World Cup 2026: Miami on U.S. cities list to host soccer's biggest spectacle. What we know

Mark H. Bickel, Fort Myers News-Press
·2 min read
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2026 FIFA World Cup Trophy on display before press conference at Rockefeller Plaza. Thursday, June 16, 2022, in New York.
2026 FIFA World Cup Trophy on display before press conference at Rockefeller Plaza. Thursday, June 16, 2022, in New York.

After Sunday's thrilling World Cup final in Qatar between winner Argentina and France, most soccer fans are likely already starting the countdown to World Cup 2026. The excitement and anticipation should be even greater for soccer fans in North America (the United States, Mexico and Canada), which will host the next tournament a little less than four years from now.

For soccer fans here in Southwest Florida, this is significant as nearby Miami is one of 16 cities in the three countries to be chosen as site for matches. Games will be played in Hard Rock Stadium where the Miami Dolphins play.

Naples is 126 miles from Miami (just under two hours by car) and Fort Myers is 157 miles way (a little over two hours by car).

The 2026 World Cup will be the first World Cup played on North American soil since 1994 when the United States was the official host. Mexico hosted the 1970 and 1986 tournaments. This will be Canada's first-time in a host role.

It is never too early to plan, so here are some facts about the 2026 World Cup:

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates with the trophy in front of the fans after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. Argentina won 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended tied 3-3. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates with the trophy in front of the fans after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. Argentina won 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended tied 3-3. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

When is the 2026 World Cup?

The World Cup will begin on Saturday, June 8, 2026. The final match is scheduled for Friday, July 3.

Where will the final World Cup match be played in 2026?

MetLife Stadium in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. Capacity is 82,500.

What teams will play World Cup matches in Miami?

Those details will not come together until early in 2026. There is a qualifying process during the next four years that will determine the countries participating.

Did you know?

The 2026 World Cup will debut an expanded format featuring 48 teams – as opposed to 32 like there were this year – split into 16 groups of three.

What other cities are hosting matches?

Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Guadalajara Kansas City, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Monterrey, Mexico City Toronto, Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia.

What about tickets?

According to the official FIFA World Cup 2026 website, "Information regarding ticketing will be available in due course. Please check this page regularly for further updates."

Who won the World Cup in 1994 when the U.S. was host?

Brazil was crowned world champions after a penalty shoot-out win over Italy at the Rose Bowl in California in front of 90,000 fans.

Miami Dolphins fans cheer after Miami Dolphins tight end Durham Smythe (81) scored the opening touchdown for the Dolphins in the the first quarter of the game between host Miami Dolphins and the Houston Texans at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, November 27, 2022, in Miami Gardens, FL. Final score, Miami Dolphins, 30, Houston Texans, 15.
Miami Dolphins fans cheer after Miami Dolphins tight end Durham Smythe (81) scored the opening touchdown for the Dolphins in the the first quarter of the game between host Miami Dolphins and the Houston Texans at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, November 27, 2022, in Miami Gardens, FL. Final score, Miami Dolphins, 30, Houston Texans, 15.

Did a Florida city host matches in the 1994 World Cup?

Yes. There were matched played at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

What is the seating capacity at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami?

67,518.

Has the U.S. ever won a World Cup?

No. The United States participated in the inaugural World Cup in 1930 and finished in the semi-finals, which was later declared a third place finish, their best result to date.

Which country has won the most World Cups?

Brazil (five times).

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: World Cup 2026: Miami is one of 16 host cities for soccer spectacle