MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The first World Cup game in Miami Gardens is just over two weeks away, and law enforcement officials say security preparations are already in full swing.
“The eyes of the world will be on South Florida,” said Andrew Bailey, FBI co-deputy director. “And the world will see this region at its absolute best.”
The FBI and local law enforcement agencies are warning people not to fly drones over Hard Rock Stadium, also known as ‘Miami Stadium’, or the large fan festival planned at Bayfront Park in Miami.
“We will detect and neutralize all unauthorized drone activity that threatens the matches and fan festival events,” Bailey said.
The Federal Aviation Administration has temporarily established no-fly zones for drones on match days. The restrictions ban drones within a 3-mile radius of the stadium and up to 3,000 feet above the ground.
Officials said anyone who violates the restrictions could face serious consequences.
“This includes civil penalties, fines up to $100,000, up to a year in prison and a seizure of your drone,” said Brett Skiles, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Miami field office.
Hard Rock Stadium can host 65,000 people, bringing large crowds to Miami Gardens for every match.
“We will see Florida as the epicenter of these games,” Bailey said.
The security effort comes nearly two years after chaos unfolded before the Copa America final at the stadium, when thousands of fans without tickets flooded through the gates.
Social media videos showed people climbing fences and walls and shoving one another as they tried to get inside.
“You’re in the free state of Florida, but you’re also in a law and order state,” said Mark Glass, commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The FBI and local law enforcement agencies said officers will be ready for the World Cup crowds.
“Every event like this carries a certain amount of risk, but the partnerships, the coordination beforehand, the lessons learned, help mitigate against those risks,” Bailey said.
“They have experience hosting Super Bowls, Miami Dolphins games, special events, concerts,” he added.
Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
