The day of terror in Miami: Colombia’s National Team faces an attempted armed robbery

The November FIFA window left more than just victories for the Colombia National Team. During their stay in Miami and before facing New Zealand and Australia, several players experienced an episode straight out of a crime movie: a group of armed criminals allegedly tried to assault them in broad daylight. What seemed like a normal day off turned into a tense chase through the streets of Florida.

According to journalist Ricardo Orrego, some footballers took advantage of a free day to go shopping at a mall near Fort Lauderdale. They bought several items, including electronic devices and left to continue their plans, unaware of what was about to unfold.

The warning that activated the security protocol

While heading back to the team hotel, one of the players noticed that a vehicle was persistently following them. Its movements were strange, repetitive, calculated. He immediately warned his teammates and the security team assigned by the federation. The protocol was activated within seconds.

Florida Police reacted immediately. They intercepted the suspicious vehicle and arrested three individuals, one of them Colombian. Inside the car, they found weapons, latex gloves, and items used for robberies. There was no doubt: they were fully prepared to act.

Preliminary reports from authorities indicated that the suspects might be linked to a criminal gang active in tourist areas of the state. Additionally, all three had extensive criminal records in the United States.

A robbery stopped in time and without victims

Everything suggests that the criminals’ plan was to assault the players while they were outside the hotel’s secured area. And although the objective seemed clear, the quick reaction of the footballer who noticed the pursuit was crucial to preventing a more serious outcome.

Fortunately, the incident left no injuries, no material losses, and according to the federation, the situation was brought under control without affecting the team’s preparation. Still, behind closed doors, the scare was enormous.

Hours after the episode, Colombia played and defeated Australia with goals from James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, and Jefferson Lerma, closing a tour that almost turned into an international scandal.

Colombia after the scare in the U.S.

After the incident, the Colombia National Team remains focused on its path toward the 2026 World Cup. Néstor Lorenzo’s squad continues with a nine-match unbeaten streak and awaits the December draw to know its group.

For the March window, potential opponents include France and Croatia, while June will feature two friendlies before the tournament. The road to the World Cup continues… but the episode in Miami will remain a reminder that even during an international training camp, danger can appear when least expected.