After chaos in the Copa América final, see how the Hard Rock Stadium's problems were resolved for the World Cup

Since Colombia's defeat to Argentina in the Copa América final in July 2024, the Colombian team had not returned to the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. That game was not only marked by Lautaro Martinez's goal in extra time, which guaranteed Argentina its second title in three years, but also by chaotic scenes, where thousands of fans trying to enter the stadium before the start of the match resulted in an alarming situation that almost ended in tragedy.

Now, with the World Cup games scheduled, many were worried about the possibility of repeating those problems in the match between Colombia and Portugal, which became the most requested game of the group stage, with more than 20 million people signing up to buy tickets, according to FIFA sources. The stadium's capacity for the World Cup is 64,478 seats, and after the Copa América incidents, FIFA knew the pressure was on it to ensure safety and organization.

In collaboration with local authorities, FIFA developed a detailed plan to manage the arrival and departure of tens of thousands of fans. Part of this plan included the creation of a "security ring" around the stadium, adding a third security perimeter, with most World Cup stadiums having just two. In addition to Miami, only the stadiums in Mexico City and Guadalajara have three security checkpoints. These additional points include a visual check to ensure people have tickets.

Fans went through these checks in parking lots before boarding buses that would take them to the stadium. Despite the planning and use of drones to monitor the flow of fans, the match between Colombia and Portugal — which ended in a goalless draw — was a huge test, given the high demand. For FIFA and local authorities, the event took place in the best way possible.


One of the measures taken to avoid crowds like those at the Copa América final was to ban the practice of tailgating, where fans usually gather to barbecue and drink before games. During the World Cup, the tailgating area was moved away from the stadium, and anyone without a ticket was not allowed to enter the area around the stadium. For the Copa América final, the gathering of fans without tickets, combined with tailgating, contributed to tensions that led to invasion attempts.

Now, one of the parking lots has been turned into a media center, and local officials have encouraged people to park further away and use shuttle buses — often in the form of yellow school buses — to get to the stadium. One fan, Chris Eisenstark, commented that he planned to arrive early, and even so, he had no problems getting to the game, despite the traffic jams.

Buses began running four hours before the game, and many fans reported that the entry process was very well organized, with queues managed effectively. It is important to note that, at the end of the match, fans were quickly directed to buses that would take them back, avoiding crowds at the exit.

There are still three World Cup matches left at the Hard Rock Stadium, starting with the round of 16 match between Argentina and Cape Verde, on July 3. The presence of Lionel Messi and theArgentina will likely draw a large crowd again, but so far, the organization has worked well, and the message is clear: there is no room for lax security during the World Cup.

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