Miami Gears Up for Global Spotlight as FIFA World Cup 26™ Countdown Begins
- rcastro05
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
With one year to go, the city doubles down on its reputation as a world-class destination for sports, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
The countdown to FIFA World Cup 26™ is officially underway, and Greater Miami and Miami Beach are preparing to take center stage. Seven matches, from the Group Stage to the coveted Bronze Final, will unfold at Miami Stadium (currently Hard Rock Stadium) in Miami Gardens starting June 15, 2026. But if this week’s atmosphere is any indication, the magic has already begun.
“The road to the FIFA World Cup 26™ runs right through our vibrant and globally connected community. Over the next year alone, we’ll host everything from the FIFA Club World Cup and the NHL Winter Classic to the College Football National Championship, the World Baseball Classic, and the NASCAR Championship," said David Whitaker, President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). "Very few destinations can deliver that breadth of global competition in such an iconic, culturally rich setting."
A City Built for Moments That Matter
Long before the first whistle blows next summer, Miami’s global sports presence is impossible to ignore. This month, the city is hosting the FIFA Club World Cup, welcoming heavyweights like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors, and hometown club Inter Miami CF. But that’s just the beginning.
In the next year alone, Miami will host the NHL Winter Classic—Florida’s first outdoor hockey game—inside the typically baseball-exclusive loanDepot park. The College Football National Championship and Orange Bowl will both return in January. Then there’s the World Baseball Classic, Formula 1, NASCAR’s Cup Series Championship, and a stacked calendar of annual events like the Miami Open and Miami Marathon.
It’s a jaw-dropping lineup for any city. For Miami, it’s business as usual.
Why Miami?
What makes Miami more than just a venue is the experience that surrounds the event. Few cities blend international flavor with local flair like the Magic City. With deep Latin American and Caribbean roots, the energy here is electric—where impromptu celebrations, vibrant fan zones and late-night revelry are part of the playbook.
“Where else can you go from cheering at a world-class match to cruising on the bay at sunset?” said Whitaker. “That’s the Miami difference.”
"Miami has become a magnet for the most prestigious sporting events on the planet—not just because of our world-class venues," said Whitaker. "But because of the energy and unforgettable experiences that only this destination can offer.”
The city’s infrastructure - paired with cultural richness and hospitality know-how - has made it a go-to for global tournaments. It's hosted 11 Super Bowls (tied for most ever), remains the only city to host every round of the World Baseball Classic, and has been home to the Orange Bowl since 1935, one of college football’s longest-running traditions.
The Year Ahead: A Global Marathon of Events
Here’s a snapshot of what Miami has in store in the next 12 months:
FIFA Club World Cup (June 14 – July 13, 2025)Including marquee matchups like Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal and Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras
College Football Playoff (January 2026)Orange Bowl Quarterfinal (Jan. 1)National Championship Game (Jan. 19)
NHL Winter Classic (Jan. 2, 2026)Florida Panthers vs. New York Rangers at loanDepot park
World Baseball Classic (March 6–17, 2026)Featuring powerhouse teams including Venezuela, Dominican Republic, and the Netherlands
FIFA World Cup 26™ Matches (June–July 2026)Seven matches, including Group Stage, Quarterfinal, and Bronze Final
NASCAR Cup Series Championship (Nov. 8, 2026)Final race of the season, adding another major sport to Miami’s resume
These events are anchored by a strong lineup of annual programming, from the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix to Inter Miami CF’s growing fanbase and full seasons of the Miami Dolphins, HEAT, and Marlins.
More Than a Game: Tourism and Legacy
Beyond ticket sales and TV ratings, the World Cup’s impact on Miami will ripple across tourism, hospitality and cultural sectors. The GMCVB has already launched a campaign inviting fans to stay longer, explore deeper, and experience Miami beyond the stadium. From Wynwood murals to Little Havana’s rhythms and world-class cuisine in every direction, the city is offering visitors a reason to make it a trip, not just a match.
It’s not just about hosting the world. It’s about making them want to return.
As the final countdown begins, one thing is clear: when the eyes of the world turn to Miami next summer, the city won’t just be ready. It will be unforgettable.