Copa America final delayed as thousands without tickets storm ...

The final of the Copa America was delayed for more than an hour after thousands of fans entered the stadium without tickets.

Security was forced to shut the gates to the stadium to control the crowd.

The game kicked off just after 11:20am AEST, long after the planned 10am start time.

The Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia has had to be delayed by more than an hour due to fans without tickets attempting "to forcibly enter the stadium".

Thousands of fans tried to enter the stadium in Miami, forcing the gates to the venue to be shut due to safety concerns.

Thousands of fans rushed the gates before the Copa America final.(USA TODAY Sports via AP: Nathan Ray Seebeck)

"In anticipation of tonight's Copa America Final, thousands of fans without tickets attempted to forcibly enter the stadium, putting other fans, security and law enforcement officers at extreme risk," a stadium spokesperson said in a statement. 

"Security has shut the gates in order to control the entry process at a much slower rate and ensure everyone is kept safe."

The tournament was marred by ugly scenes following Colombia's semifinal win over Uruguay, when Uruguayan players and Colombian fans began fighting in the stands. 

The final in Miami was scheduled to begin at 10am AEST, but did not kick off until about 11:20am.

Media reports have said many fans without tickets were left stranded outside as the game began.

Photographs of distressed fans are circulating after thousands without tickets tried to enter the Copa America final.(AP: Lynne Sladky)

Footage shows thousands of people rushing through the gates and climbing over fences.

Others have been filmed being detained by security or being carried after appearing to be injured.

Video circulating on social media appears to show people rushing trying to enter the stadium through air-conditioning vents.

The Miami-Dade Police released a statement as the crowd swell intensified and began to get out of hand.

"We have had several incidents prior to the gates opening," the statement read.

"These incidents have been a result of the unruly behavior of fans trying to access the stadium." 

The United States is a co-host of the next men's FIFA World Cup, set to be held in 2026.