Before the final of the Copa América, things are getting confusing in Miami, security forces are overwhelmed by the crowds of fans. This is also a cause for concern with regard to the 2026 World Cup.
Chaotic conditions surrounding the final of the Copa América have also raised security concerns with regard to the 2026 World Cup. The final between Argentina and Colombia (1-0 after extra time) in Miami began more than an hour late on Sunday evening due to some frightening spectator problems and fans breaking through the security gates. The stadium in Miami Gardens will also be a venue for the upcoming World Cup in two years.
Fans try to get into the stadium by any means
Videos posted on social media showed mostly Colombian fans jumping over security railings near the southwest entrance and running past security guards. Screaming could be heard in the background and fans getting trapped. There were also scenes of people seeking medical treatment in the sweltering South Florida heat and begging for water. Some apparently tried to get into the arena by climbing into the ventilation systems.
“To be clear: This situation should never have happened and cannot happen again,” said the city of Miami in a statement, according to the AP news agency. An immediate investigation into the events was announced, and the authorities and organizers want to prevent such problems from occurring again.
Exact number of spectators at Copa América unclear
The officials managed to push the crowds behind the gates and block the entrance so that no one could get in. People were then temporarily allowed back in, before another stop was made and frustrated spectators broke through the barriers again. The organizers of the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami also released a statement saying that “thousands of fans without tickets tried to force their way into the stadium.”
It was initially unclear whether there were really more than 65,000 fans in the sold-out arena. The police spoke of chaotic conditions and also cited “unruly behavior from fans” as the reason the situation escalated.
Source: Stern
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