While this summer’s Euro 2025 set new records with impressive attendances, smooth organization, and memorable performances culminating in England’s victory, the Women’s Copa America has faced notable criticism.
As Brazil and Colombia gear up for Sunday’s final in Ecuador, concerns have grown over poor organization, low crowd numbers, and questionable refereeing throughout the tournament.
With Brazil slated to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup, expectations were high that Conmebol would improve standards for the Copa America Femenina, especially after similar issues surfaced at the Copa Libertadores Femenina in Paraguay.
Brazilian football icon and six-time FIFA Player of the Year Marta has been outspoken about the problems, particularly criticizing organizers for forcing teams to warm up indoors in cramped spaces rather than on the pitch.
Photos shared on social media before Brazil’s commanding Group B win over Bolivia showed players from both teams warming up side-by-side in a confined area at Ecuador’s Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda Stadium. This decision was reportedly made to protect the pitch, which hosted two matches in a single day during the group stage. The 39-year-old Marta, who retired last year after the Olympics, expressed her disappointment at the situation.
Manchester City forward Kerolin echoed these frustrations on her X account, contrasting the Copa America experience with the Euros: “While at the Euros they are breaking records in technology, we are warming up in a room with a maximum of 20 square metres, smelling of paint.”
Structural Challenges Compared to European Success
The Women’s Euros soared to new heights with total attendance surpassing 650,000 across Switzerland a tournament record. The average attendance per game topped 20,000 for the first time, and players widely praised the event’s organization on and off the field.
In stark contrast, the Women’s Copa America has struggled.
Brazilian journalist Julia Belas spoke to BBC Sport about “structural issues” plaguing the competition: “The Copa America has been heavily criticised by players, staff, and federations, especially due to the lack of infrastructure provided to the teams.”
Belas highlighted that only two stadiums were used during the group stage, which impacted pitch quality. To preserve the grass, players were often prohibited from warming up on the field itself a problem echoing previous Conmebol tournaments like the men’s Copa Libertadores.
Urgency for Improvement Ahead of 2027
South America will host its first Women’s World Cup in 2027, a tournament that carries great expectations following the successes of the 2023 competition in Australia and the recent Euros.
Fan engagement has also been strong elsewhere, including the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where around 150,000 tickets were sold as Nigeria claimed the trophy.
Asked whether the Copa America presented a positive image for the continent, Belas was clear: “No, not at all.”
“Part of Brazil’s winning World Cup bid was based on having large stadiums from the men’s 2014 World Cup,” she said. “Conmebol needs to pick up the pace because we have seen amazing events recently the Women’s World Cup in Australia, record crowds at the Euros, and packed stadiums in the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Belas added that attendance figures for Copa America matches have been unclear, making comparisons difficult. “With only two years until the Women’s World Cup, they really need to step up.”
BBC Sport has reached out to Conmebol for comment.
