Hard Rock Stadium World Cup 2026: Schedule, Tickets, Travel Guide & History
Hard Rock Stadium hosts seven matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup from June 15 through July 18. Miami Gardens earned one of the best schedules with four group games plus three knockout matches. The venue hosts a quarterfinal and the prestigious third-place final.
The stadium sits 15 miles north of downtown Miami. Miami expects nearly 1 million visitors and a billion-dollar boost.
The privately funded venue opened in 1987 and got a $500 million upgrade between 2014 and 2016. The roof protects fans from sun and rain. Hard Rock Stadium hosted six Super Bowls already.
Quick Facts: Hard Rock Stadium World Cup 2026
- Location: Miami Gardens, Florida, USA
- Opened: August 16, 1987
- Capacity: 65,326 seats
- World Cup Matches: 7 total – 4 group stage, 1 Round of 32, 1 quarterfinal, 1 third-place match
- Temporary FIFA Name: Miami Stadium
- Home Teams: Miami Dolphins (NFL), Miami Hurricanes (NCAA)
- Construction Cost: $115 million (privately funded)
- Key Features: Partial canopy roof for shade, natural Bermuda grass surface, four large video screens, SkyView gondola with skyline views, and 216 suites with 10,120 club seats
Full Hard Rock Stadium World Cup 2026 Schedule
| Date | Match Stage | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, June 15, 2026 | Group Stage | TBD |
| Sunday, June 21, 2026 | Group Stage | TBD |
| Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | Group Stage | TBD |
| Saturday, June 27, 2026 | Group Stage | TBD |
| Thursday, July 3, 2026 | Round of 32 | TBD |
| Friday, July 11, 2026 | Quarterfinal | TBD |
| Saturday, July 18, 2026 | Third Place | TBD |
The tournament starts June 11 in Mexico City. The final plays July 19 in New Jersey. Miami got the bronze medal game. This match decides third place overall.
Miami hosts games from opening week through the final weekend. FIFA reveals teams after the December 2025 draw.
How to Get 2026 World Cup Tickets: Hard Rock Stadium
FIFA sells all official tickets at FIFA.com/tickets. The first lottery opened September 10, 2025 for Visa holders. More sales phases run through early 2026. The second lottery started October 27-31 with purchases in mid-November to early December. The third phase begins after the December 5 draw.
FIFA announced pricing starts at $60 for group stage seats. Top Category 1 seats reach $6,730 for the final. Specific Miami ticket prices vary by match. Premium packages start at $1,350 per person for single matches. Suite options cost over $8,275 per person. The quarterfinal and third-place games cost the most. These matches feature top teams competing for medals.
Prices change based on demand and team matchups. Fans can buy up to four tickets per match. Maximum 40 tickets total per person for the tournament. FIFA will launch a resale platform soon. Secondary sites already sell tickets at higher prices.
Hard Rock Stadium hosts seven matches: four group stage games, one Round of 32, one quarterfinal, and the third-place match on July 18, 2026.
Travel Guide for World Cup Visitors
Getting There
Miami Airport sits 17 miles away. The drive takes 25 minutes via I-95. MIA has over 1,000 daily flights. Fort Lauderdale Airport offers another option 20 miles from the venue. FLL serves 36 million passengers yearly and often costs less. The drive from FLL takes 19 minutes.
Transportation Options
Brightline Train:
- Modern rail connects Miami Central to Aventura Station
- Also runs from Orlando, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale
- Shuttles go from Aventura to stadium Lot 16
Tri-Rail:
- Miami Airport to Golden Glades Station hourly
- Costs $2 to $5
- Takes 22 minutes
Rideshare:
- Taxi from Miami Airport: $65 to $80
- Taxi from Fort Lauderdale: $35 to $50
- Expect surge pricing during matches
Where to Stay
Downtown Miami hotels sit 15 miles from the stadium. Miami Beach properties offer ocean views 20 miles away.
Fort Lauderdale hotels provide beach access and lower prices. Miami Gardens sits closest to the venue. Book early as 1 million visitors will arrive during the tournament.
Dining and Attractions
Little Havana offers authentic Cuban food. South Beach has trendy restaurants and nightlife. Wynwood Walls shows street art. The Art Deco District preserves 1930s buildings. Bayfront Park will host the free FIFA Fan Festival with giant screens and entertainment. The Everglades sits one hour west.
Weather and What to Pack
Miami hits 89 degrees in June and July with high humidity. Afternoon storms happen regularly. The canopy provides shade and rain protection. Pack light, breathable clothes. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Bring rain gear for sudden storms. Drink lots of water.
- Official Website: https://www.hardrockstadium.com
- Map link: https://www.hardrockstadium.com/stadium-maps
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HardRockStadium1
Inside Hard Rock Stadium: History and Features
History:
- Opened August 16, 1987 as Joe Robbie Stadium
- First privately funded multipurpose stadium in U.S.
- Cost $115 million
- Named Hard Rock Stadium in 2016
Major Events:
- Six Super Bowls (1989, 1995, 1999, 2007, 2010, 2020)
- Florida Marlins baseball (1993-2011)
- 2024 Copa América final
- Formula One Miami Grand Prix since 2022
- Miami Open tennis since 2019
Design Features:
- Capacity reduced from 75,000 to 65,326
- Four massive video screens
- Partial canopy roof with 17,000 tons of steel
- Natural Bermuda grass field
- SkyView gondola for tours
$500 Million Renovation:
- Lower deck moved 24 feet closer to field
- Corner seats removed
- All seats replaced with aqua color
- Canopy added for shade and rain protection
- Completed 2014-2016
FIFA World Cup 2026 Preparations (Miami Stadium)
FIFA bans corporate names at tournaments. Hard Rock Stadium becomes Miami Stadium during the World Cup. All branding gets covered. The name honors Greater Miami.
The stadium already has natural grass. FIFA requires grass at all venues. The Bermuda grass handles tropical heat well. Groundskeepers will prepare the field to FIFA standards.
Miami-Dade County approved $46 million in spending. Over half goes to police and fire departments. The rest covers transportation and logistics. Officials work with airports and federal agencies.
The $500 million renovation finished in 2016. The canopy roof, screens and seating already meet FIFA standards. Hard Rock Stadium is ready for the tournament.
Hard Rock Stadium World Cup 2026 FAQs
How many matches will the stadium host?
Seven matches: four group stage, one Round of 32, one quarterfinal and the third-place final on July 18.
What is the seating capacity?
The stadium holds 65,326 seats with improved comfort from recent renovations.
Which teams will play here?
FIFA announces teams after the December 2025 draw. The quarterfinal and third-place match feature top teams.
How do I get from Miami Airport?
The stadium sits 17 miles away. Drive time is 25 minutes. Rideshare costs $65 to $80. Tri-Rail and shuttles also work.
Which airport is best?
Miami Airport is closest at 17 miles. Fort Lauderdale sits 20 miles away and often costs less.
Why change the stadium name?
FIFA bans corporate names at tournaments. Hard Rock becomes Miami Stadium for the event. The original name returns after.
What is the economic impact?
Miami expects 1 million visitors. The tournament brings a billion-dollar boost. The county approved $46 million in spending.
Has Miami hosted before?
No. The 1994 World Cup used Orlando instead due to baseball conflicts. This is Miami’s first World Cup.
Plan Your Miami World Cup Experience
The 2026 World Cup brings seven matches to Miami. Hard Rock Stadium hosts games from opening week through the bronze final. Miami offers world-class soccer and tropical vacation.
Book hotels now across Miami, Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale. The Brightline train connects multiple cities. Check FIFA.com/tickets for lottery news.
Hard Rock Stadium hosted six Super Bowls. The $500 million renovation created a top sports venue. The canopy roof and grass field provide the perfect atmosphere.
Visit the Miami host committee website for planning help. Check Brightline for train schedules. Book early and join Miami as it welcomes the world.
