Copa America Final Start Delayed by Fan Entry Issues
The Copa America final started one hour and twenty-two minutes late due to access issues caused by an avalanche of ticketless fans forcing their way into Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, overwhelming stadium security. The Conmebol initially postponed the match by thirty minutes when the stadium was only partially filled fifteen minutes before kickoff. After opening all gates without proper control, thousands of fans eventually entered, but the scheduled start time was missed again.
Both teams had to return to the field for warm-ups, and the final finally began after the trophy was brought onto the pitch by Argentine Claudio Caniggia and Javier Zanetti, and Colombians Iván Ramiro Córdoba and Mario Yepes. The Colombian Karol G and Argentine Abel Pintos performed the national anthems. Ultimately, the match kicked off one hour and twenty-two minutes late.
Argentina and Colombia are competing for the 48th Copa America title. A win for Argentina would make them the most successful team in Copa America history with 16 titles, surpassing Uruguay. Meanwhile, a victory for Colombia would secure their second title, adding to their 2001 triumph on home soil and extending their unbeaten streak to 29 matches.