World Cup 2026 In South Florida?

MIAMI, FL — Soccer-loving fans across South Florida woke up to news that the 2026 World Cup would be coming to the United States, Canada and Mexico. Local officials in Miami-Dade County wasted little time shouting "G-O-A-L" and immediately set their sights on bringing part of the games to South Florida. One recent study found that host cities could reap an economic windfall of up to $500 million.

The so-called United Bid by the three North American countries beat out a bid by Morocco to host the games. Click here to see how the 134-65 vote played out at the 68th FIFA Congress ahead of the start of the 2018 World Cup in Russia on Thursday.

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez took to Twitter calling the decision an "historic score" and said Miami-Dade County is "thrilled" about the United win.

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Miami-Dade Commissioner Rebeca Sosa said the county is excited for the opportunity to possibly host World Cup 2026 matches.

"As we move forward with anticipation of the final host city evaluation and selection process I'm confident that our community, as the gateway to the Americas, is a perfect fit to host World Cup matches and will continue working towards making it a reality," she said.

The 2026 World Cup will have 48 teams playing a total of 80 games — 60 will be played in the United States. and 10 each in Canada and Mexico.

All three hosts should get automatic places in the lineup, and each will host a game on opening day.

Morocco lost its fifth bid campaign in the past 30 years, including against the United States to host the 1994 World Cup. The 2026 tournament will return to the North American region 32 years after that U.S.-hosted edition. Mexico also hosted in 1970 and 1986.

Florida Sen. Bill Nelson added to the speculation on Wednesday.

"It’s official," the senator said on social media. "The 2026 World Cup is coming to North America, and Miami and Orlando should be picked to host."

He said that a recent economic impact study conducted by the Boston Consulting Group found that World Cup host cities could reap up to $500 million each.

Orlando and Miami are among 23 North American cities — 17 in the U.S and three each in Canada and Mexico — in the running to host World Cup matches, according to Nelson.

Other potential North American host cities include Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Edmonton, Guadalajara, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Monterrey, Montreal, Nashville, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto and Washington, D.C.

Miami businessman Jorge Mas said that he too believes South Florida will be a contender to host part of the 2026 games.

"Especially excited to showcase the soccer passion of our global Miami," Mas said on social media.

Click here to watch the post FIFA press conference.

See reaction to the news below:

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Photo courtesy Hard Rock Stadium