News Summary
Miami is set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming FIFA World Cup with prominent figures like FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and former President Donald Trump attending the America Business Forum. Mayor Francis Suarez emphasizes the city’s transformation into a global hub and anticipates significant economic benefits from the World Cup, including a projected $1.5 billion boost. As ticket demand surges, the city is preparing for the festivities, showcasing its vibrant culture and hospitality to international soccer fans.
Miami is preparing to host a major event in 2026 as part of the FIFA World Cup, with significant contributions from high-profile figures like FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and former President Donald Trump, who will headline the America Business Forum. This Forum is anticipated to be a cornerstone event leading up to the World Cup, which will see Miami host the second-most matches, including the bronze medal match.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez expressed pride in having both Infantino and Trump speak at the Forum, noting the importance of their insights on global business and leadership. Suarez, who had a brief presidential campaign in 2023 as a Republican, referred to Trump as “one of the most consequential political and business leaders of our time.” The mayor stressed that Trump’s perspective would provide valuable guidance for attendees and participants in the Forum.
As the city prepares for the World Cup, Suarez highlighted Miami’s evolution during his nearly eight years in office, transitioning from the “capital of Latin America” to a truly global city. This transformation is underscored by the city’s low unemployment rate of 2.9% as of August and robust median wage growth.
In response to New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s initiative calling for FIFA to change its ticket pricing strategy, Suarez criticized the effort as government overreach. Mamdani argues that FIFA’s dynamic pricing model is exploitative, with tickets ranging from $60 to $6,730 for matches. His “Game over Greed” campaign seeks to reserve 15% of tickets at discounted rates for working-class New Yorkers. In defense of the market, Suarez pointed out that government intervention can lead to negative consequences, using his experiences from his Cuban heritage as a reference.
Moreover, the economic landscape in Miami shows a surge of New Yorkers relocating to the area, causing housing prices to rise significantly. The city has been identified by UBS Global Wealth Management as the top location for real estate bubble risk. Despite these challenges, Suarez envisions a future where Miami attracts high-profile residents like Jeff Bezos, Tom Brady, and Lionel Messi, enhancing its status as a global city.
In light of the growing demand for World Cup tickets, FIFA has executed a Visa Presale Draw and is set to hold an Early Ticket Draw from October 27 to 31, 2025. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams and includes matches across 16 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with all Miami matches taking place at Hard Rock Stadium, which will be temporarily renamed “Miami Stadium” for the event. The first match in Miami is scheduled for June 15, 2026, and the bronze final will occur on July 18, 2026, making the city a central hub for the festivities.
Local officials anticipate that the World Cup will bring substantial economic benefits, with projections estimating a $1.5 billion boost to Miami’s economy. Miami is also known for its vibrant culture, which is expected to enhance the hospitality and entertainment options available for visitors. The anticipated FIFA Fan Festival will likely be hosted at Bayfront Park, providing fans with a community space to gather and celebrate soccer.
As Miami gears up for the World Cup and the return of international soccer fans, the city is positioned as a multicultural hub ready to embrace the excitement and camaraderie that come with hosting such a prestigious event.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Gulf Coast News Now: FIFA World Cup Tickets Miami
- Wikipedia: FIFA World Cup
- Miami New Times: How to Get Tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Miami
- Google Search: FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami
- NBC Miami: Billion Dollar Boost Expected as Miami Gears Up for FIFA World Cup Matches in 2026
- Encyclopedia Britannica: FIFA World Cup
- Visit Florida: Miami 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Google News: FIFA World Cup 2026
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
