2026 World Cup Guide: Miami

Photo: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB/Shutterstock /Shutterstock

Return to Matador Network’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Travel Guide.

Miami is one of the liveliest, highest-energy cities hosting matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it’s hard to imagine a better place to watch the world’s biggest tournament. With seven games scheduled at Hard Rock Stadium (including knockout rounds), fans can expect not just world-class soccer but also an electric, city-wide atmosphere that reflects Miami’s global roots and passion for the game. The city’s deep Latin American and Caribbean influences mean fútbol is a part of daily life from an early age, and that culture will likely spill into the streets during the Miami World Cup matches — expect impromptu watch parties, flag-draped celebrations, and nonstop nightlife.

What makes Miami especially appealing for out-of-town visitors is what’s waiting off the pitch: South Beach, art-filled neighborhoods, and fantastic food, from Haitian griot to Cuban lechón. It’s also one of the rare cities where you can catch a World Cup match in the afternoon and be swimming in the ocean or sipping cocktails on a catamaran by sunset. It’s a city Matador is especially enthused about for 2026.

Venue: Hard Rock Stadium

Capacity: 65,326

Match dates

Miami will host seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. Times have not yet been announced.

  • Monday, June 15, 2026: Group Stage, Match 13
  • Sunday, June 21, 2026: Group Stage, Match 37
  • Wednesday, June 24, 2026: Group Stage, Match 49
  • Saturday, June 27, 2026: Group Stage, Match 71
  • Friday, July 3, 2026: Round of 32, Match 86
  • Saturday, July 11, 2026: Quarter-final, Match 99
  • Saturday, July 18, 2026: Bronze Final, Match 103

How to get to Hard Rock Stadium from Downtown Miami

hard rock stadium miami

Photo: 4kclips/Shutterstock

Hard Rock Stadium is in Miami Gardens, about 15 miles north of downtown Miami. Driving is the most direct option. It would normally take only about 20 minutes, but expect delays on match days, especially when it comes to parking. There is ample parking at the stadium, but pre-booking is highly recommended through the Hard Rock Stadium parking portal.

Unfortunately, public transportation to the stadium is limited. You can take the Metrorail to the Golden Glades Interchange or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Station, but from there, you’ll need to use a rideshare or taxi to reach the stadium. On select event days, however, shuttle services may be available from major hubs. Keep an eye on the Miami World Cup event page for updates on shuttles and other transportation options.

The Miami World Cup FIFA Fan Zone

It’s not final at the time of publication, but the official FIFA Fan Festival for Miami will likely take place at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami. This central waterfront location is a prime spot for live match viewing throughout the tournament, as well as concerts, food vendors, games, and other entertainment. Official FIFA Fan Festivals are free to attend, whether you have tickets to some matches or didn’t manage to get any. Other possible locations include Lummus Park or the Miami Beach Convention Center, but final details have yet to be announced. Keep an eye on this page for updates and event hours.

The FIFA Club World Cup in Miami

lionel messi in miami

Photo: YES Market Media/Shutterstock

Miami is one of the key host cities for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with eight matches scheduled at Hard Rock Stadium, providing an excellent test run for 2026. It’s the first time it’s been held in the US, and Miami is one of several host cities. Matches in Miami begin with Inter Miami CF facing Al Ahly FC on June 14. Local team Inter Miami CF will also take on Palmeiras on June 23, giving South Florida fans a chance to see their hometown club on a global stage — expect it to be extremely crowded in town around those days. Other major matches include Boca Juniors vs. Benfica on June 16 and Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal on June 18.

  • June 14, 2025: Group A: Al Ahly FC v Inter Miami CF
  • June 16, 2025: Group C: CA Boca Juniors v SL Benfica
  • June 18, 2025: Group H: Real Madrid C. F. v Al Hilal
  • June 20, 2025: Group C: FC Bayern München v CA Boca Juniors
  • June 23, 2025: Group A: Inter Miami CF v SE Palmeiras
  • June 25, 2025: Group F: Mamelodi Sundowns FC v Fluminense FC
  • June 29, 2025: Match 52: Group D winners v Group C runners-up
  • July 1, 2025: Match 55: Group H winners v Group G runners-up

Tickets are now available online at this link.

Where to Eat, Play, and Stay in Miami During the World Cup

Visit

Where to Eat, Play, and Stay in Miami During the World Cup

You’ll have lots of free time to explore Miami and all it has to offer, from world-class bars and restaurants to colorful neighborhoods.

Read more


The Best Hotels Near Hard Rock Stadium

Visit

The Best Hotels Near Hard Rock Stadium

These are some of the best hotels near Hard Rock Stadium — perfect for a quick walk, a short drive, or as a base for exploring more of Miami before and after matches.

Read more

The 7 Best Soccer Bars in Miami

Visit

The 7 Best Soccer Bars in Miami

From fans of UEFA Champions League to Copa América or no matter where your loyalties lie, these are the best soccer bars in Miami for watching the World Cup.

Read more