The world's game is coming to South Florida for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer.
A city that's no stranger to star-studded events, the bright lights will shine on Miami, which will host seven matches, from a group stage battle between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay on June 15 to a pivotal quarterfinal clash on July 11 and the Third Place match one week later.
The Magic City is poised to put on a one-of-a-kind party in the coming weeks and here's how to ensure you don't miss out.
Things to Do During the World Cup in Miami
Boardwalk in Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: lazyllama/Adobe Stock)
From its ever-evolving downtown and unique neighborhoods to the iconic beaches across Biscayne Bay, Miami is a diverse destination that offers visitors a wide range of experiences.
However, World Cup fans will want to begin their visit with a trip to the FIFA Fan Festival at Bayfront Park. Operating for 23 consecutive days between June 13 and July 5, the festival will feature live match viewing areas in addition to sprawling stages for DJs and live musical acts, special food and beverage zones and play areas for soccer and interactive games and experiences.
Miami Beach is a must-visit, even if only for a few hours or a day. Visitors can catch some rays while they lounge on the beach, people watch and take in the city's iconic Art Deco architecture along Ocean Drive and celebrate with some of the most lively nightlife anywhere in the world.
ooking toward Miami Beach from Downtown Miami with the Frost Science Museum in the foreground. (Photo Credit: Patrick Clarke)
The city also offers stellar museums like the Perez Art Museum and Frost Museum of Science, which are just a short distance from the FIFA Fan Festival at Bayfront Park.
Behind Bayfront Park, Miami boasts a bevy of unique neighborhoods worth exploring, including Little Havana and Coconut Grove, not far from Miami International Airport. Here, visitors can watch a Miami Marlins game at LoanDepot Park, shop 'til they drop at charming boutiques and dine on some of the city's best cuisine just a short distance from the waterfront.
Slightly closer to the action at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, travelers can dive into fascinating art and culture in neighborhoods like Wynwood and Little Haiti. The former is home to some truly jaw-dropping street art while the latter is equally vibrant and highlighted by the 9,000-square-foot Caribbean Marketplace.
Where to Stay for the World Cup in Miami
For travelers seeking an elevated stay in Miami Beach, check out the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, which is offering a pair of special World Cup packages this summer.
The Champion's Getaway includes a daily complimentary breakfast featuring specialty dishes inspired by every competing nation, a couples' personal training class, four touchless wellness treatments that incorporate red light therapy, cryotherapy, heat therapy and more.
Guests can also look forward to a Game Day goodie bag with soccer-inspired essentials and premium sun care from Hampton Sun, on top of access to group fitness classes, more spa services, and a premier private beach.
For families, Carillon Miami Wellness Resort's The Family Legacy Stay offers a similarly wellness-focused stay in Miami Beach.
Carillion Miami Wellness Resort in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo Credit: Carillion Miami Wellness Resort)
Elsewhere along the Atlantic, the Clevelander South Beach is a Miami Beach icon for travelers looking to stay in the heart of the excitement on Ocean Drive.
For stays downtown or closer to the festivities at Bayfront Park, consider the luxe and chic Grayson Miami. Guests can indulge in the on-site restaurant or at the rooftop pool and bar while being within walking distance of some of downtown's top sites, museums and other attractions.
Miami's burgeoning Brickell neighborhood is another great place to set up camp for the World Cup. Visitors will find a handful of top-flight accommodations from trusted brands that won't break the bank, like Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami, offering stunning views of the skyline and bay just a short distance from premier shops, dining and other attractions.
The JW Marriott Marquis Miami is another personal favorite.
What to Eat for the World Cup in Miami
Miami is renowned for its unparalleled restaurant scene, as evidenced by its 18 MICHELIN distinctions in 2026. The impressive list includes Chef Raz Shabtai's kosher eatery Mutra, which is wowing diners with splendid contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine.
There's also L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami, a can't-miss bistro in Miami's Design District.
"The diversity of talent, cultures and culinary perspectives represented throughout our restaurants has created one of the most dynamic dining destinations in the world. These distinctions reflect the dedication and innovation happening in kitchens across our community every night," said David Whitaker, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
A Cuban sandwich. (Photo Credit: Adobe/uckyo)
Visitors to Miami absolutely must treat themselves to a Cuban sandwich and the very best can be found at Sanguich in Little Havana. This award-winning stop has perfected the Miami classic with house-made city ham, garlic confit pork, mustard, Ammerlander Swiss cheese and its very own pickles.
There's also world-class seafood to be had at extraordinary culinary landmarks like Giselle Miami, Joe's Stone Crab and the Rusty Pelican, among others.
No proper trip to South Florida is complete without a slice or two of key lime pie and Fireman Derek's Bake Shop and Fookem's Fabulous are two of the best at serving them up.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
