MIAMI – Today, FIFA – the governing body of international soccer –
announced Miami-Dade as one of the U.S. hosts for FIFA World Cup 2026™
matches. Local matches will take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami
Gardens. The 2026 World Cup will be held throughout North America –
across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Miami was selected from 16 cities across the United States that
submitted bids to host World Cup matches. Each city is expected to
host up to six matches, with the exact schedule yet to be determined.
Hard Rock Stadium was built to FIFA specifications, and has hosted
several high-profile matches, including the highest grossing soccer
match in North American history, El Clásico between Real Madrid and FC
Barcelona, in 2017.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava:
“Miami-Dade is the ideal community to host the 2026 World Cup. Our
residents hail from every corner of the world, creating a vibrant
metropolitan area unlike any other in the United States. Soccer runs
through the veins of our county. After years of collaboration with
partners across the region, we couldn’t be more proud to welcome FIFA
to Miami-Dade.”
Mayor of Miami Gardens Rodney Harris:
“Miami Gardens is proud to be hosting the FIFA 2026 World Cup, as it
will now join the ranks of the many other world-class events we have
here in the beautiful City of Miami Gardens. We have a great
partnership with the Hard Rock Stadium and the Miami Dolphins, who
have called our city home for many years, and are so excited FIFA has
chosen our great city to host the event. The city is certainly looking
forward to working with them to ensure the event’s success.”
City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez:
“As the only urban area in America to host every major sport plus
Formula 1, Miami has long established itself as international
epicenter of sports and culture—and as one of the most diverse and
vibrant areas in the world, I couldn’t be more excited to be hosting
the world’s most popular sport on the world’s largest stage. World Cup
2026, welcome home.”
Mayor of Miami Beach Dan Gelber:
“This is a great moment for our community. Not just because of the
economic benefits, but also because it cements our status as one of
the world’s premier destinations.”
David Whitaker, President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention &
Visitors Bureau (GMCVB):
“We’re honored that FIFA has chosen Miami to host the 2026 FIFA World
Cup. Our GMCVB team, alongside the County and Hard Rock Stadium, as
well as our hotel partners and community stakeholders, have worked
tirelessly since 2017 through a very competitive process to bring the
World Cup to Greater Miami and Miami Beach. We’re thrilled our very
compelling bid – and unparalleled travel and tourism experience – have
resulted in this day, and we look forward to welcoming the world in
2026.”
Tom Garfinkel, Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of
the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium:
“We are thrilled that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to Miami. The
Hard Rock Stadium campus is a global entertainment destination
reflective of the dynamic and international culture of Miami. This
selection was a culmination of collaborative work from multiple
stakeholders including Stephen Ross, Miami-Dade County officials and
the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. We are excited to
showcase our community on a worldwide stage and deliver an amazing
experience and best in class event for players and fans.”
