Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, will host seven matches during the WC 2026, including the third-place match on July 18. Known as "Miami Stadium" during the tournament, the venue seats 65,000 and is one of the most versatile sporting venues in the United States, regularly hosting the Miami Dolphins (NFL), the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix and the Miami Open tennis tournament. With extreme heat, intense humidity and frequent tropical showers, Miami offers one of the most physically demanding environments for players in the entire tournament.
| Commercial name | Hard Rock Stadium |
| Tournament name | Miami Stadium |
| City | Miami Gardens, Florida |
| Country | USA |
| WC 2026 capacity | 64,767 |
| Year opened | 1987 |
| Roof | Open |
| Surface | Grass |
| Altitude | Sea level |
| Regional cluster | East |
| WC 2026 matches | 7 (4 group stage, 1 Round of 32, 1 quarter-final, 1 third-place play-off) |
| Highest stage | Third-place play-off |
| Timezone | EDT (UTC-4) |
| CEST difference | -6 hours (BE, PL, RS) |
| EEST difference | -7 hours (RO, GR) |
| BRT difference | -1 hour (BR) |
| Home teams | Miami Dolphins (NFL) |
About Miami Stadium in Miami
Miami Stadium opened in 1987 as the home of the Miami Dolphins (NFL). Located in Miami Gardens, Florida, approximately 25 km north of downtown Miami, the stadium has undergone multiple renovations, most notably a $550 million overhaul completed in 2016 that added a modern canopy structure providing shade for spectators.
The canopy covers the spectator seating but the pitch remains open to the elements, meaning players are fully exposed to Miami's brutal tropical heat and humidity. The natural grass surface is already in place year-round, so no temporary pitch installation is needed for the tournament.
Beyond the Dolphins, Miami Stadium hosts an extraordinary range of events: the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix (street circuit around the stadium), the Miami Open tennis tournament, college football bowl games, and major concerts. The stadium also hosted the 2024 Copa America Final and multiple Super Bowls.
Miami Stadium will host seven WC 2026 matches, including the third-place match on July 18, the day before the final.
Seven WC 2026 matches at Miami Stadium
Miami hosts seven matches between June 15 and July 18. The programme includes four group stage fixtures featuring heavyweight names like France, Brazil, Colombia and Saudi Arabia, plus one Round of 32 match, a quarter-final and the third-place match.
Group stage matches at Miami Stadium
| Match | Group | Fixture | Date | ET | CEST BE/PL/RS |
EEST RO/GR |
BRT BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #13 | H | Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay | Sun, June 15 | 6:00 PM | 00:00 (+1) | 01:00 (+1) | 19:00 |
| #37 | I | France vs. Jordan | Sat, June 21 | 6:00 PM | 00:00 (+1) | 01:00 (+1) | 19:00 |
| #49 | C | Scotland vs. Brazil | Tue, June 24 | 6:00 PM | 00:00 (+1) | 01:00 (+1) | 19:00 |
| #65 | K | Colombia vs. Portugal | Fri, June 27 | 7:30 PM | 01:30 (+1) | 02:30 (+1) | 20:30 |
Match 13 - Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay: A clash of styles in Group H. Uruguay, two-time the tournament winners, face a Saudi Arabia side that shocked the world by beating Argentina in 2022.
Match 37 - France vs. Jordan: Defending champions runner-up France face Jordan in Group I. France's squad depth will be tested by the Miami heat.
Match 49 - Scotland vs. Brazil: One of the most eye-catching group stage fixtures in the entire tournament. Scotland, at their first the tournament since 1998, face five-time champions Brazil.
Match 65 - Colombia vs. Portugal: A blockbuster Group K clash between Colombia and Portugal, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo in potentially his final the tournament. The Miami heat could play a significant role in the second half.
All group stage odds for matches at Miami Stadium are available on the WC 2026 betting page. Please note: displayed odds may have changed since publication and are subject to updates.
Knockout stage matches at Miami Stadium
| Stage | Fixture | Date | ET | CEST BE/PL/RS |
EEST RO/GR |
BRT BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round of 32 | 1J vs. 2H | Thu, July 3 | 6:00 PM | 00:00 (+1) | 01:00 (+1) | 19:00 |
| Quarter-final | W91 vs. W92 | Sat, July 11 | 5:00 PM | 23:00 | 00:00 (+1) | 18:00 |
| Third-place | L101 vs. L102 | Sat, July 18 | 5:00 PM | 23:00 | 00:00 (+1) | 18:00 |
The third-place match on July 18 is the final fixture at Miami Stadium, taking place one day before the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The quarter-final on July 11 is the other marquee knockout fixture in Miami.
See the full WC 2026 schedule and tournament bracket for the complete knockout stage overview.
Betting on matches at Miami Stadium: heat and conditions
Pitch, climate and conditions
Miami Stadium offers one of the most physically demanding environments in the entire the tournament. Miami in June and July is extremely hot (31-34C), with intense humidity regularly exceeding 90% and frequent heavy tropical showers in the afternoon. The canopy shades spectators but the pitch is fully exposed to the heat and sun.
These conditions have a measurable impact on player performance. Teams from cooler climates (Scotland, Portugal, European sides in general) can expect significant physical drop-offs after 60 minutes. Cooling breaks will be applied when temperatures exceed thresholds. South American and Middle Eastern teams, more accustomed to heat, may hold a natural physical advantage.
The natural grass surface, combined with potential rain, can become slippery and unpredictable during tropical downpours, adding another layer of uncertainty.
Odds on the WC 2026 betting page update in real time and tend to shift significantly after 60 minutes at this venue.
Recommended markets for matches at Miami Stadium
The brutal tropical heat makes Miami one of the most distinctive betting venues in the tournament. Key markets:
- Second Half Goals (Over 1.5): The heat leads to severe physical drop-offs after 60 minutes. Second-half goals are a premium market at Hard Rock Stadium, as fatigued defenders make more mistakes.
- Next Goal (live): In-play betting on the next goal becomes particularly dynamic as the match enters the final 30 minutes and energy levels drop.
- Both Teams to Score: When defences tire, both teams tend to find the net. This market is worth watching in the later stages of matches.
- Total Cards: Heat-induced fatigue leads to more tactical fouls and rash challenges. Card markets tend to overperform at hot, humid venues.
The BetBuilder is particularly valuable at this venue, as you can combine heat-driven conditions (late goals, cards, second-half results) into a single selection.
Please note: displayed odds may have changed since publication and are subject to updates.
Miami Stadium: history and football heritage
Miami Stadium opened in 1987 and has been renovated extensively, most notably with a $550 million upgrade in 2016 that added the modern canopy roof structure. It is one of the most versatile venues in American sports.
Miami Stadium hosted the 2024 Copa America Final between Argentina and Colombia, drawing worldwide attention to the venue. It also hosted El Clasico Miami (Real Madrid vs. Barcelona) in 2017, demonstrating the deep South American and Caribbean football culture that makes Miami a natural the tournament host city.
Major events hosted at Miami Stadium:
- Six Super Bowls, most recently Super Bowl LIV (2020)
- 2024 Copa America Final - Argentina vs. Colombia
- Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix (annual since 2022)
- Miami Open tennis tournament
- College Football Playoff games
- El Clasico Miami (2017) - Real Madrid vs. Barcelona
- International friendlies and CONCACAF Gold Cup matches
Time zones and kick-off times for Europe and Brazil
Miami Stadium operates on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT / UTC-4) during the summer. For viewers across Napoleon Sports and Napoleon markets:
- Belgium, Poland, Serbia (CEST): -6 hours
- Romania, Greece (EEST): -7 hours
- Brazil (BRT): -1 hour
| Match | ET | CEST BE/PL/RS |
EEST RO/GR |
BRT BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay | 6:00 PM | 00:00 (+1) | 01:00 (+1) | 19:00 |
| France vs. Jordan | 6:00 PM | 00:00 (+1) | 01:00 (+1) | 19:00 |
| Scotland vs. Brazil | 6:00 PM | 00:00 (+1) | 01:00 (+1) | 19:00 |
| Colombia vs. Portugal | 7:30 PM | 01:30 (+1) | 02:30 (+1) | 20:30 |
| Round of 32 | 6:00 PM | 00:00 (+1) | 01:00 (+1) | 19:00 |
| Quarter-final | 5:00 PM | 23:00 | 00:00 (+1) | 18:00 |
| Third-place | 5:00 PM | 23:00 | 00:00 (+1) | 18:00 |
Challenging timing for European fans. All four group stage matches at Miami Stadium kick off at midnight or later CEST (01:00+ EEST). The quarter-final and third-place match at 23:00 CEST (00:00 EEST) are borderline late-night viewing.
For the group stage matches falling after midnight, consider placing your selections in advance. The BetBuilder lets you build your combination pre-match. Features like 1UP early payout settle your bet early if your team takes a lead.
For Brazilian fans, Miami is the most viewer-friendly US venue: all matches fall between 18:00 and 20:30 BRT, perfect early-evening viewing. The Colombia vs. Portugal match at 20:30 BRT will be particularly popular with Brazilian audiences.
For the quarter-final and third-place match at 23:00 CEST, follow the action via the live centre.
See all WC 2026 kick-off times converted to your time zone.
Fan guide: Visiting Miami for the tournament
Getting to Miami Stadium
Miami Stadium is located in Miami Gardens, approximately 25 km north of downtown Miami.
- By air: Miami International Airport (MIA) is approximately 25 km south. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a similar distance north.
- By car: The stadium is accessible via I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, with extensive parking available.
- By shuttle: Special event shuttle services from Miami Beach and downtown are expected. There is no direct rail connection to the stadium.
Weather in Miami during June and July
Miami summers are extremely hot and humid, with temperatures between 31C and 34C and humidity regularly exceeding 90%. Heavy tropical thunderstorms are common in the late afternoon. The canopy at Miami Stadium provides shade for spectators, but the pitch is exposed. Bring sunscreen, stay hydrated and be prepared for sudden downpours.
Miami highlights beyond the football
Miami is one of America's most vibrant cities:
- South Beach - iconic Art Deco architecture and white sand beaches
- Little Havana - Cuban culture, food and live music on Calle Ocho
- Wynwood Walls - world-famous outdoor street art district
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens - stunning waterfront estate
- Nightlife - Miami is one of the world's top clubbing destinations
Public transport: Geen directe metro. Neem Brightline naar Aventura Station en stap over op de gratis 'Hard Rock Stadium Express' shuttles.
Nearest airport: Miami International (MIA), about 24 km from the stadium.
Fan zone: Bayfront Park.
FAQ about Miami Stadium at WC 2026
What is the capacity of Miami Stadium for the tournament?
Miami Stadium will hold approximately 65,000 fans for the tournament matches.
How many WC 2026 matches are scheduled at Miami Stadium?
Seven matches: four group stage fixtures, one Round of 32, one quarter-final and the third-place match. See the full schedule for dates.
Is Miami Stadium hosting the third-place match?
Yes. The third-place match takes place on July 18 at 5:00 PM ET (23:00 CEST / 00:00 EEST / 18:00 BRT), one day before the final at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
How does the Miami heat affect matches?
Miami in June/July averages 31-34C with 90%+ humidity. This causes significant player fatigue after 60 minutes, especially for teams from cooler climates. Cooling breaks are applied when temperatures exceed thresholds. Expect more second-half goals and substitutions.
Does Miami Stadium have a roof?
Partially. The stadium has a canopy that shades the spectator areas, but the pitch is open to the elements. Players are fully exposed to the heat, humidity and potential rain.
What time zone is Miami Stadium in?
Miami Stadium is in the Eastern time zone (EDT / UTC-4 during summer). CEST (Belgium, Poland, Serbia): -6 hours. EEST (Romania, Greece): -7 hours. BRT (Brazil): -1 hour.
Has Miami Stadium hosted a the tournament before?
No. The 2026 tournament will be the first the tournament at Miami Stadium. The venue hosted the 2024 Copa America Final, six Super Bowls, and El Clasico Miami (2017).
Why is Miami Stadium called "Miami Stadium" during the tournament?
Tournament regulations prohibit commercial stadium names during the event. All 16 venues use non-commercial names.
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