Florida invites fans to celebrate FIFA World Cup 2026 with unforgettable experiences across the Sunshine State
As the FIFA World Cup 2026™ kicks off this summer across North America, Florida is inviting Canadian fans to make the Sunshine State their ultimate tournament home base. With seamless air access from Canada, iconic host-city energy, and countless ways to turn match days into memorable Floridays, Florida offers the perfect blend of football, fun, and vacation.
Watch Parties & Fan Festivals
Miami
-
FIFA Fan Festival – Open to all, this vibrant, family-friendly event at Bayfront Park brings the tournament to life with live match broadcasts, electrifying entertainment, cultural performances, food, games and interactive fan experiences.
-
Grails Miami – Located in Miami’s vibrant Wynwood neighborhood, the world’s first-ever sneaker-themed restaurant and bar will show every single match on 75+ TVs and a giant projector screen.
Orlando
-
Wall Street Plaza – Home to eight of the most unique venues and restaurants in the heart of Downtown Orlando, Wall Street Plaza will host Orlando’s Official Fan Fest, featuring daily watch parties from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
-
The Lucky Leprechaun Irish Pub – The oldest and only Irish pub on International Drive is planning a major fan zone with bagpipes, food and indoor and outdoor viewing areas, plus a road trip to Miami for one of the matches.
Where Canadians Can Stay
Miami
The Elser Hotel – Known for its residential-style accommodations, this stunning 49-story tower in Downtown Miami provides a front-row seat to the FIFA Fan Fest at Bayfront Park. It’s the perfect spot for guests looking to immerse themselves in the free, 23-day public celebration.
Key West
Blue Flamingo Resort Key West – Positioned at the gateway to Key West, Blue Flamingo Resort Key West blends tropical charm, playful energy and modern island style, ideal for friends, couples and families seeking an unforgettable add-on to their World Cup itinerary.
Fort Myers
Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach – The resort has announced a limited-time World Cup special: stay two nights or more and receive 30% off your stay, plus the resort fee is waived. All fans have to do is book before July 30, 2026, to stay between June 1 and July 31, 2026.
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach
Sunseeker Resort Florida Gulf Coast – Just a few hours from the action, the resort spans 22 acres along the Peace River and offers an array of amenities for families, friends, couples and solo travellers. Guests and non-hotel visitors can enjoy the rooftop adults-only pool, the family-friendly waterfront pool and diverse dining options.
Kissimmee
Vacation Home Capital of the World – According to Key Data, there was a 1,000% surge in vacation rental bookings when the World Cup schedule was released. Kissimmee - the Vacation Home Capital of the World - still has plenty of availability with more than 30,000 rental homes to choose from. Boasting private pools, game rooms, themed bedrooms, full kitchens and resort perks, plus pet-friendly options, extra space, flexible layouts and incredible value, fans will feel right at home in one of Kissimmee’s vacation rentals.
Transportation
Direct Flights
Florida’s major airports offer extensive nonstop service from key Canadian gateways, making travel simple and efficient throughout the tournament.
Brightline
Brightline offers comfortable, sustainable train service between Miami and Orlando in just three hours, with stops in Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. Brightline connects to Hard Rock Stadium via its Aventura Station, and groups of three or more can save 25% on Adult SMART fares - perfect for game-day squads.
Rental Cars
Florida is a driveable destination, allowing fans to explore more of the state on day trips and overnight excursions in a rental car. When their team is not playing, visitors can embark on a roadtrip and find themselves in an entirely new part of the state in just a few short hours.
Local Transit
Each local community across Florida offers public transportation, rideshare services and pedestrian-friendly districts for seamless movement in between matches.
Experiences
Culinary
Florida's MICHELIN Guide currently highlights 167 restaurants in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, St. Pete-Clearwater, Fort Lauderdale and the Palm Beaches. MICHELIN will broaden its scope across the entire state in the spring, giving fans the opportunity to dine at some of the best restaurants across the globe during their World Cup trip.
Professional Sports
Florida is home to 12 teams across the MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, MLS and NWSL, in addition to hosting Spring Training for 15 MLB teams, and is the site of several major golf, tennis and motorsports tournaments. During the World Cup, sports fans can catch regular-season games for the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays and attend watch parties for the NBA and NHL playoffs.
Shopping
From beachfront boutiques and vintage storefronts to artisan markets and sprawling outlets, shopping in Florida is a must-do experience for many travellers. Aventura Mall in Miami is the largest mall in the state of Florida, and with Brightline’s Aventura Station just steps away, shoppers from South Florida to Orlando have a convenient, traffic-free way to reach the shopping mecca. Visitors also can delight in Sawgrass Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in the United States.
For more information about making Florida your home base for all of the FIFA World Cup 2026 action, click here.
About VISIT FLORIDA
VISIT FLORIDA is Florida’s official tourism marketing corporation and travel planning resource for visitors across the globe. As Florida's No. 1 industry, tourism was responsible for welcoming a record-setting 142.9 million visitors in 2024, an increase of 1.6% from 2023. In 2023, the Florida tourism industry generated $127.7 billion in economic impact and supported 2.1 million Florida jobs, making tourism a key economic engine benefiting Florida families. The Florida Legislature’s independent Office of Economic and Demographic Research calculates VISIT FLORIDA’s ROI as delivering $3.3 in return to the state for every public dollar invested, making VISIT FLORIDA one of the best performing investments in state history. VISIT FLORIDA promotes tourism through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations and visitor services programs, and works with travel industry partners throughout the state. To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA, go to VISITFLORIDA.org and follow us on our industry social media channels: LinkedIn and X @FloridaTourism. For travel inspiration and information follow @VISITFLORIDA on Facebook, X and Instagram or visit VISITFLORIDA.com. For media resources, visit VISITFLORIDAMedia.com.
Media Contact:
Anja Brokjans
Director PR, VoX International
VISIT FLORIDA – Canada