Copa America - Audience breaking barriers: Fan-chaos at the finale should not have been possible
Chaotic Scenes Around Copa America Finale Raise Security Concerns for FIFA World Cup 2026
Disorderly situations surrounding the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia (1:0 after extra time) in Miami began on a Sunday evening due to alarming fan behavior and fans breaking through security fences, causing over an hour delay. Miami Gardens Stadium is set to be a venue for the upcoming World Cup.
Fans try to get into the Stadium by all means
Social media videos showed mainly Colombian fans jumping over security barriers near the southwestern entrance and running past security personnel. Screams could be heard in the background, and fans were seen being trapped. Scenes were also shown of people being medically treated in the sweltering heat of South Florida and begging for water. Some attempted to climb into the ventilation systems to enter the arena.
"To make it clear: This situation should not have happened and cannot happen again," the Associated Press quoted the city of Miami as saying in a statement. An immediate investigation into the events was announced, with authorities and organizers aiming to prevent future occurrences.
Exact Attendance at Copa America Unclear
Law enforcement managed to push back the crowds and close the entrance, preventing any more fans from entering. Temporarily, fans were readmitted, but they broke through the barriers again after another halt. The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami also issued a statement, stating that "thousands of fans without tickets tried to forcefully enter the stadium."
The exact number of fans in the sold-out arena was initially uncertain. The police referred to chaotic conditions and cited "defiant fan behavior" as reasons for the escalation.
The city of Miami expressed concern about the incident, stating that such situations should not occur during the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will also host matches at Miami Gardens Stadium.
Despite the closure of the southwestern entrance, fans continued to attempt unauthorized entry, with some even attempting to climb into the ventilation systems.
The South American Cup final between Argentina and Colombia, which ended 1-0 after extra time, was marred by these incidents, raising doubts about the security measures for future World Cup matches in Miami.
