Miami is gearing up for a significant moment in its recent sports history as it hosts seven matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This event promises to captivate the large Cuban and Latin American community residing in South Florida, making the Sunshine City a thrilling venue for the tournament.
According to the FIFA announcement, the national teams of Uruguay, Brazil, and Colombia will be featured in the official tournament schedule, drawing the attention of Miami's culturally linked and enthusiastic fan base.
The global football governing body has stated that the selected venue, officially referred to as Miami Stadium by FIFA, but widely known as Hard Rock Stadium, will host four group stage matches, a round of 16 confrontation, a quarter-final, and the third-place playoff.
Miami's World Cup debut is set for June 15 with a Group H encounter between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. The Uruguayan team will return to the pitch on June 21 to face Cape Verde. Brazil, a major attraction for Miami's audience, will compete against Scotland on June 24, and Colombia will engage in a highly anticipated match against Portugal on June 27.
With a seating capacity of 65,000, the Hard Rock Stadium is among the most advanced and versatile venues in the United States. Opened in 1987 and comprehensively renovated in 2016, it has hosted Super Bowls, major concerts, Formula 1 races, the Miami Open tennis tournament, and recently, several matches of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Located in Miami Gardens, an area with a strong Latin and Caribbean presence, it serves as a strategic hub for fans from across the region.
The World Cup schedule in Florida will continue with a round of 16 match on July 3, followed by a quarter-final on July 11. The stadium will then host the bronze medal match on July 18, one of the most anticipated games for the international fan base.
For Miami, a city home to one of the largest Cuban communities outside the island, this World Cup represents more than just soccer; it is an opportunity to showcase its diversity, cultural strength, and Latin American identity to the world.
Regional teams, which have historically filled stadiums across the United States, will once again turn the city into a gathering point for thousands of fans.
FIFA has declared that this World Cup will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches spread across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is slated for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the largest-capacity venue among all U.S. host sites.
Key Details About Miami's Role in the 2026 World Cup
What matches will be held in Miami during the 2026 World Cup?
Miami will host seven matches, including four group stage games, a round of 16 match, a quarter-final, and the third-place playoff.
Which teams are scheduled to play in Miami?
The teams scheduled to play in Miami include Uruguay, Brazil, and Colombia, among others.
Why is Hard Rock Stadium significant for the World Cup?
Hard Rock Stadium is a modern and versatile venue, with a capacity of 65,000, and has hosted numerous major events, making it an ideal location for World Cup matches.
What cultural impact does the World Cup have on Miami?
The World Cup in Miami is an opportunity for the city to display its diverse culture, strong Latin American ties, and vibrant community to a global audience.