Miami-Dade County and the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee are celebrating the successful conclusion of five weeks of World Cup competition, capping off more than two years of planning with a seamless operational performance that safely welcomed the world to South Florida.

Early hotel performance data indicates significant economic benefits for the region, with broader impacts expected to become clearer as additional data becomes available. Years of meticulous planning for public safety and public transportation across jurisdictions by local, state and federal partners paid off ensuring a safe and successful tournament for South Florida.

“For five exciting weeks, we welcomed the world to Miami-Dade County,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “The success of this FIFA World Cup is the result of years of planning, thousands of people working together, and countless moments the public never saw. This tournament reminded the world that Miami-Dade is ready for the biggest moments.”

Over the past five weeks, Miami-Dade County welcomed more than 500,000 fans from around the globe to witness seven exciting matches, culminating in the Bronze Match — a run that captivated the community and the world. For 24 consecutive days, more than 600,000 South Floridians and visitors enjoyed the FIFA Fan Festival at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami.

“The World Cup may be over, but what Miami achieved will endure,” said Rodney Barreto, chair of the FIFA Miami World Cup Host Committee. “We did not simply host matches. We showcased the very best of our community to the world. This was a once in a generation opportunity, and Miami rose to the occasion with passion, collaboration and excellence.”

Moving the masses, safely and reliably

The Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works delivered a standout performance, proving the county’s status as the 10th largest public transit system is well earned. Nearly one in four fans chose to reach the stadium using public transportation.

“The World Cup gave us the opportunity to showcase Miami-Dade to the world, and we delivered,” said Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works director and CEO Stacy Miller, PE. “We proved we can safely and reliably move hundreds of thousands of people during one of the world’s biggest sporting events, and our system performed exactly as planned.”

Overall, Metromover ridership was 185 percent higher than average during the FIFA Fan Festival, with more than 836,000 trips taken during the event. Metrorail carried more than 230,000 riders to all seven matches, and Game Day Express shuttles moved more than 203,000 passengers to and from the stadium.

Hotel performance signals lasting economic impact

According to the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), early hotel performance data shows a marked increase in hotel performance across the region. During the period covering the first six World Cup matches hosted in Miami, from June 15 through July 3, partner hotels commanded an average daily rate 33 percent higher than the same period last summer. As a result, hotel revenue generated per room increased 27 percent over the full four-week period.

The tournament also generated a significant economic boost for businesses across South Florida, including restaurants, retailers, transportation services, and small businesses. Mayor Levine Cava said the county now will build on this momentum by encouraging more residents to choose public transportation and to convert the county’s global spotlight into long-term economic growth.

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