Copa America Fan Issues No Harbinger for 2026 World Cup

Fans of Argentina and Colombia storming the gates and trying to enter Hard Rock Stadium in Miami by any means necessary, even through air vents, were shared widely on social media, delayed the Copa America championship game’s kickoff by an hour and sparked discussion about security ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Those canvassed for this story agreed on one key point: What was seen at the final of the Copa, as well when Uruguayan players physically clashed with Colombia fans after a semifinal in Charlotte, North Carolina, is all but 100 percent guaranteed not to happen in two years’ time.

The reason why those involved are so confident is FIFA’s security perimeter requirement, which has been established for years at previous World Cups. The North American bid book before FIFA awarded the 2026 World Cup had a section in which each stadium’s blueprint showed potential security perimeters specifically to avoid situations such as what happened in Miami.

The FIFA security perimeter requirements can also be extended for high-interest matches; in Qatar, a knockout round match between Spain and Morocco drew so much attention from Moroccan fans that FIFA increased the perimeter to keep fans from getting close to the stadium.

FIFA had several representatives at the Copa championship in Miami and multiple sources tell SportsTravel that FIFA held a meeting with all 2026 host cities within days of the Copa final to reassure host cities about its security arrangements, plus gather feedback from those on site for matches throughout Copa as well as those who attended Euro 2024 matches in Germany, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.

“The Euro final provided an opportunity to observe a world-class tournament on a global stage — offering insights into security and transportation operations, fan festivals, legacy programs, and more,” said Natalie Hamilton, a spokesperson for the governor’s office. “The Governor is confident that in two years, alongside our partners in New York City, we will host an incredible FIFA World Cup 2026 Final while showcasing our region to visitors from across the globe.”

East Rutherford hosted two group stage games plus the other Copa semifinal where Argentina beat Canada 2-0. Murphy boasted in a press gathering ahead of the Euro 2024 final in Germany of New Jersey’s Copa success, saying there was “full houses, great fan experiences, transportation was good — both auto and mass transit, which is something we’ve been hyper focused on.”

The discord at the game led to postgame statements from CONMEBOL, the tournament organizer, and Hard Rock Stadium, the final site, that had different viewpoints.

“CONMEBOL was subject to the decisions made by the Hard Rock Stadium authorities, according to the contractual responsibilities established for security operations,” the federation said. “In addition to the preparations determined in this contract, CONMEBOL recommended to these authorities the procedures proven in events of this magnitude, which were NOT taken into account.”

“Hard Rock Stadium worked collaboratively with CONMEBOL, CONCACAF and local law enforcement agencies on security both leading up to and during the Copa America tournament,” venue officials said in its own statement. “The agencies met regularly, including daily security briefings throughout the month-long tournament. Hard Rock Stadium implemented, and in many cases exceeded, CONMEBOL’s security recommendations throughout the tournament and the final.”

One other distinction in the organization of the tournaments: Fans were able to drive and park at the venues throughout the tournament, allowing them close access to — in the case of the final — create a rush-the-gates situation. Not only will that not happen because of FIFA’s security perimeter, there may not even be on-site parking at any 2026 venue with fans instead shuttled in via mass transit at venues, sources have told SportsTravel.

Eight of the 11 U.S. cities that will host 2026 World Cup matches also hosted matches at the Copa America. Along with Miami and East Rutherford, New Jersey, were Atlanta, Kansas City, Arlington, Houston, Inglewood and Santa Clara.

“The NYNJ Host Committee was not involved in the planning or execution of the Copa America matches at MetLife Stadium, but did monitor various operational functions throughout the tournament, including security,” said Lauren LaRusso and Bruce Revman, co-chairs for the NY/NJ Committee. “MetLife Stadium, the NJ State Police, CONMEBOL, and its transportation partners collaborated to ensure the safety of patrons and players, maintaining daily communication and conducting ongoing risk assessments. This collaborative approach and emphasis on security will be similar for FIFA World Cup 2026.”