Copa City isn’t here to make you the next Messi. Instead, the game is flipping the football genre on its head by focusing not on goals scored but on everything that happens around them. A newly released gameplay walkthrough highlights how players will manage the behind-the-scenes spectacle of matchday.
At the heart of the video is a progression system called Match Readiness. This mechanic breaks down into milestones players need to hit before kickoff. Each milestone grants rewards that help expand operations — from unlocking new facilities to attracting different groups of fans. Think of it less as lifting a trophy and more as ensuring the hot dog trucks, shuttle buses, and banners are in place before the whistle blows.
The walkthrough reinforces what sets Copa City apart: its scope. Players step into the role of city-wide event organizers rather than footballers. Tasks include preparing fan zones, decorating streets, setting up transport, handling stadium logistics, and pushing marketing efforts. Essentially, you’re orchestrating the energy and chaos that makes a football matchday feel alive.
While traditional football sims put the ball at your feet, Copa City puts the clipboard in your hand. The new footage makes clear that the game is about managing people, spaces, and hype — not formations and tactics.
With its unusual focus on the culture and machinery behind football, Copa City is positioning itself as something different in the sports-strategy space. The latest video is a first look at how all the moving pieces come together under the Match Readiness system, setting the stage for more updates on what fans can expect when matchday finally arrives. Copa City releases March 26th, 2026. Wishlist on Steam.
