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As Miami prepares to host matches for the FIFA World Cup, officials say security planning is already underway at a level never seen before.
The upcoming tournament will bring massive crowds, international attention, and new challenges for the city.
“We are preparing like no one has ever prepared for any event before,” said Pete Gomez, director of the Department of Emergency Management for Miami-Dade County.
Much of that preparation has been shaped by what happened during the Copa América Final in Miami, where overcrowding and security breakdowns created chaos outside the stadium.
Officials say the event exposed gaps in planning and coordination, turning it into a learning moment for future events.
“The dynamic of soccer and the emotion behind it… that’s something this city has never experienced,” said Miami Dade Sheriff’s Department Major Rita Rodriguez.
Planning for the World Cup now goes far beyond the stadium itself. Experts say it involves coordination between local, state, and federal agencies, as well as preparation for a wide range of potential risks.
“Each of the 11 host cities have different needs,” said homeland security expert Tracy Pakulniewicz, who worked with the White House and Department of Defense. She explained, adding that Miami’s location also introduces maritime security concerns.
