Inflated ticket prices and inadequate security created shocking and dangerous scenes at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday as fans swarmed the gates to watch the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia.
Some fans climbed onto vents hoping to get inside to watch the game.
Video footage shows fans standing on top of shipping containers and using what appears to be stadium piping to pull themselves up and climb into ventilation ducts.
No one seemed to want to stop them.
The security breach delayed the game by more than an hour, led to gates being vandalised and large numbers of ticketless fans flooding the stadium.
Several fans were detained following the incident, and photos showed some fans handcuffed and with blood on their faces.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levin Cava and Public Safety Director James Reyes said they were “outraged” by the lack of support from organizers.
“The Copa America Final is being hosted by CONMEBOL and the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) is providing security support along with other law enforcement agencies.”
“Tonight, MDPD has deployed more than 550 officers, including priority response teams, to the stadium and is utilizing every possible resource to continue to ensure a safe experience for all attendees. Additionally, MDPD has called in additional personnel from other jurisdictions to support the safety and wellbeing of everyone.”
“We will thoroughly review the procedures and protocols in place this evening and work with police to ensure this type of incident does not happen again,” the agency added.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
This will be another key test of whether the venue can accommodate the large numbers of spectators who flock to catch a glimpse of football’s biggest stars.
