On June 16, 2022, FIFA – international soccer’s governing body – announced that it has selected Greater Miami & Miami Beach as a host destination for FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches. The 2026 World Cup will be held in cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Miami was one of 16 U.S. locations that bid to host matches.
“We’re honored that FIFA has chosen Miami to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said David Whitaker, President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). “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 & Miami Beach.”
Where Will The Matches Be Played?
Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens will host up to six matches. This world-class facility is home to the National Football League’s Miami Dolphins and has welcomed high-profile sporting events including six Super Bowls, the Miami Open tennis tournament and Miami Grand Prix Formula 1 racing.
The stadium is well-known among international soccer fans. It was built according to FIFA specifications and has hosted several marquee international matches over the years. Most notably, it was the site of a 2017 edition of El Clásico. This matchup between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona was the highest-grossing soccer match ever to take place in North America.
“The Hard Rock Stadium campus is a global entertainment destination reflective of the dynamic and international culture of Miami,” said Tom Garfinkel, Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. “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.”
Get in on the excitement at Hard Rock Stadium in 2026
When Will The Matches Be Played?
The schedule has not yet been finalized, but matches will take place in June and July 2026. At least 48 countries will qualify for the 2026 World Cup, so Hard Rock Stadium will surely be the site of some exciting matchups.
Why Did FIFA Select Greater Miami & Miami Beach?
Greater Miami & Miami Beach is a truly global destination. People want to visit to enjoy its beautiful beaches, amazing museums and attractions, fine dining and diverse, multicultural neighborhoods.
One of the reasons Hard Rock Stadium has hosted high-profile international matches in the past is because local residents are passionate about the sport and follow clubs from countries around the world.
As Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava put it, “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.”
Another important consideration is ease of access. Miami International Airport is centrally located, only 17 miles from Hard Rock Stadium. It ranks second among U.S. airports for international passengers, and it offers more flights to and from Latin America and the Caribbean than any other airport in the country.
Greater Miami & Miami Beach knows how to host major global events. There will be watch parties and special events throughout the destination as the community welcomes the world in summer 2026.