This year's FIFA World Cup – the biggest yet, with 104 games and 48 teams playing across three host countries – is coming to Florida this month.
Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, which can hold 65,000 spectators, will host seven games including the match for the tournament's bronze medal. Ticket prices range from $60 to more than $1,000.
"Across those seven games, Miami-Dade will welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world, generating up to $1.3 billion in economic activity and supporting more than 9,000 jobs," Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said in her annual State of the County address.
The World Cup will kick off June 11 in Mexico City, with South Africa playing Mexico — one of the three host countries, alongside the U.S. and Canada.
The tournament returns to Florida for the first time since 1994 as professional soccer blooms across the state.
A major catalyst: Lionel Messi, the world-renowned Argentine soccer player who in 2023 joined Inter Miami CF, one of Florida's two Major League Soccer teams. He led the team to its first MLS Cup title in franchise history last year, and the "Messi effect" has fans flocking.
In February, Inter Miami's first game of the 2026 season recorded the largest crowd of any MLS season opener and the biggest opening weekend attendance in league history. On April 4, the team played its first game in its new $350-million, 26,700-seat Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park.
Tampa-based United Soccer League — another professional soccer league currently sanctioned at playing levels below the top-tier MLS — has been particularly active with new projects in Brevard, Duval, Orange and St. Lucie counties.
$1.35 billion
Inter Miami's 2026 value, according to Forbes, crowning it the most valuable MLS franchise for the first time. It marks 13% year-over-year growth and a doubled valuation in just three years.
Miami's World Cup Schedule
Monday, June 15: Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay at 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 21: Uruguay vs. Cape Verde at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, June 24: Scotland vs. Brazil at 6 p.m.
Saturday, June 27: Colombia vs. Portugal at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 3: Round of 32 match at 6 p.m.
Saturday, July 11: Quarterfinal match at 5 p.m.
Saturday, July 18: Playoff for third place at 5 p.m.