Florida is officially at the center of the world’s largest sporting event as the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway. Miami is one of the tournament’s 16 host cities and will welcome seven matches, including a quarterfinal and the third-place match at Hard Rock Stadium. (FIFA)
Fans heading to South Florida can look forward to these headline fixtures:
June 15: Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay
June 21: Uruguay vs Cabo Verde
June 24: Brazil vs Scotland
June 27: Portugal vs Colombia
July 3: Round of 32 match
July 11: Quarterfinal
July 18: Third-place match
Miami is one of only a handful of cities hosting knockout-stage games. (FIFA 2026 Miami Host Committee)
Even if you don’t have a match ticket, Florida is embracing World Cup fever.
The official FIFA Fan Festival at Bayfront Park runs throughout the tournament with giant screens, live entertainment, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. (Greater Miami & Miami Beach)
Miami Beach has also launched a series of watch parties, concerts, and public events as visitors from around the globe descend on South Florida. (City of Miami Beach)
Meanwhile, a statewide FIFA-themed caravan tour is bringing World Cup celebrations to communities including Orlando and Tampa. (cokeflorida.com)
One of the biggest stories surrounding Florida’s World Cup is the weather.
Scientists and sports officials continue to monitor heat and humidity levels in South Florida, with some studies identifying Miami as one of the most challenging venues for daytime matches due to extreme summer conditions. Organizers have implemented cooling and hydration measures for players and fans. (Nature World News)
Inter Miami CF is heavily involved in the festivities, with players, club ambassadors, and community events helping welcome fans to South Florida as the tournament begins. (intermiamicf)
Tourism officials expect hundreds of thousands of visitors to travel to Florida during the tournament, generating billions of dollars in economic activity for hotels, restaurants, attractions, and transportation providers across the state. (WRUF)
Massive crowds arriving in Miami ahead of opening matches.
Transportation and security preparations around Miami Gardens.
Fan Festival attendance records at Bayfront Park.
Heat and weather concerns for outdoor events.
Economic benefits for Florida businesses and tourism. (City of Miami Beach)
The World Cup runs from June 11 through July 19, making this the biggest international sporting event ever hosted in Florida. (FIFA)