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South Florida Boosts Security for 2026 World Cup

A coordinated local, state, federal, FIFA operation focuses on preventing human trafficking, policing drones, managing large crowds, securing fan sites.

Overview

  • Officials, which announced expanded measures Friday, have surged federal and local personnel into South Florida and established a joint command to support matches at Hard Rock Stadium.
  • FIFA’s 24/7 tournament operations center in Coral Gables is running around the clock to coordinate team movements, fan flows, cybersecurity and weather across the three host countries.
  • Miami‑Dade prosecutors and police say they have increased proactive undercover operations to prevent sex trafficking and will target hotels, ports and transit hubs ahead of incoming fans.
  • Federal grants for counter‑drone systems and temporary flight restrictions will be enforced near stadiums and fan events to reduce the risk of unauthorized aerial activity.
  • Organizers are operating large fan festivals and watch parties and warn that only ticketed fans should travel to stadiums, a measure meant to ease crowd management, transit strain and fraud risks during the expanded 48‑team tournament.