FIFA World Cup

These World Cup fans brought a passion to the match in Miami. Take a look

By Al Diaz and Vinod Sreeharsha

Security was tight at Hard Rock Stadium on Monday night at the first of seven World Cup matches in South Florida.

Fans arrived early and many took a free shuttle. Lines at the gates moved quickly.

Inside, people were joyous. Uruguay fans outnumbered Saudi Arabia backers. Many flew up from South America to attend their first ever World Cup match.

Take a look at the scenes:

Soccer fans navigate pass security personel as they enter the gates for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup opening match at Miami Stadium on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Soccer fans navigate pass security personel as they enter the gates for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup opening match at Miami Stadium on Monday, June 15, 2026. Photography by AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Uruguay soccer fan Sofia Lopez reacts as she enters the gates for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup opening match at Miami Stadium on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Uruguay soccer fan Sofia Lopez reacts as she enters the gates for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup opening match at Miami Stadium on Monday, June 15, 2026. Photography by AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Soccer fans stand with mascots outside Miami Stadium before the start of Uruguay against Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup opening match on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Soccer fans stand with mascots outside Miami Stadium before the start of Uruguay against Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup opening match on Monday, June 15, 2026. Photography by AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Soccer fans stand with mascots outside Miami Stadium before the start of Uruguay against Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup opening match on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Soccer fans stand with mascots outside Miami Stadium before the start of Uruguay against Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup opening match on Monday, June 15, 2026. Photography by AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Police security stand watch before the opening of the gates for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup opening match at Miami Stadium on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Police security stand watch before the opening of the gates for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup opening match at Miami Stadium on Monday, June 15, 2026. Photography by AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Christopher Noria is stopped by security to check on the size of the flag permitted that he is carrying as he enters the gates for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup opening match at Miami Stadium on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Christopher Noria is stopped by security to check on the size of the flag permitted that he is carrying as he enters the gates for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup opening match at Miami Stadium on Monday, June 15, 2026. Photography by AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Soccer fans rush through the gates in advance of the Uruguay against Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup opening match at Miami Stadium on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Soccer fans rush through the gates in advance of the Uruguay against Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup opening match at Miami Stadium on Monday, June 15, 2026. Photography by AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Soccer fans navigate pass security personnel as they enter the gates for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup opening match at Miami Stadium on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Soccer fans navigate pass security personnel as they enter the gates for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup opening match at Miami Stadium on Monday, June 15, 2026. Photography by AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
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Vinod Sreeharsha
Miami Herald
Vinod Sreeharsha covers tourism trends in South Florida for the Miami Herald.
AP
Al Diaz Profile
Miami Herald
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