FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee Celebrates Miami Culture, Community and Global Excitement at Exclusive “ONE GAME ONE PASSION” Event
MIAMI, FL — May 14, 2026 — The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee hosted an exclusive celebration Thursday evening at DAER Dayclub at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, bringing together athletes, celebrities, media, creators, community leaders, partners and FIFA Fan Festival™ talent for an unforgettable evening honoring Miami’s vibrant culture and growing excitement ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
The exclusive celebration took place less than 30 days before the kickoff of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the evening highlighted the global energy building across Miami as the city prepares to welcome the world as one of the 16 host cities for the tournament.
The “ONE GAME ONE PASSION” event celebrated the spirit, energy and diversity that position Miami as one of the world’s premier cultural destinations, while recognizing the partnerships, collaboration and community helping shape the tournament’s legacy in South Florida.
“Miami is one of the most diverse and vibrant cities in the world, and the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is an opportunity to bring our communities together through the universal language of soccer,” said Rodney Barreto, Co-Chair of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee. “Tonight was a celebration of the people, cultures and partnerships that are helping create an unforgettable experience and lasting legacy for our city.”
The evening opened with welcome remarks from Janelle Prieto, Chief Marketing and Community Officer for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee, who welcomed guests and highlighted the importance of community, culture and collaboration as Miami prepares to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
One of the highlights of the evening included a special recognition honoring Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho and his ongoing role as a Miami Host Committee Ambassador, celebrating his global impact on the sport and his connection to the passion, culture and diversity that define Miami and South Florida.
As part of the recognition, Ronaldinho was presented with the Keys to Broward County by Michael Udine, Broward County Commissioner, in honor of his international contributions to the sport and his role in inspiring generations of soccer fans around the world. The presentation reflected the unifying power of soccer and the importance of global cultural figures in helping connect communities ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
The event also featured remarks from Alina T. Hudak, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee, alongside Broward Commissioner Michael Udine and Randy Morton, President of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood.
Guests enjoyed a pink carpet experience, media interviews, curated activations, networking opportunities and a live performance by Perro Negro. The event also welcomed several local and international artists and personalities connected to upcoming FIFA Fan Festival™ programming, reflecting the cultural diversity and entertainment experience fans can expect throughout the tournament in Miami.
As part of the Host Committee’s citywide celebration efforts surrounding the kickoff of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Miami residents and visitors are invited on June 11 to enjoy a free public watch party in Miami Beach for the tournament’s opening match, followed by a special surprise concert experience.
The FIFA Fan Festival™ Miami will take place from June 13 through July 5 at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami and will be free and open to the public. The 23-day celebration will feature live match broadcasts, concerts, cultural programming, food experiences, sponsor activations and entertainment, creating one of the largest fan experiences in the city during the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Notable attendees included Ronaldinho, Cuba Gooding Jr., Nadia Ferreira, Carlos Ponce, Karina Banda, Piso 21, Alejandra Jaramillo, Beta Mejía, Jerry Bazua, Frederick Oldenburg, Daniela Ospina, Gabriel Coronel, among others.
As Miami prepares to welcome the world this summer, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee continues to drive initiatives that unite communities through soccer, culture and shared passion, while building a lasting legacy for future generations.
About the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee
Working in partnership with FIFA and associated sports and municipal entities, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee was established to maximize opportunities and deliver an unmatched FIFA World Cup 2026™ experience that creates enduring economic, social, recreational, and cultural opportunities across Miami-Dade County.
