Argentina returns to MetLife Stadium to face Canada on Tuesday, likely before a sold-out crowd, following the trend of high attendance wherever the Argentina national team plays. The demand to see Lionel Messi and the world champions has made tickets for their matches the most expensive in the tournament.
Organizers CONMEBOL have reported success in ticket sales for this year’s Copa America, with more than one million tickets sold for the first 32 games. However, there have been instances of less-than-spectacular crowds at some group-stage matches, with empty seats in stadiums representing missed opportunities to attract new fans to the sport.
Ticket Pricing and Attendance
The average cost per ticket at Copa America is estimated to be over $200. Dynamic ticket pricing has led to high ticket prices, potentially pricing out fans from certain countries due to additional costs such as travel and accommodation. The large Latino communities in the U.S. have contributed to significant attendance figures for matches involving popular teams like Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia.
While some matches have seen full stadiums, others have had lower attendance figures, highlighting the challenges of ticket pricing and marketing for certain fixtures. The relocation of the tournament to the United States last year provided an opportunity for member nations to showcase their talent on a big stage, but unsold tickets and low attendance have raised concerns about growing the sport in North America.
Impact on CONCACAF Nations
The failure of Mexico and the United States to advance in the tournament has been viewed as a setback for both nations in capturing fans’ interest ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host with Canada. Canada’s run to the semifinals has been notable, but they have played in front of smaller crowds compared to other teams, facing challenges with home-field advantage in every match.
Final Stages and Ticket Prices
The final game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens is anticipated to draw high demand due to its limited capacity. Tickets for the final are already priced at a premium, with resale ticket prices fluctuating based on demand. The U.S. market remains a key focus for CONMEBOL, with plans to continue exploring opportunities for future tournaments in the country.
