Miami adds $7.5 million to its World Cup funding

Miami is ramping up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup games coming next summer, with the city contributing $7.5 million in in-kind services to support the tournament and related events.

During their Nov. 20 meeting, Miami commissioners approved the $7.5 million in-kind contribution to support the upcoming World Cup games, covering city services from police and fire to public works and permitting, with much of the cost reimbursable through federal programs.

The commission also gave final approval to a “clean zone” around Bayfront Park, ensuring local businesses can participate in and benefit from the World Cup games and Fan Festival, which is expected to attract more than 600,000 visitors to Miami-Dade County and generate a direct economic impact exceeding $500 million.

City Manager Art Noriega outlined the city’s role in hosting the event, noting that Miami has already committed $5 million in cash and negotiated $7.5 million in in-kind services, including police, fire, code enforcement, public works, parks and special event permitting.

“Subsequent to that, the federal government offered a program for reimbursement through Homeland Security, to which anywhere from 80% to 90% of our commitment will be reimbursed,” Mr. Noriega said, emphasizing that the net financial impact on the city would be limited.

FIFA representatives added context, explaining the $7.5 million in-kind contribution was calculated in collaboration with city departments and that federal funds totaling $625 million have been allocated to reimburse host cities for public safety costs.

“These dollars do not leave the City of Miami coffers,” a representative said. “They remain in until an invoice is submitted from police or fire, code enforcement, or solid waste to be eligible for reimbursement.”

Commissioner Damian Pardo stressed the economic benefits and necessity of the city’s involvement. “Number one, this money doesn’t leave the City of Miami. Number two, these are services that the City of Miami is expending, period, no matter what. Number three, we’re able to get reimbursed up to 80% to 90%,” he said, also highlighting the massive economic windfall the World Cup is expected to bring to the region, estimated at over $500 million.

Commissioner Miguel Gabela opposed the measure, citing the hardships faced by local families and questioning the reliability of the reimbursement. “If we got money to do this, let’s give it back to the taxpayer,” he said. “I just can’t do it with a good conscience.”

Chairwoman Christine King expressed satisfaction that small and minority-owned businesses would benefit from the month-long Fan Festival to be hosted at Bayfront Park.

“This is going to be an economic boon for the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County as a whole,” she said, citing the potential impact on her district’s Little Haiti Soccer Park and the excitement of having Haiti’s national team in the World Cup.

The commission also gave final approval to the clean zone ordinance, establishing a temporary area around Bayfront Park where street vending and unauthorized commercial activity will be restricted during the Fan Festival.

The zone, roughly bounded by Northeast 14th Street, the Miami River, Fourth Avenue, and extending into Biscayne Bay, is designed to protect public safety and event operations while ensuring local businesses can participate.

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