Overview
Miami, the vibrant Magic City, will be the spectacular host of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Third Place Match (Bronze Medal Match) on July 18, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium. With 7 total matches including this prestigious bronze medal showdown, Miami offers an unparalleled World Cup experience that perfectly blends Latin American culture with American innovation. Known for its stunning beaches, world-class nightlife, Art Deco architecture, and year-round sunshine, Miami promises unforgettable memories both on and off the pitch. From the iconic South Beach to the colorful murals of Wynwood, from the authentic Cuban culture of Little Havana to the luxury shopping of the Design District, Miami is the ultimate tropical destination for international soccer fans seeking the perfect combination of football excitement and paradise lifestyle.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover Miami's diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences and atmospheres.
South Beach
Iconic beachfront neighborhood with Art Deco architecture, world-class nightlife, and famous beaches
Highlights:
- • Ocean Drive
- • Lincoln Road
- • Art Deco Historic District
- • Lummus Park Beach
Brickell
Miami's financial district with modern skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and upscale dining
Highlights:
- • Brickell City Centre
- • Mary Brickell Village
- • Brickell Key
- • Miami Riverwalk
Wynwood
Artsy neighborhood known for street art, galleries, breweries, and trendy restaurants
Highlights:
- • Wynwood Walls
- • Wynwood Marketplace
- • Local breweries
- • Art galleries
Little Havana
Authentic Cuban neighborhood with traditional restaurants, cigar shops, and cultural landmarks
Highlights:
- • Calle Ocho
- • Domino Park
- • Ball & Chain
- • Cuban Memorial Boulevard
Design District
Luxury shopping destination with high-end fashion, art galleries, and contemporary architecture
Highlights:
- • Luxury boutiques
- • Art galleries
- • Design showrooms
- • Fine dining
Mid-Beach
Quieter beach area between South Beach and North Beach with luxury hotels and restaurants
Highlights:
- • Eden Roc Resort
- • The Standard
- • Beach access
- • Upscale dining
Getting Around
Airport
Miami International Airport (MIA) - 6-7 miles from downtown
Distance to city center: 15-30 minutes
Public Transport
Metrorail, Metromover, buses, Brightline train to Hard Rock Stadium
Metro/bus passes available
Ride-Hail
Uber, Lyft available
Convenient for stadium access
Safety & Common Scams
Safety Tips
Generally safe with enhanced World Cup security measures. Standard big city precautions recommended.
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use official transport and licensed taxis
- • Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night
- • Keep copies of important documents
Quick Facts
Essential Info
- Population: 6.3 million (metro area)
- Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA) - 6-7 miles from downtown
- Public Transport: Metrorail, Metromover, buses, Brightline train to Hard Rock Stadium
- Best Time to Visit: June-July 2026 (World Cup period) - perfect beach weather
Travel Info
- Currency: USD
- Language: English, Spanish (bilingual city)
- Timezone: EST (UTC-5)
- Safety: Generally safe with enhanced World Cup security measures. Standard big city precautions recommended.
Must-See Attractions
South Beach
World-famous beach with iconic Art Deco architecture, vibrant nightlife, and crystal-clear waters
Little Havana
Authentic Cuban neighborhood with cigar shops, domino parks, and the best Cuban food outside Havana
Wynwood Walls
Open-air street art museum featuring world-renowned murals and galleries in a trendy arts district
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Historic Italian Renaissance-style villa with stunning bayfront gardens and European art
Brickell City Centre
Modern shopping and dining complex in Miami's financial district with luxury brands
Design District
Luxury shopping destination with high-end fashion, art galleries, and contemporary architecture
Bayfront Park
Downtown waterfront park with stunning bay views, concerts, and outdoor activities
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
Contemporary art museum with international exhibitions and stunning bayfront location
Miami & Hard Rock Stadium Restaurant Guide
From stadium-area quick bites to world-class Michelin-starred dining, discover the best restaurants for your World Cup 2026 experience in the Magic City.
Restaurants Near Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL)
Lorna's Caribbean & American Grill
Fusion of Caribbean and American dishes, Bahamian salad and coconut curry
19752 NW 27th Ave, Miami Gardens • 2 miles from stadium
$15-30 per person
Awash Ethiopian Restaurant
Authentic Ethiopian cuisine with rich spices, traditional injera bread
19934 NW 2nd Ave, Miami Gardens • 1.5 miles from stadium
$15-25 per person
Tony's Pizza
Family-owned pizzeria, New York-style slices with Miami twist
19329 NW 2nd Ave, Miami Gardens • 1.5 miles from stadium
$10-20 per person
World Famous
Global flavors and signature egg rolls, creative diverse menu
19401 NW 27th Ave, Miami Gardens • 2 miles from stadium
$15-25 per person
Iconic Miami Foods & Where to Get Them
Joe's Stone Crab
Iconic seafood restaurant since 1913, fresh stone crab claws
11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach • South Beach institution
$50-100 per person
Versailles Restaurant
Most famous Cuban restaurant in Little Havana, authentic Cuban cuisine
3555 SW 8th Street, Little Havana • Calle Ocho
$15-30 per person
Ball & Chain
Historic Little Havana bar with live music, mojitos, Cuban atmosphere
1513 SW 8th Street, Little Havana • Live music venue
$12-25 per drink
Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop
Best Cuban sandwich in Miami, authentic pressed sandwiches
186 NE 29th Street, Miami • Local favorite
$8-15 per sandwich
Michelin-Starred Restaurants (Special Occasion Dining)
Stubborn Seed
Innovative American cuisine by Chef Jeremy Ford
101 Washington Ave, Miami Beach • South Beach
$100-150 per person
Hiden
Exclusive 8-seat Japanese omakase experience
313 NW 25th St, Miami • Wynwood area
$200-300 per person
Boia De
Intimate Italian restaurant with creative dishes and rare wines
5205 NE 2nd Ave, Miami • Little Haiti
$80-120 per person
The Surf Club Restaurant
Refined American cuisine by Chef Thomas Keller
9011 Collins Ave, Surfside • Four Seasons Hotel
$150-250 per person
Neighborhood Dining Highlights
Little Havana
Versailles Restaurant
Most famous Cuban restaurant
$15-30 per person
Ball & Chain
Historic bar with live music
$12-25 per drink
South Beach
Joe's Stone Crab
Iconic seafood since 1913
$50-100 per person
Stubborn Seed
Michelin-starred American
$100-150 per person
Wynwood
Hiden
8-seat omakase experience
$200-300 per person
Wynwood Brewing Company
Local craft beer and food
$8-15 per beer
Quick & Budget-Friendly Options
Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop
Best Cuban sandwich in Miami • Authentic pressed sandwiches
$8-15 per sandwich
Vicky Bakery
Cuban pastries and coffee • Multiple locations
$3-8 per item
Dining Tips for World Cup Visitors
Reservation Strategy
- • Fine dining: Book 1-2 months ahead
- • Popular spots: Use Resy, OpenTable apps
- • Walk-ins: Try off-peak hours (2-5 PM)
Match Day Dining
- • Pre-game: Eat 2-3 hours before kickoff
- • Stadium area: Book reservations well ahead
- • Post-game: Miami restaurants stay open late
Nightlife & Entertainment
Experience Miami's legendary nightlife scene, from world-famous nightclubs to intimate cocktail bars.
LIV at Fontainebleau
NightclubWorld-famous nightclub with celebrity sightings and top DJs
Story Miami
NightclubMassive nightclub with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems
Ball & Chain
Bar/Live MusicHistoric Little Havana bar with live music, mojitos, and authentic Cuban atmosphere
Broken Shaker
Cocktail BarAward-winning cocktail bar with tropical drinks and rooftop setting
Wynwood Brewing Company
BreweryLocal brewery with craft beers and food in the heart of Wynwood
Shopping Destinations
From luxury boutiques to local markets, Miami offers world-class shopping experiences.
Lincoln Road Mall
Outdoor MallPedestrian-only shopping street with restaurants, shops, and street performers
Highlights:
- • Art galleries
- • Restaurants
- • Street performers
- • People watching
Brickell City Centre
Shopping CenterModern shopping complex with luxury brands, dining, and entertainment
Highlights:
- • Luxury brands
- • Cinema
- • Dining options
- • City views
Design District
Luxury ShoppingHigh-end shopping destination with luxury fashion and design showrooms
Highlights:
- • Luxury boutiques
- • Art galleries
- • Design showrooms
- • Fine dining
Aventura Mall
Shopping MallMassive shopping mall with 300+ stores, restaurants, and entertainment
Highlights:
- • 300+ stores
- • Food court
- • Entertainment
- • Free parking
Bayside Marketplace
MarketplaceWaterfront shopping and dining complex with bay views and boat tours
Highlights:
- • Waterfront location
- • Boat tours
- • Souvenirs
- • Dining with views
Itineraries
24-Hour Itinerary
- • Morning: City tour and local breakfast
- • Afternoon: Stadium visit and fan zone
- • Evening: Match or local nightlife
48-Hour Itinerary
- • Day 1: Full city exploration and attractions
- • Day 2: Stadium experience and local culture
- • Extended time for relaxation and dining
Matches in this City
7 World Cup Matches
View the complete schedule for Miami
Fan Zones & Watch Parties
Official Fan Zone
Main gathering area for World Cup fans with giant screens and entertainment.
- • Location: City center
- • Hours: Match days + extended hours
- • Features: Food vendors, merchandise, live music
Watch Parties
Local bars and venues showing matches with fan-friendly atmosphere.
- • Sports bars in downtown area
- • Beachfront venues for outdoor viewing
- • Family-friendly options available
World Cup Stadiums
Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Stadium during World Cup)
Capacity
65,326
Distance from Downtown
20 miles from downtown Miami (Miami Gardens)
Transportation
Brightline to Aventura Station + shuttle, Metrobus Route 297, Pre-booked parking, Uber/Lyft rideshare zones at Gates 1 & 4
Map
Where to Stay
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Iconic luxury beachfront resort with multiple pools, world-class spa, and celebrity-favorite nightclub LIV
The Setai Miami Beach
Ultra-luxury hotel combining Art Deco architecture with Asian-inspired design and private beach access
Freehand Miami
Trendy hostel with private rooms, shared dorms, pool, bar, and social atmosphere perfect for young travelers
The Standard Miami
Boutique hotel with spa, restaurant, and bayfront location in trendy Mid-Beach area
Kimpton EPIC Hotel
Luxury downtown hotel with river views, rooftop pool, and easy access to Brickell and downtown
Generator Miami
Modern hostel in South Beach with private rooms, shared spaces, and beach access
Travel Tips
Getting Around
Metrorail, Metromover, buses, Brightline train to Hard Rock Stadium is the best way to explore the city. Consider purchasing a day pass for unlimited rides.
Weather
75-90°F (24-32°C) - Pack accordingly and stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.
Safety
Generally safe with enhanced World Cup security measures. Standard big city precautions recommended. - Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Plan Your Trip
Get detailed travel guides, match schedules, and exclusive fan tips.
