DORAL, Fla. — Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero Stutz and State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said on Friday that human trafficking and crowd control will be their priority during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Cordero Stutz said deputies will be working on undercover operations as soccer fans take over tourist destinations and the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, which FIFA will refer to as the Miami Stadium.
“The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, alongside our local, state, and federal partners, has been actively planning, training, and coordinating to help ensure that residents and visitors can safely enjoy one of the largest international events our community has ever hosted,” Cordero Stutz said in Doral.
The FIFA World Cup, held every four years since 1930, runs from June 11 to July 19 and includes 104 matches at 16 host cities, including Miami.
Brett Skiles, FBI Miami’s special agent in charge, was also at the news conference. He focused on civilian drones and warned fans against flying these to try to get a peek at the stadium.
“My advice to you is to leave your drone at home; the penalties are going to be severe,” Skiles said about violators, who could face civil fines of up to $75,000 per violation and criminal fines reaching $100,000 or more.
Aside from fines, the Federal Aviation Administration has suspended or revoked the licenses of multiple drone operators for “unsafe and unauthorized operations,” including flights near major sporting events.
Cordero Stutz said Homeland Security agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, will also be running independent operations and investigations.
It is the first time the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will host a FIFA World Cup, and the first time the tournament features 48 teams. There will be seven games at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, which FIFA will refer to as the Miami Stadium.
Raymond A. Martinez, the chief operating officer of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Miami Host Committee, had a message for fans: “If you do not have a ticket, don’t go to the stadium.”
The 12 groups of four teams each will play the first 72 matches, including four games from three groups at the Miami Stadium.
Uruguay plays against Saudi Arabia at 6 p.m. on June 15 and against Cape Verde at 6 p.m. on June 21. Brazil plays against Scotland at 6 p.m. on June 24. Colombia plays against Portugal at 7:30 p.m. on June 27.
During the tournament’s knockout stage, there will be 32 matches, including three from July 3-18 at the Miami Stadium.
The winner of Group J will play against the runner-up of Group H at 6 p.m. on July 3. The quarter-final match is at 5 p.m. on July 11, and the bronze final match is at 5 p.m. on July 18.
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