Miami makes cut for 2026 FIFA World Cup bid

If the 2026 FIFA World Cup does come to the United States, Miami-Dade County will play a prominent part in it, as South Florida was included as one of the hosts venues for the U.S. Soccer Federation and the “United Bid” which also includes Canada and Mexico.

Miami Gardens will be the specific location for World Cup games in the county. The newly renovated Hard Rock Stadium will be an ideal location to attract soccer fans from around the world.

There was volatility in the bid announcement, even up to the final day. Vancouver, British Columbia and Chicago removed themselves from consideration this week. Minneapolis withdrew Thursday morning, citing hang-ups with FIFA’s demands.

World Cup History

It would be Miami-Dade County’s first World Cup games. Miami-Dade submitted a request to be considered for the 1994 World Cup (a request which included access to two stadiums, the Orange Bowl and then-Joe Robbie Stadium). Joe Robbie built the Miami Gardens stadium adaptable for soccer with a World Cup in mind. However, due to scheduling conflicts with the then-Florida Marlins, Miami was not picked and Orlando claimed Florida’s World Cup competitions.

The other American cities in the 2026 FIFA World Cup bid include: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington. Cities in Canada include Edmonton, Montreal and Toronto. Cities in Mexico include Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

The United States appeared to be destined to host this World Cup, after frustration following a bid for the 2022 World Cup rejected in 2010. However, in recent weeks Morocco has gained momentum and many believe it has a good shot of beating the three-country proposal.

While the cities and venues included in the bid book are what the federations are officially placing in front of FIFA for consideration, both venues and cities could change in the next eight years.