Florida’s Miami-Dade County is to review security protocol for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after more than two dozen fans were arrested at Sunday’s Copa America final, capping a tournament rife with discord.
Fans without tickets rushed security and tried to force their way into the Hard Rock Stadium, organizers said, leading to a chaotic scene at the future World Cup venue.
Police initiated a lockdown and hundreds of fans were stuck outside in sweltering heat as CONMEBOL repeatedly delayed the match between Argentina and Colombia. It finally started more than an hour late.
Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY
“Last night our law enforcement teams responded swiftly to handle an extremely challenging, dangerous situation,” Miami-Dade County Public Safety Chief James Reyes said in a statement. “We are working with the event organizers to conduct a comprehensive review of all safety and security protocols, as we continue to prepare for the World Cup in 2026.”
Colombian Football Federation president Ramon Jesurun and his son were among 27 people arrested. The pair were accused of fighting security personnel after the match ended.
They face three felony counts of battery, according to a criminal complaint reviewed by Reuters, while Colombian media on Monday reported that Jesurun had been released on bail.
More than 800 law enforcement officers were present at the stadium, which is the home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and is used to welcoming massive crowds at sport’s biggest events, including the Super Bowl four years ago.
A source with knowledge of the security plans said that security was more lax for the Copa final than for the 2020 NFL championship game, where fans could not get anywhere near stadium entrances without showing a pass at an outside perimeter.
“This is not a good look,” said former US international Alexi Lalas, now a leading television pundit for Fox Sports.
“I understand this is not a good look for CONMEBOL and this is also, because it is happening on our watch, in our country, not a good look for the US less than two years out from the World Cup,” he said.
Additional reporting by AFP
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