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On Wednesday, the City of Miami officially launched its countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a high-energy celebration at the Pérez Art Museum, marking one year until the global tournament.
The event featured local leaders, artists and athletes. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava invited attendees to share the city’s vision for the future
“What we’re building here today will last beyond the final whistle,” said Levin Cava. “We are so proud that we are going to have new soccer programs for our youth, new jobs, new impact for the whole South Florida region.”
A custom-designed soccer ball was presented to international music star and city ambassador Marc Anthony by Colombian artist Mr. Bling, who described his creation as “a unique piece inspired by Miami, the colors, the buildings, the beauty of the city.”
Christopher Corey, liaison to the World Cup for the City of Miami, emphasized the challenges and years of work that led to this celebration.
“We had a lot of moments where we didn’t think that we were going to be a host city,” said Corey. “I’m just really taking it back and reflecting and just being really happy for all the kids and families that are going to get to enjoy the World Cup.”
The event also spotlighted the tournament’s future impact.
“What we do now will be like in the 1994 World Cup,” said Miami FC youth academy Coach Johnny Hynes. “Twenty years from now, MLS might be the biggest competition in the world.”
Miami is set to be one of 16 host cities for the 2026 tournament, and officials say the countdown with the city ready to take the global stage.
“FIFA is here to stay because their headquarters are now in Coral Gables,” said Levine Cava. “Thank you so much to FIFA for looking at what the world already knows. We are paradise and we are the place to be, number one in the world.”
