July 16, (THEWILL) – Miami-Dade County will examine security protocols for the 2026 World Cup, following issues at Sunday’s Copa America final. Over two dozen fans were arrested after attempting to enter Hard Rock Stadium without tickets, causing a match delay of more than an hour.
James Reyes, Miami-Dade County’s public safety chief, stated that law enforcement responded quickly to a “challenging, dangerous situation”. He confirmed a comprehensive review of safety measures will take place as preparations continue for the 2026 World Cup.
The stadium, set to host seven World Cup matches including the third-place playoff, had doubled its usual security staff for the event. However, a source familiar with security plans indicated measures were less strict than for the 2020 Super Bowl held at the same venue.
CONMEBOL, South American football’s governing body, blamed stadium authorities for not following recommended procedures. The tournament faced other problems, including empty seats at group matches and clashes between players and fans after Uruguay’s semi-final loss.
The review aims to prevent similar issues during the World Cup. With Miami-Dade County set to welcome global football fans in 2026, officials are keen to address security concerns and ensure a smooth tournament experience.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
