Copa America provided these lessons for security
Virtual trial runs being used to test measures at World Cup
By: Katie Sobko
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... Soccer fans from around the world remember the footage: Fans jumping turnstiles, showing security guards and even climbing through vents to get into Hard
Rock Stadium in Miami to see the Copa America final in 2024.
.....
But for the regional host committee for this year's [2026] FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium, it was a case study of what not to do.
.....
Security officials closely studied Capa America matches - as well as last year's [2025] Club World Cup at the East Rutherford sports complex - to sue as virtual trail runs for security measures to keep fans safe and guests without tickets away from the stadium.
..... New Jersey State Police Sargent Charles Marchan said that "current transpiration plans significantly reduce the number of non-ticketed individuals on the stadium grounds."
..... He said matches for Copa America and the Club World Cup took place at the stadium without any issues.
..... "For the upcoming events, we are implementing multiple layers of security designed to help prevent incidents of that nature," Marchan said. "This include additional distance between public areas and stadium entry points."
..... Host committee spokesperson Natalie Hamilton said planning for this year's [2026] tournament has been dun in close coordinator with FIFA as well as federal, state and local partners and that they've provided "input from best practices gathered from major events across the country and aorta the world."
..... "Our region brings a proven track record of hosting large-scale, high-profile events, and we are building on that experience through daily collaboration with pubic safety officials, transportation agencies and venue operators," she said.
..... "Safety is our top priority, and every aspect of planning is cent4e4d on ensuring secure, well-coordinated and positive experience for residents and visitors alike."
..... Committee co-chair Lauren LaRusso said in 2024 that the "host committee and FIFA, along with our law enforcement and security experts have been planning toward a secure perimeter, which is typically done for large scale international events."
..... That means security and ticket checkpoints typically found just outside the concourse will be be beyond a perimeter much father away, beyond the first ring of parking lots, creating a buffer zone around the stadium.
..... There
will also be staggered "hard and soft checks" in that area, LaRusso said, Meaning ticket scans as well as magnetometers and pat-downs.
..... Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email" sobko@northjersey.com