It’s no secret that some of the world’s most avid soccer (or, as most would call it, football) fans are found outside the U.S. But considering more than half of Miami-Dade County’s residents were born outside of the countryand that the sport has been popular for generations among the Hispanic population (which comprises nearly 70% of county residents), the melting pot of Miami primes Hard Rock Stadium (rebranded for the games as Miami Stadium) as a premiere spot for footballers to duke it out for the world’s most anticipated soccer tournament. 

Did we mention that Miami has adopted top-ranked Lionel “Leo” Messi as its own after the Argentine footballer joined Inter Miami CF in 2023? Whether locals cheer for him as he plays on his national team, root for the team of their adopted home country, back one of the dozens of international teams, or show up for all three, one thing is for sure: Miami will make for one of the most electric cities (not to mention killer beach towns) from which to catch seven key matches including a quarter-final on July 11, 2026 and the third-place match on July 18, 2026.

Here’s why Miami Beach and Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club make for one of the most exciting bases for the global games.

Why Miami Beach Is the Perfect Base for the Upcoming Global Games

Staying near the stadium might seem like a good move, but given the expected uptick in traffic and congestion, the smart money is on staying somewhere in between Miami International Airport and the stadium itself. Here’s why: Miami will host seven matches between June 15, 2026 and July 18, 2026, scheduled days apart. Scheduled downtime between matches gives plenty of opportunity to explore Miami outside of the stadium sprawl and city tourist traps. Centering yourself in Miami Beach is the optimal way to live and play like a local.

Enjoy:

– Oceanfront relaxation with easy rideshare or transit ride options to and from Hard Rock Stadium, major attractions, and Miami’s top neighborhoods.

– Art Deco design, world-class music, unique shopping, and public art — all bookended by sunrise beach walks and sunset cocktails, just steps from your front door.

– Easy access to the thriving scenes of Lincoln Road, South Beach, and the Faena Arts District — all pulsing with globally-influenced creative energy.

– A central location between Miami International Airport and the stadium, with smooth transit connections that keep match days stress-free.

– A stylish, beachfront home base for travelers who want to experience the real Miami beyond the matches, found at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club in the heart of Miami Beach. Enjoy a coastal-inspired meal at Donna Mare Italian Chophouse or relax with a craft cocktail on the sand at Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill — an ideal way to fuel up for or wind down after the soccer games.

Getting to Miami Stadium from Miami Beach

Reach Hard Rock Stadium from Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club in about 30 minutes via rideshare or car (no complicated transfers required).

Many visitors use rideshares, group shuttles, or shared vans for seamless and social match-day transport.

Where to Stay in Miami

For those seeking serene design married with Miami Beach’s iconic Art Deco architecture, luxury amenities, and a prime oceanfront location, Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club in Miami Beach can’t be beat.  Guests benefit from:

– Elegant rooms and suites that feature modern coastal design, plush bedding, and private terraces that overlook the Atlantic Ocean.

– Service that delivers significant attention to detail and a local experience that revolves heavily around food, art, culture, and connection. 

– Hyper-personalized Cadillac Concierge service, available 24/7 and designed to anticipate needs while customizing your Miami Beach experience — complete with excursions to the Global Games — exactly to your liking.

– One of the most extensive selections of rosé on Miami Beach, available at Donna Mare Italian Chophouse (the hotel’s signature restaurant), Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill (for oceanfront sipping), and at the Lobby Bar (where guests can explore different varietals via rosé flights). 

– A pair of immaculate outdoor pools — one for families, one for adults — where poolside cabanas can be booked, completed with appetizers, fresh fruit, and a fridge stocked with soda, water, and a choice of beer, mimosas, bellinis, or prosecco.

Travel Tips for Visiting Miami During the 2026 Global Games

– Book Early: hotels will fill up months in advance.

– Arrange Transit: Schedule rideshares in advance 

– Don’t Fight Traffic: Instead of driving to the stadium, use a rideshare or group transport for stress-free journeys.

– Explore Miami Beach: from food to nightlife, art to architecture, there’s plenty to discover.

Are There Fan Zones or Viewing Parties Planned in Miami?

Official fan zone announcements are forthcoming, but the City of Miami is already preparing for the Fan Festival 2026, a family-friendly event held over 23 days and headquartered in downtown’s Bayfront Park which will serve live match broadcasts, entertainment, cultural performances, food, games, and interactive experiences for fans with and without tickets to matches. 

Many hotels, bars, and restaurants are also expected to host their own screening events — expect themed events that span pre-match build-up to post-match celebrations. Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club is primed to host its own lively watch party programming at Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill, giving fans a chance to cheer on their favorite players, celebrate with fellow revelers, and soak in the global games experience — all just steps from their rooms.

What Else Can I Do in Miami Between Matches?

Miami is expected to dial up its already lively energy for the Global Games. While there will be plenty of soccer-centered fanfare at this world-class sporting destination, the host city also offers plenty to see and experience away from the pitch. 

Just a few miles from the centrally located Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, visitors will find elite shopping at Bal Harbour Shops, which just celebrated its 60th year and has served as a retail destination for Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, Leonardo DiCaprio, Nicole Kidman, and Pharrell Williams, among others. 

The Magic City is also a global nightlife juggernaut, with some of the world’s most renowned DJs dropping in to play in the city’s 600+ nightlight venues (like house music haven Do Not Sit on the Furniture and Ball and Chain or Mangos for bachata, hip-hop, and/or live salsa music). 

Art lovers can check out Wynwood Walls (billed as Miami’s Original Street Art Museum); learn more about the Art Deco movement via an Art Deco District walking tour (either self-directed or guided by the Miami Design Preservation League); or view art in a more structured setting by viewing contemporary works at The Bass Museum of Art.

Finally, foodies will find no shortage of places to indulge and discover: Take part in one of the city’s many culinary tours, like Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour, or discover local haunts (such as Dulce Vida Mexican Restaurant for birria tacos and Las Olas Cafe for Cuban sandwiches) alongside Miami’s best wood-fired pizzas and housemade pastas at Donna Mare Italian Chophouse at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club.

No matter what aspect of Miami’s energy you’re looking to drop into, it can all be done seamlessly — and in between Global Games celebrations — from Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club. 

When Should I Book My Hotel?

Rooms across Miami will sell out quickly once match schedules are finalized. To secure the best rates and locations, smart travelers will book stays at least 6–12 months in advance — especially if looking to stay in a prime, beachfront area like Miami Beach. The iconic beachfront community is not only centered among the best dining, nightlife, and shopping that Florida has to offer, but boasts easy stadium transit, making it a top choice for soccer fans.

Will There Be Traffic or Road Closures During the Matches?

Yes. Expect heavier traffic around Miami Stadium and along major routes connecting Miami Beach, Downtown Miami, and the stadium area on match days (including Interstate 95 and State Road 915 (SR 915), locally known as Northeast Sixth Avenue). Temporary road closures and lane restrictions are likely to be enforced before and after matches to manage event traffic. As such, public transit and rideshares are recommended to travel to and from the Global Games, with expanded service anticipated on key routes.

No matter if you’re cheering from the stands, catching the match on a big screen, or exploring the city between games, Miami Beach puts the excitement of the world’s biggest soccer tournament right at your doorstep. Book your stay at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club now and experience Miami like a local while staying close to all the action.