CLEAR launches eGates at MIA ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

CLEAR, the secure identity company, launched its biometric eGates at two of Miami International Airport’s busiest passenger screening checkpoints in December, just before the airport’s bustling winter holiday travel season and ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 games.

With eGates, CLEAR+ members can verify their identity in under five seconds, bypassing the TSA podium and proceeding directly to physical screening. This innovation represents a significant leap in modernizing security checkpoints with automation – especially critical during the holiday travel rush, as TSA recently recorded its busiest day ever, screening more than 3.1 million travelers. 

CLEAR’s goal with eGates is simple: help travelers win the day of travel. Beyond the holidays, CLEAR is looking ahead to major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and next year’s America 250 celebrations, which will bring millions of visitors to the U.S.

Automated eGates are designed to provide a scalable and secure solution that expedites the passenger screening experience and enhances security. The innovation builds on the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) efforts to modernize and streamline U.S. airport security checkpoints, with a specific focus on enhancing security, hospitality, and the passenger experience.

This first-of-its-kind pilot represents an innovative public–private partnership that enables TSA to scale identity verification and streamline airport processing just in time for the World Cup. With more than 20 million international visitors expected to fly to the U.S. for the tournament and domestic travel surging through U.S. host cities, checkpoint infrastructure will face unprecedented pressure.

CLEAR’s eGates are designed to conduct real-time biometric verification, matching a traveler’s facial image with their identity document and boarding pass. TSA retains complete operational control: triggering gate access, conducting security vetting, and enforcing government security requirements. CLEAR transmits only limited data, such as a live photo, boarding pass, ID photo used for enrollment, and identity information. Once identity and clearance are confirmed, passengers proceed directly to physical screening, bypassing the TSA podium while still undergoing all security screening.