SUNRISE — Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens will host 2026 World Cup matches beginning June 15, but the festivities in Broward County will extend far beyond the field. Starting June 12, the World Cup spirit and celebration will be found all over the county with events for the community to participate in, even if they didn’t get their hands on a ticket.
“This isn’t just soccer, it’s our chance to showcase Broward County, our communities, our culture and hospitality to a global audience,” Vice Mayor Robert McKinzie said in a news conference Friday at Amerant Bank Arena. “Soccer is the most watched sport in the world, and for several weeks, the world will be watching us.”
South Florida will host seven matches in the span of just over a month, the last being the third-place match on July 18. However, that does not mean Broward County is done that day.
Headlining the festivities are four watch parties sprinkled throughout the World Cup. The parties are free at Amerant Bank Arena, where the games will be shown on the largest TV in Broward County.
“We are thrilled to invite soccer fans into the Panthers’ home,” said Mike White, President of Business Operations for the Florida Panthers.
The watch parties are on June 12 at 9 p.m., as the USA begins play vs. Paraguay; June 27 at 7:30 p.m. with Columbia versus Portugal, a match taking place in Miami Gardens; July 11 at 5 p.m. for a quarterfinal match (also in Miami Gardens), and the last watch party is for the championship match July 19 at 3 p.m.
Although tickets are free, they must be reserved through Seat Geek or AmerantBankArena.com. Up to six tickets per person can be reserved.
“This is a great opportunity for us to spotlight not only Broward County, but all of the cities that are in between, as we all celebrate the power and the transcendency of the World Cup,” Sunrise Mayor Mike Ryan said.
Parking for the events is free, but to help residents get to the watch parties, Broward County Transit will provide Park & Ride transportation. One-way fares are $2, but select hubs and locations including Miramar, Sheridan Park and Broward Boulevard allow for free parking with a BCT One-Day Pass.
The parties offer a chance for South Florida residents to watch the big games with “18,000 of their closest friends,” said Monica Cepero, Broward County Administrator.
It also presents an affordable option for soccer fans in South Florida.
“Not all of us can afford to go to matches,” Ryan said. “But families and young children are going to be participating right here in the Amerant Bank Arena and will feel that energy of what it’s like to be part of the World Cup spectacle.”
The watch parties will have activities for children such as face painting, games and inflatables. The parties will feature food curated to the countries playing in the matches that day, to add to the international flavor.
Some of the food options that will be on the menu at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise during Broward County’s World Cup watch parties. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Along with the watch parties, Broward is planning more festivities. The parties start on Saturday at Lauderhill Sports Complex at 3 p.m., with live music, food trucks, a soccer tournament and game between youth teams Jamaica U20 and Haiti U20.
On Sunday, at Central Broward Park and Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, there will be an all-day event starting at noon, with a youth soccer clinic, live performers and soccer matches between Jamaica U20, Miami United, the Caribbean Americas Soccer Association All Stars and more.
Broward leaders said the positive economic impact of the World Cup on the community and businesses includes teams that are staying in Broward County hotels. Comparing the stimulation of the economy to the affects of the Super Bowl, Cepero said a large benefit to the economy is expected.
“We’re looking at billions of dollars in regional economic impact,” Cepero said.
She also noted that the cost of the four watch parties was part of the county commission’s sponsorship of the World Cup.
From the events, the county hopes to benefit economically and from a community standpoint and garner national attention.
“This is truly a once in a generation opportunity to showcase our Broward County community on a global stage,” McKinzie said. “The theme of the 2026 World Cup is ‘one game one passion.’ We are very passionate here in Broward county and we hope that everyone participates in the world cup events.”
Staff writer Ruth Abramovitz contributed to this report.
Broward County Vice Mayor Robert McKinzie talks during a news conference at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, on Friday to announce Broward County’s World Cup watch parties. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)