WTE Daily sat down with Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee, who gave an inspiring keynote at WTE yesterday, to find out more about the event and its impact on Miami.

Millions of soccer fans will descend on South Florida in the summer of 2026 where seven of the tournament’s matches will be held. Ms Lutoff-Perlo, a seasoned hospitality industry professional, is tasked with driving collaboration between the public and private sectors to welcome visitors during the event.

How do you see Miami positioning itself as a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026? What unique advantages does it offer for such a global event?
Miami is a city that is rapidly growing as a “must see” destination based on its natural beauty, focus on tourism, and incredible hotels and restaurants. Its cultural diversity is celebrated as a unique attribute that people from all over the world want to experience. And, lastly, it is the epicenter of soccer in the United States. We have the Messi and Beckham effect – both stars live here – and a diverse population that comes from countries all over the world where soccer is the number one sport. 

How do you envision the FIFA World Cup 2026 impacting the hospitality and tourism sectors in Miami and South Florida as a whole?
We expect more than 700,000 visitors, the creation of over 10,000 jobs, and an economic impact of well over $1.3B.

Could you share some insights into the key partnerships you are fostering to ensure Miami’s success?
Our biggest success will come from partnering with local businesses of all sizes who will become sponsors of the event and have exposure to the local community and the global stage. We will also partner with key non-profit organizations so that we can create legacy programs for our youth and local environment that will have a lasting impact on our communities long after the last match is played in July of 2026.

Sustainability is an ever-growing concern in event planning and tourism. What measures are being taken to ensure that Miami’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup aligns with sustainability and responsible tourism practices?
We have a legacy pillar for the 2026 FIFA Miami World Cup and sustainability and protecting the environment are at the forefront of everything we will be doing. As it should be. We will ensure we leave no footprint by hosting the event and we will be developing environmental projects that will help preserve our fragile environment, which is so important for Florida and Miami. 

WTE Miami has become a significant platform for global travel and tourism professionals. In your view, what makes this trade show so important for the future of Miami’s hospitality and tourism sectors?
Miami is an extremely important destination for global travel and tourism professionals. Its appeal checks off so many boxes for global travelers who value cultural diversity and extraordinary hospitality. Conferences like WTE Miami are critical to get the word out and for the attendees to experience this great destination for themselves. 

Miami: FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City

As a FIFA World Cup 2026 host city, Miami will hold seven of the tournament’s games. Miami is among the 16 host cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States that will hold the 2026 editions’ 104 games. Specifically, four group-stage fixtures will be held at Miami Stadium as well a quarter-final tie, and the bronze final match. With a capacity for 65,000, Miami Stadium serves as home to the Miami Dolphins, Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, and the Miami Open tennis tournament, and has hosted a wide variety of events including six Super Bowls, the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl, and El Clasico Miami, as well as many major concerts.