Miami is one of the most attractive host cities of the 2026 World Cup: 7 matches at Hard Rock Stadium, including Colombia vs. Portugal in the group stage, a quarterfinal and the third-place match of the 2026 World Cup. The city's Latino community, tropical climate and tourism infrastructure make Miami one of the favorites for living the tournament. If you are planning your trip, this guide covers everything: matches, transport, lodging, weather, safety and a 48-hour itinerary to make the most of the experience.
Capacity: 64,091 spectators
4 group + R32 + quarterfinal + 3rd place
Bayfront Park, Downtown Miami
June 27, 7:30 PM ET
2026 World Cup matches in Miami
The 2026 World Cup matches in Miami combine heavyweight national teams in the group stage with high-level knockouts. In the groups, Uruguay (twice), Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Scotland, Colombia and Portugal play. Then come the Round of 32, the quarterfinal in Miami and the third-place match of the 2026 World Cup. To see the full draw, check the knockout bracket.
| # | Match | Date | Time (ET) | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay | Sunday June 15 | 18:00 | Group H |
| 37 | Uruguay vs. Cape Verde | Saturday June 21 | 18:00 | Group H |
| 49 | Scotland vs. Brazil | Wednesday June 24 | 18:00 | Group C |
| 71 | Colombia vs. Portugal | Friday June 27 | 19:30 | Group K |
| 86 | 1J vs. 2H | Thursday July 3 | 18:00 | Round of 32 |
| 99 | Quarterfinal | Friday July 11 | 17:00 | Quarterfinals |
| 103 | Third place | Saturday July 18 | 17:00 | Third place |
The tournament's full schedule includes 104 matches spread across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada. To understand the knockout system with 48 teams, read how the 2026 World Cup format works.
For Colombian fans: the Colombia vs. Portugal in Miami match is the Group K finale. If Colombia has already qualified in the first two rounds, this game defines positions and the Round of 32 opponent. Check the Colombia path through the bracket to see all the possible scenarios.
Group stage: standout matches
Uruguay plays twice at Hard Rock Stadium as part of Group H. The opener against Saudi Arabia on June 15 and the closer against Cape Verde on June 21 make Miami the Celeste's main host city in the group stage. The other big clash is Scotland vs. Brazil on June 24, a match that can decide the Group C standings.
Knockout stages: quarterfinal and third place
After the group stage, Hard Rock Stadium hosts a Round of 32 match (1J vs. 2H) on July 3. The knockout highlight is the quarterfinal in Miami on July 11 at 5:00 PM ET. And the stadium's finale will be the third-place match of the 2026 World Cup on July 18, a day before the final in New York/New Jersey. If you want to know which teams are candidates to reach that stage, check the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup.
Hard Rock Stadium: venue facts
Hard Rock Stadium is located in Miami Gardens, in northern Miami-Dade County. Opened in 1987, it has been renovated several times. The most recent, completed in 2016, added a partial canopy with a steel structure and PTFE fabric that protects spectators from sun and rain without fully enclosing the stadium.
Technical details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| FIFA capacity | 64,091 spectators |
| Surface | Natural grass (reinstalled for the World Cup) |
| Canopy | Partial (PTFE structure, not retractable) |
| Opened | 1987 (renovated in 2016) |
| Resident teams | Miami Dolphins (NFL), Miami Open (tennis) |
| Address | 347 Don Shula Drive, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 |
The stadium has hosted six Super Bowls, two Copa América finals (2016 and 2024) and many international concerts. For the 2026 World Cup, FIFA will make temporary changes to the press area, locker rooms and hospitality areas. You can see all the venues on the 2026 World Cup stadiums page.
Inside-the-stadium experience
The partial canopy covers roughly 92% of the seats, significantly reducing direct sun exposure. Even so, temperatures inside the stadium can be high due to humidity. We recommend wearing light clothing, sunscreen and staying hydrated. Hard Rock Stadium has water and food outlets on every level.
How to get to Hard Rock Stadium
Hard Rock Stadium is in Miami Gardens, in northern Miami-Dade County. Unlike other World Cup venues, it has no nearby metro station. Planning transport in advance is key.
From Downtown Miami
The distance from Downtown to the stadium is roughly 27 km. The most convenient option is the FIFA shuttle, which runs from Bayfront Park (next to the Miami Fan Festival) on match days. The trip takes 35 to 50 minutes depending on traffic. You can also take a rideshare (Uber/Lyft), but prices spike around match time.
From the airport
From Miami International Airport (MIA), Hard Rock Stadium is about 30 km away (35-45 minutes without traffic). From Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL) the distance is shorter, about 25 km, and the trip can be faster if there is no congestion on the I-95. Both airports have rideshare and taxi service available 24 hours.
By car
The main roads are the I-95 and the Florida Turnpike. Hard Rock Stadium has its own parking, but you need to book ahead on World Cup match days. Prices vary by proximity. Traffic before and after matches is very heavy. If you can, arrive at least two hours early and consider staying an hour after the match to avoid the exit peak.
| Option | Detail | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA shuttle | From Downtown Miami (Bayfront Park) | FIFA runs shuttles on match days, included in the Miami Fan Festival experience |
| Brightline + shuttle | Train to Aventura station + transport to stadium | Modern option that avoids I-95 traffic |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | From anywhere in Miami | High prices at match times, designated drop-off zone |
| Own car | Parking at Hard Rock Stadium | Book ahead, arrive 2 hours early |
Miami airports
Miami has two main airports to receive 2026 World Cup visitors. Miami International Airport (MIA) is the international-flight hub, with direct connections from Bogotá, Mexico City, São Paulo, Lisbon and dozens more cities. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL) is 45 minutes north and usually has cheaper flights, especially with low-cost airlines.
| Airport | Code | Distance to stadium | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami International | MIA | About 30 km | International flights from Latin America and Europe |
| Fort Lauderdale | FLL | About 25 km | Low-cost flights, closer to the stadium |
If you fly in from another U.S. World Cup city (for example, Houston), there are frequent direct flights. From MIA you can take the Metrorail to Downtown in about 20 minutes.
Where to stay in Miami during the World Cup
The supply of Miami World Cup hotels is wide, but demand will be very high on the dates of the 7 matches. Booking months ahead is essential. These are the most recommended areas.
Downtown / Brickell
This is the most recommended area for the World Cup. It is near the Miami Fan Festival in Bayfront Park, has access to Metrorail and Metromover, and concentrates restaurants, bars and urban life. Prices range from moderate to high, but the central location makes up for it. The FIFA shuttles to Hard Rock Stadium leave from here.
Miami Beach
The quintessential tourist option. South Beach offers beach, nightlife and an international vibe. The downside: it is far from the stadium (about 40 km) and traffic on the MacArthur Causeway or the Julia Tuttle Causeway can be slow. It is ideal if you combine the World Cup with a beach vacation.
Near the stadium (Aventura / Hallandale / Miami Gardens)
If your priority is convenience for getting to matches, staying in Aventura or Hallandale Beach cuts the trip to 10-15 minutes. Aventura has the Brightline station, malls and restaurants. It is less touristy than Downtown or the beach, but very practical.
| Area | Profile | Advantage | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown / Brickell | Recommended | Near the Fan Festival, Metrorail, restaurants | Moderate to high prices |
| Miami Beach | Tourist | Beach, nightlife, international atmosphere | Far from the stadium, causeway traffic |
| Wynwood / Midtown | Artsy | Murals, galleries, breweries, young vibe | Fewer big hotels, ideal for Airbnb |
| Aventura / Hallandale | Practical | Closer to Hard Rock Stadium, Brightline station | Less tourist atmosphere |
| Fort Lauderdale | Budget | Cheaper hotels, near FLL airport | 30-40 minutes to the stadium |
Miami Fan Festival
The FIFA Fan Festival Miami sets up in Bayfront Park, next to Biscayne Bay in Downtown. It is free and runs during the 34 days of the tournament. It features giant screens to watch every match (not just Miami's), an activities zone, sponsor stands, a food area and concerts at night.
If you don't have a stadium ticket, the Fan Festival is the best alternative to experience the World Cup atmosphere. Arrive early on popular match days because capacity is limited. For more streaming options, check where to watch the 2026 World Cup free.
Safety and weather
Weather in Miami in June and July
Miami has a tropical climate. During June and July temperatures range from 25 to 34 degrees Celsius, with high relative humidity (between 70% and 80%). Rain is frequent in the afternoon, usually as short, intense storms lasting 30 to 60 minutes. Hard Rock Stadium's partial canopy protects most seats from rain, but not all.
Safety recommendations
Miami is generally a safe city for tourists, especially in tourist areas like Downtown, Brickell, Miami Beach and Wynwood. During the World Cup, police presence and FIFA security will be reinforced. Basic tips: carry ID (a digital copy on your phone), use high sunscreen (SPF 50+), stay hydrated and be careful with extreme heat, especially if walking to the stadium.
Where to watch the matches on TV and streaming
If you are not at the stadium, there are many ways to follow the 2026 World Cup matches in Miami and across the United States. FOX Sports and Telemundo hold the broadcast rights in English and Spanish respectively. You can also watch matches on Peacock (NBC/Telemundo streaming) and on the FOX Sports app. In Latin America, broadcasts vary by country. For a full guide to free and paid options, check where to watch the 2026 World Cup free.
Besides the Fan Festival, many Miami bars and restaurants will set up giant screens. The Brickell, Wynwood and South Beach areas are the most popular for watching matches in a group.
48-hour itinerary in Miami
If you are coming to Miami specifically for a World Cup match, this two-day plan lets you enjoy the city and the football.
Day 1: arrival and World Cup atmosphere
| Time | Activity | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Arrival and check-in | Settle into the hotel (Downtown/Brickell recommended) |
| Midday | Lunch in Brickell | Restaurants with bay views, Latin American food |
| Afternoon | Miami Fan Festival | Bayfront Park: giant screens, activities, World Cup atmosphere |
| Night | Wynwood or South Beach | Murals and breweries in Wynwood, or nightlife in South Beach |
Day 2: match at Hard Rock Stadium
| Time | Activity | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Beach or Little Havana | South Beach or Cuban coffee on Calle Ocho |
| Midday | Early lunch | Eat light before heading to the stadium |
| 14:00-15:00 | Transport to the stadium | FIFA shuttle from Bayfront or Brightline to Aventura |
| 17:00-19:30 | Match | Arrive at least 90 minutes early to enter without rushing |
| Post-match | Return and celebration | Shuttle back to Downtown, dinner in Brickell or Doral |
Food and neighborhoods to live the World Cup
Miami is one of the most gastronomically diverse cities in the United States. For fans coming from Latin America, the culinary offering is especially attractive. These are the most recommended neighborhoods to eat and soak up the atmosphere.
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Little Havana | Cuban | Cuban coffee, Calle Ocho, ventanitas and dominoes at Máximo Gómez Park |
| Wynwood | Artsy | Murals, galleries, craft breweries and food trucks |
| Brickell | Urban | Skyscrapers, rooftop bars, upscale restaurants and Fan Festival nearby |
| Coconut Grove | Relaxed | Bay, restaurants with views, family atmosphere |
| Doral | Latino | Large Venezuelan and Colombian community, South American food |
If you want to discover another city with a comparable Latino atmosphere, the Houston guide for the 2026 World Cup covers a city with a strong Mexican and Central American presence.
Practical tips for your trip
- Book your hotel months ahead. Miami World Cup hotels sell out fast, especially for Colombia vs. Portugal and the quarterfinal.
- Buy tickets only through official FIFA channels. Avoid unauthorized resellers.
- Download transport apps. Uber, Lyft and the Brightline app will be your allies.
- Carry cash and card. Most places accept cards, but some street vendors near the stadium may prefer cash.
- Sun protection is a must. SPF 50+, a hat and light clothing. Miami's June-July sun is intense.
- Check the schedule before planning. If you want to see more than one match in Miami, the four group-stage games are played between June 15 and June 27.
Related articles
- Colombia's path at the 2026 World Cup
- Colombia national team · Portugal national team
- Uruguay national team · Brazil national team
- Where to watch the 2026 World Cup free
- Houston guide for the 2026 World Cup
- How the 2026 World Cup format works
- Favorites to win the 2026 World Cup
- Full schedule · Knockout bracket
- Standings table · All national teams
- The 16 stadiums of the 2026 World Cup · Venue map
Sources: FIFA.com for schedule and matches; Hard Rock Stadium for capacity and infrastructure; Miami-Dade Transit and Brightline for transport; FIFA Tickets for official tickets.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2026 World Cup matches are played in Miami?
Miami hosts 7 matches at Hard Rock Stadium: 4 group-stage games (including Colombia vs. Portugal and Scotland vs. Brazil), 1 Round of 32, 1 quarterfinal and the third-place match on July 18, 2026.
Does Colombia play in Miami during the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Colombia closes its group stage with Colombia vs. Portugal on Friday June 27 at 7:30 PM ET at Hard Rock Stadium. It is one of the most attractive group-stage matches of the 2026 World Cup.
How do I get to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami?
Hard Rock Stadium is in Miami Gardens. It has no direct Metrorail connection. The options are Brightline to Aventura station and then a shuttle, rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or your own parking. FIFA operates special transport from Downtown Miami on match days.
Where is the Miami FIFA Fan Festival?
The FIFA Fan Festival Miami is located in Bayfront Park, next to Biscayne Bay in Downtown Miami. It is free and features giant screens, concerts and activities during the 34 days of the tournament.
Which teams play in Miami at the 2026 World Cup?
In the group stage: Saudi Arabia, Uruguay (twice), Cape Verde, Scotland, Brazil, Colombia and Portugal. Then a Round of 32 (1J vs. 2H), a quarterfinal and the third-place match are played, with participants depending on earlier results.
When does Colombia play in Miami?
Colombia plays in Miami on Friday June 27, 2026 at 7:30 PM ET. The opponent is Portugal, in the Group K finale. It is the fourth and last group-stage match at Hard Rock Stadium.
Is the World Cup final in Miami?
No. The 2026 World Cup final is played at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on July 19. Miami does host the third-place match on July 18 and a quarterfinal on July 11, both at Hard Rock Stadium.
Article by
Luis MoralesJournalist and founder of the blog
Luis Morales is a professional journalist who graduated from Universidad del Externado de Colombia and the founder of this World Cup 2026 blog. He has worked for over three years as a copywriter specialized in football and major sporting events. Every article combines journalistic rigor with verification against official FIFA sources to deliver clear, accurate and useful information for fans.
Professional journalist · Universidad del Externado de Colombia · 3+ years as a copywriter
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