Copa América final hit by security issues

Kick-off for last night’s Copa América final between Argentina and Colombia was delayed by over an hour as security issues overshadowed the match at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.

The match had been due to kick off at 8pm local time but did not start until 9:22pm. Argentina ultimately won the final 1-0 after extra time to claim its third major tournament in a row.

Videos posted on social media ahead of kick-off showed fans appearing to break through the southwest gate at Hard Rock Stadium, which will be a host venue during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Some fans were detained by police, while others were left stranded outside of the stadium even though they had tickets. The searing heat in Miami did not help matters, with reports of fans fainting amid temperatures that reached as high as 88 degrees Fahrenheit.

This year’s Copa América was co-organised by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).

Following the match, Hard Rock Stadium issued a statement, saying that it “takes pride in hosting world-class events year-round in a safe and successful manner”. 

The number of law enforcement officers and security on-hand was increased for last night’s final, with more than double the personnel than a typical at-capacity stadium event, Hard Rock Stadium said.

The stadium’s statement added: “Throughout the afternoon and evening, there were numerous attempts by unruly fans without tickets to overpower security and law enforcement personnel at entry points to the stadium, putting themselves, other fans and security and stadium staff at extreme risk.

“Various stadium gates were closed and reopened strategically in an attempt to allow ticketed guests to enter safely and in a controlled manner. Fans continued to engage in illegal conduct – fighting police officers, breaking down walls and barricades and vandalising the stadium, causing significant damage to the property.”

After the decision was taken to delay kick-off, Hard Rock Stadium said that stadium officials, together with CONMEBOL, CONCACAF and law enforcement officers, decided to open stadium gates for a “short period of time” to all fans to “prevent stampedes and serious injury” at the perimeter.

The gates were then closed again once the threat of fans being crushed was alleviated, the stadium said. At this point, it is claimed the stadium was at capacity and the gates were not reopened.

Hard Rock Stadium’s statement continued: “We understand there are disappointed ticket holders who were not able to enter the stadium after the perimeter was closed, and we will work in partnership with CONMEBOL to address those individual concerns. Ultimately, there is nothing more important than the health and safety of all guests and staff, and that will always remain our priority.”

Hard Rock Stadium will host seven matches during the expanded World Cup in 2026, including a quarter-final and the third-place play-off.