By Coral Gables Gazette staff
With the world’s largest sporting event less than 285 days away, Coral Gables is playing a pivotal role in how Miami and South Florida will shine on the global stage during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
At the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Annual Conference Closing Session on Aug. 22 at the Biltmore Hotel, soccer icon Andrés Cantor — famous for his booming “Goooaaalll!” calls — moderated a conversation with Alina Hudak, president and chief executive of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee, and Ray Martinez, the committee’s chief operating officer. Both leaders stressed that while excitement is high, the road to kickoff is filled with complex planning, fundraising, and coordination.
A monumental effort with a Gables address
The North American headquarters for the FIFA World Cup is located in Coral Gables, as is the host committee, putting the city at the center of preparations. “Prepare yourself for the biggest sporting event in history,” said Cantor, who also owns a radio network in Coral Gables with Spanish-language rights to the tournament.
Hudak described the committee’s role as both exhilarating and daunting. Unlike FIFA, which governs the tournament globally, the host committee operates as a nonprofit responsible for local execution — from raising $120 million in funding to overseeing logistics, public safety, and fan experiences. “It’s a heavy lift, and I lose a lot of sleep,” Hudak said with a smile. “But I believe in the legacy this event will leave for our children and our community.”
Opportunities for local businesses
The tournament will bring seven matches to Miami and is projected to generate an estimated $1.3 billion economic impact for South Florida — more than double the impact of the 2020 Super Bowl. Martinez urged small and minority-owned businesses to register with Miami-Dade County and FIFA’s local business directory. “Corporate partners from around the world will be here,” he said. “Get ready to staff up, be visible, and take advantage of the opportunity.”
Planning for safety and celebration
Public safety remains the top priority, Hudak and Martinez emphasized. Miami’s experience hosting large-scale events such as Formula 1, Art Basel, and the Super Bowl provides a strong foundation, but the disappointing fan experience at last year’s Copa América in Miami and the unprecedented scale of the World Cup bring new challenges.
Beyond the stadium, Miami will host a 21-day Fan Festival, offering residents and visitors a space to watch matches live and experience the city’s cultural diversity through food, music, and art. Unlike the Super Bowl, where broadcasts are tightly controlled, FIFA allows matches to be shown at large-scale celebrations. “The whole purpose is to show matches and we expect tens of hundreds of thousands of fans to show up,” Martinez said. “We want to have a place where they can come and see the matches.”
Asked whether Coral Gables might host fan experience events of its own, Hudak left the door open. “This isn’t just about soccer,” she said. “It’s about showcasing who we are as a community and leaving a legacy we can all be proud of.”
Looking ahead
With the official match draw scheduled for Dec. 5, the coming months will focus on securing private partnerships, refining operational plans, and preparing volunteers. More than 32,000 have already signed up to help deliver the event. Cantor, reflecting on decades of covering the sport, captured the moment for Coral Gables: “This city is going to rally behind this event. And when it’s all over, we’ll know we were part of something unforgettable.”
Hudak encouraged Coral Gables business owners and chamber members to participate in the Local Impact Supplier Program, which will identify and select local event production suppliers to help bring the FIFA Fan Festival and other events to life. She also urged community members to volunteer. Information is available at MiamiFWC26.com under the “Opportunities” tab.
