MIAMI – (Feb. 1, 2024) – Before any referee blows the whistle to officially start a FIFA World Cup 26TM match inside Hard Rock Stadium just over two years from now, the responsibility of galvanizing business and community support for the world’s largest sporting event in Miami-Dade County begins with bringing together strong community leaders to guide the effort.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee will be spearheaded by co-chairs Rodney Barreto, chairman and CEO of the Barreto Group and Beau Ferrari, NBCUniversal.
“This is a special time for ‘fútbol’ in Miami-Dade County as our community further embraces the excitement and passion that comes with the sport. I am thrilled and excited to have Rodney and Beau step up as co-chairs of the Executive Host Committee and I am confident that they will bring together dedicated community leaders to put forward the best host community experience ever,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “I am equally excited to strengthen collaboration among state leaders, our 34 municipalities, business and philanthropic champions as the co-chairs build the Host Committee that will guide and fundraise for FIFA 2026 World Cup.”
“This community has proven time and time again that it can step up and deliver when we have the opportunity to showcase and support events that shine a global spotlight on Miami-Dade County, its vibrant cities and the state of Florida,” said Barreto. “Great events are truly successful when you can work with a team that has vision, commitment and drive. I am honored to serve as co-chair and get to work on the important task ahead as we bring a diverse group of elected, community, business and nonprofit leaders together to host FIFA World Cup 26TM.”
“The World Cup 2026 will be a defining event for the Greater Miami community and state of Florida,” said Ferrari. “The host committee will come together with a shared commitment of creating and building an organization that will deliver a world-class event with an impact that will extend way beyond the matches in 2026.”
The announcement comes as FIFA hosts its upcoming televised announcement on Feb. 4 unveiling the much-anticipated tournament match schedule and host city match allocations. The FIFA World Cup 26TM draw will occur in late 2025, where team matchups will be revealed.
“Miami-Dade County, in partnership with major venues, government partners, our municipalities and our hospitality industry have a multiple-decades-long history and track record of organizing and hosting many of the most iconic events in the world of sports and entertainment and FIFA World Cup 26TM will now ascend to the top of this list,” said President and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau David Whitaker. “It will take an entire community, industry and ecosystem to host matches and welcome the world and we look forward to collaborating on this.
“We are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to host the FIFA World Cup 26TM at Hard Rock Stadium, in what will be an incredible moment for Miami-Dade County, its fútbol fans and the many businesses and residents who will benefit by Miami being at the epicenter of international sports,” said Tom Garfinkel, vice chairman, president and CEO of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. “With the support of our community leaders and following the leadership of Rodney and Beau, we know that Miami will show the world what a unique and beautiful city it is through its diversity of culture, art, influence and people. We are honored to partner with the GMCVB, FIFA and so many others to take part in this historic global sporting event right here in Miami.”
Working in partnership with FIFA and associated sports, state and local government entities, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee was established to host matches, maximize opportunities and deliver an unmatched FIFA World Cup 26™ experience that creates enduring economic, social, recreational and cultural opportunities in communities throughout Miami-Dade County.
For information about volunteering and ongoing event updates, please visit: www.MiamiFWC26.com and follow us on Instagram (@FWC26Miami), X (@FWC26Miami) and Facebook (@FWC26Miami). For sponsorship opportunities, please contact sponsorship@miamifwc26.com.
