Soccer fans, pack your sunscreen and jerseys because Miami is set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup third place game, delivering an adrenaline rush to the Sunshine State. The Magic City, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife, will also play host to a slate of other matches, including a round of 32 and a quarterfinal contest, according to an announcement by soccer's top governing body.
The games, poised to stir excitement among fans worldwide, will kick off at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens with the first round matches set to take place on June 15, 21, 24, and 27. However, the U.S. men's national team will play their group stage matches elsewhere, making a point to fully engage on Los Angeles and Seattle's home turf, The Palm Beach Post reported.
As if the Florida heat wasn't enough, the temperature will surely rise when Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, who recently made a splash by pulling a $10.75 million Fort Lauderdale home off the real estate market, leads Argentina in what may well be one of his final World Cup appearances. The expanded format of the tournament means we'll see 48 teams compete – a significant increase from previous editions.
With a nod to the fan experience, FIFA's president, Gianni Infantino, made it clear that "This whole calendar has been designed to make sure that the fans can travel with the teams in a way that is not too burdensome," surely aiming to score points not only with the crowd, but also with cities eager to welcome soccer devotees from around the globe, as touted in an article in TCPalm.
Mark your calendars: the World Cup extravaganza begins June 11 and will conclude with the final showdown on July 19 at MetLife Stadium just outside of New York City. Before the winners lift the trophy, though, history will be made with the tournament's first match held in Mexico City on opening day and Canada hosting its first-ever game in Toronto.
