Colombian Soccer Fields Face Mounting crisis Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Table of Contents
A growing chorus of complaints from players and coaches highlights a deepening problem for Colombian soccer: the deteriorating condition of playing fields across the country. The issue, compounded by municipal ownership and multi-use venues, threatens to disrupt the league calendar as the nation prepares to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The core of the problem lies in the dual demands placed on colombian stadiums. While essential for sporting events, these venues are also frequently utilized for cultural and civic gatherings, taking a toll on the playing surfaces. Damage from concert structures, large crowds, and inclement weather are frequently cited as contributing factors. Several stadiums are currently undergoing urgent renovations, forcing teams to play as “gypsies,” according to reports.
Urgent Renovations Disrupt League Play
currently, the Metropolitano stadium in Barranquilla, Hernán Ramírez Villegas in Pereira, and Alberto Grisales in Rionegro are all undergoing notable repairs. This leaves their respective teams scrambling for option venues, disrupting training schedules and possibly impacting performance. A long-term solution, as exemplified by Deportivo Cali’s investment in a dedicated stadium, appears financially out of reach for most other clubs in the country.
Player Complaints Escalate
Recent matches have brought the issue to a head, with increasingly vocal criticism from those directly affected. following a 1-1 draw between Llaneros and Atlético Bucaramanga, one coach delivered a scathing assessment of the field at the Belo horizonte Rey Pelé stadium in Villavicencio, stating, “We are still doing the same thing, this is a pasture, I ask you a favor, show the images.”
The president of llaneros responded, acknowledging a “force majeure problem with a high water pressure pipe” contributed to the field’s poor condition, but defended the stadium’s facilities. However, the coach’s complaint is far from isolated, with concerns about field quality mounting throughout the past year.
widespread Concerns Across the League
Beyond Villavicencio, several other venues are facing scrutiny. The Cincuentenario stadium in Medellín, home to Águilas Doradas, was recently described as having “significant spaces without grass and with spikes of the ball that did not look good.” While Pasto secured a win ther,the televised image raised concerns.
Similar anxieties surfaced during Pereira’s debut at the Centenario stadium in Armenia, particularly with the approaching rainy season threatening to exacerbate maintenance challenges. Even Bogotá’s El Campín stadium,after a downpour before a Millonarios vs. Junior match, drew complaints from spectators regarding its condition following recent concerts.
A Tight Calendar Complicates Solutions
The looming 2026 World Cup adds another layer of complexity. Dimayor, the governing body of Colombian professional soccer, faces a severely constrained calendar with limited flexibility to reschedule matches. As one official stated, “the show must go on,” even amidst these challenging conditions.
The situation demands urgent attention. Why is this happening? the issue stems from a combination of factors: multi-use stadiums, insufficient investment in field maintenance, and the approaching 2026 World Cup creating increased pressure.Who is affected? Players, coaches, fans, and ultimately, the reputation of Colombian soccer are all impacted.What is the problem? Deteriorating field conditions are disrupting league play and raising concerns about player safety. How did it end? As of now, there is no definitive end in sight. Dimayor is attempting to manage the situation with limited resources, prioritizing completing the league schedule despite the challenges. The long-term solution requires significant investment in stadium infrastructure and a commitment to prioritizing field quality, a task intricate by municipal ownership
