Last year, it was confirmed that the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami had been selected as one of the 16 host stadiums for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. The stadium is one of the most iconic in the USA and is no stranger to hosting major sporting events with six Super Bowls being played there over the years.
The Hard Rock Stadium has a capacity of 64,767, which doesn't place it even in the top 50 stadium stadiums in the US. So, why has it been selected as a host stadium for the World Cup? Let's find out what makes this place so special.
Who plays at the Hard Rock Stadium?
Contents
NFL side, Miami Dolphins, play all their home games at the Hard Rock Stadium. They have played at the stadium since it was built in 1987, however, their two Super Bowl wins came prior to the move. Incredibly, only eight NFL playoff matches have ever been played at the Hard Rock Stadium as the Dolphins have struggled for large parts of the Hard Rock Stadium era.
In recent years, the Dolphins have put together a better roster with the likes of Tyreek Hill and Tua Tagavailoa giving the Dolphins fans hope of seeing more playoff games at the Hard Rock Stadium in the coming years.
College football is also played at the Hard Rock Stadium with the Miami Hurricanes calling the stadium home. Meanwhile, other teams and sports have played or been played at the Hard Rock Stadium over the years. The Florida Marlins used to play baseball at the stadium while the Miami Open Tennis takes place here every year.
What is the Hard Rock Stadium like?
The most striking thing about the Hard Rock Stadium from the outside is its rectangular roof which overlaps all stands. The size of the roof helps to reverberate sound all around the stadium which is not only useful for building an atmosphere inside it, but is also a reason why the stadium has hosted countless music concerts over the years.
Inside, the Hard Rock Stadium is mightily impressive. They have kept up to date with renovations to ensure it doesn't feel dated and there are plenty of food and drink options around the stadium. The stadium is symmetrical and two-tiered all the way around which means there isn't a bad seat in the house – another reason why it was announced as a host stadium for the World Cup.
Why is the Hard Rock Stadium a host stadium for the World Cup?
The Hard Rock Stadium was always going to be a host venue for the 2026 World Cup because of its location. Miami is one of the most popular cities in the USA with plenty to do for tourists. It is also not far from Orlando, another hugely popular destination for tourists which means fans who set up base in Miami won't be bored in between games.
Additionally, the stadium has proven over the years that it is capable of hosting major events. It has hosted six Super Bowls, two World Series, four BCS National Championship Games and WrestleMania 28. It is also a venue for international megastars to perform and Taylor Swift has scheduled three nights to perform at the stadium in October 2024.
FIFA World Cup matches at the Hard Rock Stadium
The Hard Rock Stadium will host seven matches during the FIFA World Cup in 2026. At present, only the three host nations are confirmed as participants so there is no way of knowing who will be playing but we do know when the games will be played. The full Hard Rock Stadium World Cup schedule is as follows:
Group stages
- Monday, June 15th.
- Monday, June 22nd.
- Wednesday, June 24th.
- Saturday, June 27th.
Round of 32
- Friday, July 3rd.
Quarter-final
- Saturday, July 11th.
Bronze Medal match
- Saturday, July 18th.