Royal Caribbean. Photo: JuliaDorian / Shutterstock Last April, American Airlines became the official airline provider for the 2026 World Cup in North America, next to Qatar Airways, FIFA's global airline partner until 2030.
Now, it's time for Royal Caribbean to join the iconic sporting event.
Miami’s role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is starting to take clearer shape, and a new partnership shows just how seriously the city is leaning into the moment. The FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee has named Royal Caribbean as its Official Miami Host City Supporter, bringing together two globally known brands that both trace their roots back to Miami.
World Cup 2026 Miami. Photo: Paparacy / ShutterstockFor Royal Caribbean, the deal represents a natural extension of its lengthy presence in the city as well as its growing connection to the world of football. The cruise line has already been visible around major soccer events in Miami, and this partnership puts it front and center as the city prepares to welcome fans from across the globe. The goal is simple: make the World Cup feel unmistakably Miami, while offering experiences that go beyond what fans usually expect.
A big part of that will happen at the FIFA Fan Festival Miami, which will take over Bayfront Park during the tournament. For 23 days, the downtown waterfront will turn into the city’s main gathering point for World Cup action.
Matches will be shown live on giant screens, with live music, local food, and a steady flow of entertainment layered in throughout the day. Royal Caribbean will host an interactive fan zone within the festival, giving visitors hands-on ways to engage with both the tournament and the city’s travel culture.
The partnership will also include behind-the-scenes stadium tours, appearances by iconic soccer figures, as well as a dedicated entertainment act on the community stage at Bayfront Park. Around the city, Royal Caribbean branding will pop up in key locations, adding to the sense that Miami itself is part of the event, not just a backdrop.
“As a leading vacation brand shaped by this city’s unstoppable energy for more than 50 years, Royal Caribbean is proud to serve as the first Official Miami Host City Supporter for the FIFA World Cup 2026. With the World Cup creating once-in-a-generation momentum across South Florida, we’re excited to bring our spirit of innovation and hospitality to help welcome fans, families and visitors from around the world,” said Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty. “Together with the Host Committee, we look forward to creating unforgettable experiences that will leave a lasting legacy for our community long after the final whistle.”
Rodney Barreto, co-chair of the Miami Host Committee, echoed that focus on identity and impact. “This partnership celebrates what makes Miami a Host City like no other, we are bringing in one of the biggest brands in hospitality to represent Miami for what it’s known for - innovation as a world-class destination on a world stage,” he said.
“Together, we’re creating fan experiences that are meaningful, while strengthening Miami’s role as a destination where culture, sport, and community come together,” Barreto added.