World Cup 2026: A Guide to Watching the FIFA Showpiece in Miami
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens will be under the spotlight when the 2026 FIFA World Cup is staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.
The showpiece event is set to return to American soil for the first time in over three decades, and the Miami Stadium is one of 11 venues across the US selected to host.
Able to hold more than 65,000 spectators, the impressive venue will stage seven World Cup games, making it one of the busiest stops of the tournament.
If you are planning on traveling to Miami for the World Cup, here’s everything you need to know.
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About Miami StadiuM
Located in Miami Gardens, the impressive venue is famous for hosting different sporting events, including American Football, tennis and Formula 1.
After racking up to $155 million in building costs, was initially known as the Joe Robbie Stadium when it opened its doors in 1987.
The stadium went through a major renovation between 2015 and 2017. It cost $500 million but came with plenty of upgrades, including new video screens, seating and improved hospitality areas.
The overhaul brought the stadium in line with modern standards and also incorporated a large canopy designed to shield fans from Miami’s intense weather conditions.
The stadium is home to the Miami Dolphins but has also welcomed teams such as the Miami Hurricanes. It has also staged six Super Bowls, the Miami Open and the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.
The Miami Stadium hosted eight fixtures during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup last summer.
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Which Fixtures Will Take Place at the Miami Stadium?
Saudi Arabia and Uruguay will square off on June 15 in the first of seven World Cup games scheduled to be played at the Miami Stadium.
Here are the fixtures that will be played at the Miami Stadium this summer:
June 15: Group H: Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay (6.00 pm local, 10.00 pm GMT)
June 21: Group H: Uruguay vs Cape Verde (6.00 pm local, 10.00 pm GMT)
June 24: Group C: Brazil vs Scotland (6.00 pm local, 10.00 pm GMT)
June 27: Group K: Colombia vs Portugal (7.30 pm local, 11.30 pm GMT)
July 3: Round of 32 – 1J vs 2H (6.00 pm local, 10.00 pm GMT)
July 11: Quarter-final (5.00 pm local, 9.00 pm GMT)
July 18: Third-place match (5.00 pm local, 9.00 pm GMT)
Previewing the Standout Games in Miami
Saudi Arabia could be a tricky test for Uruguay, given their penchant for causing upsets. They previously shocked the world by defeating Argentina in the curtain raiser of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Repeating that feat against Uruguay will undoubtedly be on their bingo card, but that’ll be easier said than done, considering their woeful form in the build-up to the World Cup.
Saudi Arabia have won just one of their last five games in all competitions (L4), but they will still believe they can upset the odds this summer.
Resources such as the Arab World Cup betting guide according to Arabworldcupbet will help punters determine whether Saudi Arabia can pick up three points.
Uruguay are the overwhelming favourites, but sports bettors who prefer to back the underdogs could fancy Saudi Arabia’s chances of causing yet another World Cup upset.
Brazil’s fixture against Scotland is also one to keep an eye on, but the standout game in Miami should be Colombia’s mouth-watering clash against Portugal.
Drawn alongside Uzbekistan and DR Congo in Group K, both nations are fancied to progress to the knockout stage, so this clash could effectively decide who wins the group.
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Which Attractions can World Cup Fans Enjoy Away From the Football?
Miami will spark into life once the World Cup rolls around, but there’s plenty to explore across the city for those looking to take a break from football.
Renowned as the ‘party capital of the US’, Miami is also known for its diverse culture, beautiful coastline and lively atmosphere, so fans have plenty to do away from the World Cup games.
Visitors can spend their days soaking up the sun on famous beaches or exploring lively neighbourhoods before heading out in the evening to enjoy the World Cup games.
One of the main attractions will be the Fan Festival at Bayfront Park, where people can watch live matches on big screens, while enjoying music, food and cultural events.
As the sun sets, areas such as South Beach, Brickell and Wynwood come alive with music, nightlife, restaurants and other entertainment.
There are also plenty of food options and shopping areas to explore, such as the Design District and Lincoln Road, which offer a mix of luxury and local style.