: Nicolas Otamendi Shares Celebratory Snippets from Dressing Room after Argentina's Win over Colombia
3 years, 5 months ago

Copa America 2021 Semi-final: Nicolas Otamendi Shares Celebratory Snippets from Dressing Room after Argentina's Win over Colombia

News 18  

Argentina will renew hostilities with old rivals Brazil in the summit clash of the 2021 Copa America after defeating Colombia on penalties on Wednesday. With the win, the La Albiceleste were over the moon, meanwhile Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi shared snippets to show the exuberant atmosphere in the dressing room. Watch it here: View this post on Instagram A post …

Copa America 2021: Brazil fans not really in mood for tournament despite team reaching final
3 years, 5 months ago

Copa America 2021: Brazil fans not really in mood for tournament despite team reaching final

Firstpost  

The pandemic, the last-minute hosting, some unimpressive matches, and the fact that the most popular broadcaster is not showing Copa America have cut down the fans’ interest. “The Copa America is never much fun, but this time even less,” Thomas Castro said as he planned to meet friends for Tuesday’s Euro 2020 clash. Is Brazil playing Argentina sometime?” Brazil’s dominant …

Copa America changes Maracana pitch amid criticism
3 years, 5 months ago

Copa America changes Maracana pitch amid criticism

The Hindu  

South American soccer body CONMEBOL said on Saturday it is upgrading the Maracana stadium pitch for the Copa America final amid criticism of other fields of play in the tournament. After Thursday's 2-1 win against Colombia, Tite said the pitch of the arena was “unacceptable.” CONMEBOL fined him $5,000 the next day for criticising the organisation of the tournament, which …

Copa America Changes Maracana Pitch Amid Mounting Criticism
3 years, 5 months ago

Copa America Changes Maracana Pitch Amid Mounting Criticism

News 18  

South American football association CONMEBOL said on Saturday it is upgrading the Maracan stadium pitch for the Copa America final amid criticism of other fields of play in the tournament. Weeks ago, after Brazil became last-minute hosts of Copa America, organizers scheduled seven matches for the Nilton Santos stadium in Rio precisely because the pitch at the Maracana was worn …

How Copa found its way amid Covid and other challenges
3 years, 6 months ago

How Copa found its way amid Covid and other challenges

The Hindu  

Sports events have been cancelled or disrupted by a myriad of complications over the years, including war, plague, economic uncertainty and political boycotts, but the series of events that have beset this year's Copa America takes some beating. The oldest international tournament in world football, the Copa America is South America's equivalent of the European Championship and is a big …

Brazil players agree to play Copa America, criticise handling of venue switch
3 years, 6 months ago

Brazil players agree to play Copa America, criticise handling of venue switch

The Hindu  

The Brazilian football team criticised the last-minute decision to switch the Copa America to Brazil from Argentina amid a surge in novel coronavirus infections but said it would play in the 10-nation tournament which kicks off in Brasilia on Sunday. Brazil was unexpectedly chosen to stage the Copa America after co-host Colombia was removed amid ongoing civil unrest and Argentina …

Copa America 2021: Rio de Janeiro mayor says he could cancel games if COVID-19 cases rise
3 years, 6 months ago

Copa America 2021: Rio de Janeiro mayor says he could cancel games if COVID-19 cases rise

Firstpost  

Seven matches are scheduled to take place at the stadium, including a semi-final. The mayor of Rio de Janeiro said on Friday that he would not hesitate to cancel Copa America matches scheduled in his city if the Covid-19 pandemic worsened. “I don’t see any advantage in hosting Copa America matches,” said Mayor Eduardo Paes during his weekly press briefing …

Brazil Names Rio Among Host Venues for 2021 Copa America
3 years, 6 months ago

Brazil Names Rio Among Host Venues for 2021 Copa America

News 18  

Brazil named Rio de Janeiro and three other states as host venues for the Copa America on Tuesday in a move that appeared to strengthen the likelihood of the soccer tournament taking place, even as a Supreme Court judge asked President Jair Bolsonaro to explain his surprise decision. Bolsonaro said earlier on Tuesday his government had agreed Brazil would host …

Copa America 2021 to be played in Brazil between June 13 and July 10
3 years, 6 months ago

Copa America 2021 to be played in Brazil between June 13 and July 10

The Hindu  

FULL SCHEDULE HERE: CONMEBOL has announced that Copa America 2021 will be played in Brazil, with the body confirming the tournament will be held between June 13 and July 10. The host country for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro was the venue where the World Cup final was held. Now with the …

Brazil to host 2021 Copa America after Argentina ruled out
3 years, 6 months ago

Brazil to host 2021 Copa America after Argentina ruled out

Al Jazeera  

Postponed South American football tournament scheduled to be played between June 13 and July 10. Brazil will host the 2021 Copa America after Argentina was ruled out amid an increase in COVID-19 cases in the country. Argentina made the surprise announcement on Sunday night and South American football confederation CONMEBOL said it was weighing “the offer of other nations who …

CONMEBOL to decide on Copa America venue next week
3 years, 6 months ago

CONMEBOL to decide on Copa America venue next week

The Hindu  

A decision on who will host next month’s Copa America will be made by next week. Chile could join Argentina as co-host, the South American Football Confederation said on Thursday. But CONMEBOL removed Colombia as co-host last week due to the ongoing civil unrest there. "It may be one part in Chile and another in Argentina or all in one …

Copa America 2021: No postponement, CONMEBOL says after co-hosts Colombia withdraw
3 years, 7 months ago

Copa America 2021: No postponement, CONMEBOL says after co-hosts Colombia withdraw

Firstpost  

The games that were to be played in Colombia in the 13 June - 10 July event will instead be moved to Argentina, CONMEBOL said Asuncion, Paraguay: South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL on Thursday rejected a request by Colombia to postpone the Copa America 2021 tournament it is co-hosting with Argentina. The games that were to be played in …

Uruguay chosen to host Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana finals
3 years, 7 months ago

Uruguay chosen to host Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana finals

The Hindu  

Uruguay has been chosen to host the finals of South America’s two premier club competitions this year because of its advanced COVID-19 vaccination program, the South American Football Confederation said on Thursday. The Copa Libertadores, the continent’s equivalent of the Champions League, will be held at Montevideo's Centenario stadium on November 20, while the Copa Sudamericana, much like the Europa …

Copa America to be played regardless of fan attendance
3 years, 8 months ago

Copa America to be played regardless of fan attendance

Associated Press  

BUENOS AIRES — This year’s Copa America tournament will be played “with or without fans,” CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez said Wednesday. But in an interview with The Associated Press, the leader of the South American football confederation pledged that the tournament will go ahead “as planned.” It’s still unclear whether fans will be allowed to watch, however. “It is not …

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