safety
Two Georgia men accused of using forged World Cup credentials at Miami Stadium
By Allyson Castillo at WSVN 7 News
· June 25, 2026
· 1 min read
Two Georgia men were arrested during Wednesday night’s FIFA World Cup match between Brazil and Scotland at Miami Stadium after, investigators said, they used fraudulent credentials to escort fans into the venue for money. Kareem Thomas of Macon and Stanthony Bernard Ballard of Atlanta are each charg
Key takeaway Investigators said witnesses identified Thomas, 38, and Ballard, 43, as guiding individuals into the stadium using fraudulent credentials and charging approximately $1,000 per person for entry.
Why this matters in The Miami
The arrests of two Georgia men for using forged World Cup credentials at Miami Stadium raise concerns about the vulnerability of major event security in Miami. With Miami's reputation as a hub for international sports and entertainment, the city's stadiums and venues must be able to balance accessibility with security. The fact that these individuals were able to use fraudulent credentials to escort fans into the venue for money suggests a potential weakness in the system. Miami-Dade County's experience with large events, including the FIFA World Cup, will be crucial in identifying and addressing these vulnerabilities to prevent similar incidents in the future. The city's residents and visitors expect a high level of safety and security at these events, and it is up to the authorities to ensure that this expectation is met. The outcome of this case will be closely watched to see how the city responds to this security breach.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Two Georgia men were arrested during Wednesday night’s FIFA World Cup match between Brazil and Scotland at Miami Stadium after, investigators said, they used fraudulent credentials to escort fans into the venue for money. Kareem Thomas of Macon and Stanthony Bernard Ballard of Atlanta are each charg
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Allyson Castillo at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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