The Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia faced significant delays on Sunday evening due to crowd-related issues at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, designated as a host site for the 2026 World Cup.

Prior to the scheduled kickoff, videos circulating on social media depicted fans, largely clad in Colombia’s yellow and red colors, breaching security gates near the Southwest entrance of the stadium. Amidst the turmoil, police officers and stadium personnel struggled to maintain order as fans circumvented barriers and rushed towards the venue. Several individuals required medical attention amid the stifling South Florida heat, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

Security personnel eventually managed to secure the gates, halting further unauthorized entry, although a substantial number of ticket-holding fans had already occupied their seats. Distressing scenes included a young fan in an Argentina jersey visibly distraught, comforted by adults and a police officer.

Efforts to restore order faced ongoing challenges. Gates were cautiously reopened to admit fans in small groups, yet sporadic attempts to breach barriers persisted, with reports of some fans scaling fences to gain access without proper ticket scans.

By approximately 8:10 p.m., security initiated a gradual readmission process, establishing a new kickoff time of 9:15 p.m. However, disruptions persisted as fans disregarded established protocols, complicating entry procedures further.

Claudio, a supporter from Mendoza, Argentina, described the scene as chaotic and overwhelming, expressing concern for those, including elderly and children, caught in the chaotic environment due to lack of organization.

Miami-Dade County’s police department issued a firm statement addressing the incidents, attributing disruptions to unruly behavior by fans attempting to forcibly enter the stadium. They emphasized adherence to security protocols and cautioned of potential ejections or arrests for non-compliance.

Meanwhile, players eventually commenced warm-ups around 8:38 p.m., navigating through persistent logistical challenges.

Hard Rock Stadium management also issued directives, instructing all fans without tickets to vacate the premises immediately to ensure the safety and integrity of the event. Emphasizing adherence to ticketing policies was crucial to maintaining a secure environment for the anticipated capacity crowd exceeding 65,000 spectators.

Confusion persisted regarding the legitimacy of those who managed to enter during the disturbances, prompting CONMEBOL, South America’s governing body, to reiterate that only ticket holders would be granted entry, stressing rigorous enforcement of access controls.

As tensions gradually eased and preparations resumed, Copa America organizers reaffirmed their commitment to upholding stringent ticketing standards, prioritizing the event’s integrity and the safety of all attendees.