Miami Scores: FIFA 2026 To Bring $1B+ Economic Surge, From Miami Dade to Palm Beach County

FIFA has planted permanent roots in South Florida — the new Coral Gables office in Miami cements the region as a global hub for the world’s game. 🌎⚽️

Palm Beach County is once again at the center of the global soccer spotlight, hosting Real Madrid’s extended training camp ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The choice of South Florida reflects more than prestige — it underscores how quickly the United States has become a serious player in the world’s game.

International soccer’s popularity across the U.S. has surged in recent years, with viewership climbing 60% since 2018. More than 50 million Americans now regularly follow matches from abroad, a rise fueled by marquee signings like Lionel Messi, the buildup to global tournaments, and FIFA’s decision to expand its presence with a new office in Miami.

With a population of 22.6 million and nearly 400,000 soccer-related searches each month, Florida now ranks third among U.S. states in soccer engagement, behind only New Jersey and California.

In May, Palm Beach County was chosen to host Real Madrid and Manchester City for World Cup training camps, an event expected to generate $15 million in economic impact with $100,000 in facility upgrades funded through the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.

Florida’s soccer momentum has only accelerated since Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami CF in 2023, a move that transformed the state into a magnet for global attention. That momentum will reach another milestone in 2026 when Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium hosts seven World Cup matches — including the prestigious bronze final — as part of the largest tournament in FIFA history. Hosting the World Cup in Miami alone is expected to generate more than $1 billion for South Florida businesses, reinforcing the region’s role as an economic powerhouse for global sports.

Together with FIFA’s new Miami office, these developments place Florida at the forefront of international soccer — not just as a host, but as a global hub where sport, business, and culture intersect on the world stage.