Miami-Dade County in Florida is set to review its security protocols for the 2026 World Cup after over two dozen fans were arrested at Sunday’s Copa America final, culminating a tournament marked by discord. Fans without tickets attempted to breach security at Hard Rock Stadium, creating chaos at the future World Cup venue.
Police enforced a lockdown, leaving hundreds of fans outside in sweltering heat as South American football’s governing body, CONMEBOL, repeatedly delayed the match between Argentina and Colombia, which eventually began over an hour late.
“Our law enforcement teams responded swiftly to handle an extremely challenging, dangerous situation,” said James Reyes, Chief of Public Safety for Miami-Dade County. “We are working with event organizers to review all safety and security protocols as we prepare for the World Cup in 2026.”
Among the 27 arrested were Colombian federation president Ramon Jesurun and his son, accused of fighting security personnel post-match. They face three felony battery counts, according to a criminal complaint. The Colombian federation has yet to comment.
Security Under Scrutiny
More than 800 law enforcement officers were deployed at Hard Rock Stadium, which regularly hosts significant events, including the Super Bowl. However, a source told Reuters that security was more lax for the Copa final compared to the 2020 NFL championship game, where strict perimeter checks were enforced.
Hard Rock Stadium stated that it had “more than double” the personnel on Sunday compared to typical events. With a capacity of over 65,000, the stadium acknowledged the disappointment of ticket holders unable to enter after the perimeter was closed, committing to work with CONMEBOL to address their concerns.
“Ultimately, the health and safety of all guests and staff is paramount,” the stadium stated.
CONMEBOL and Venue Tensions
CONMEBOL criticized the venue, stating that it was “subject to the decisions made by Hard Rock Stadium authorities” and that recommended procedures for large events were ignored. The stadium is slated to host seven matches, including the bronze medal game, at the 2026 World Cup, organized by FIFA.
Broader Issues in Major Soccer Events
This incident adds to a series of similar security failures at major soccer matches worldwide, including in London and Paris. The Copa America tournament, intended to foster inter-confederation camaraderie, faced numerous issues. High ticket prices and distant stadiums led to empty seats at several group matches.
The U.S. team failed to advance from the group stage, resulting in the dismissal of head coach Gregg Berhalter. Security was also criticized following clashes between Uruguay players and Colombian fans during the semi-final in Charlotte, North Carolina. Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa reported assaults on players’ family members in the stands and criticized organizers for inadequate protection.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch echoed these sentiments before his team’s third-place match against Uruguay, calling the tournament unprofessional. “We’ve had our players head-butted and subjected to racial slurs,” he said, also accusing referees of bias against CONCACAF players. “There’s so much I could say,” he added.
