By Dessalines Ferdinand, Special to Le Floridien
Miami, FL – March 24, 2025 — Beneath the iconic murals of Wynwood Walls, Miami officially unveiled its FIFA World Cup 26™ Host City Poster in an electrifying celebration that fused art, culture, sport, and civic pride. The event, hosted by the FIFA World Cup 26™ Miami Host Committee, drew elected officials, community leaders, media, and fans, all rallying around the city’s role as a proud host for the world’s most watched sporting event.
The evening was emceed by NBC Miami anchor Sheli Muñiz, an Emmy® Award-winning journalist, who brought a sense of elegance and local energy to the two-hour celebration. Attendees were treated to food, drinks, and music by a renowned local DJ who energized the crowd with the official Miami Sonic ID. This musical identity will echo throughout upcoming World Cup promotions.
One of the standout moments came when freestyle soccer champion Laura Biondo—a professional freestyler and holder of 15 Guinness World Records—performed an awe-inspiring five-minute exhibition. Her intricate footwork and dazzling ball control captivated the crowd and perfectly embodied the event’s theme: the fusion of sport and artistry.
A Unified Civic Presence
The unveiling brought together South Florida’s top political leaders, including Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, and Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris, in a rare, unified moment of celebration.
“Thank you so much, Jessica, for hosting us in this amazing Miami-style celebration—music, art, acrobatics—this is truly who we are,” said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Though it’s called the Miami World Cup, the matches will be held right here in Miami Gardens—and it’s all part of our vibrant Miami-Dade County.”
With seven matches planned for the city, Mayor Cava emphasized the regional stakes:
“Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the biggest sporting event in our region’s history, with up to a million visitors and a potential $1 billion economic impact. That’s why we’ve come together—every city, every culture, united by our love for the game.”
She extended thanks to Host Committee leaders Alina Hudak, Rodney Barreto, and Beau Ferrari, as well as former Congresswoman Donna Shalala, whom she called “our soccer queen,” for their leadership and dedication to making the World Cup in Miami a reality.
Miami Gardens in the Global Spotlight
Mayor Rodney Harris of Miami Gardens, where the Hard Rock Stadium will host the World Cup matches, welcomed the attention the event brings:
“We are home of the Miami Dolphins, home of Formula One, now the home of FIFA World Cup,” he said. “The entire South Florida region is going to capitalize on the benefits FIFA has to offer. We’re looking forward to it. Let’s have a great next one and a half years.”
A City of Global Identity and Cultural Expression
City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez highlighted Miami’s global appeal:
“It is estimated to bring a billion dollars in economic impact to South Florida. Miami is truly a global city.”
The evening culminated with the official unveiling of the Host City Poster, designed by Brazilian artist Rubem Robierb, who was selected through a local competition. His winning design features a vibrant flamingo, standing poised above a soccer ball segmented with colorful panels depicting South Beach, Little Havana, palm trees, art deco details, and other city landmarks.
“Flamingo represents Miami. Art Deco, the beach colors—it’s all there,” said Robierb. “In Brazil, we say we breathe soccer every day. Miami is a city that embraces diversity. Everyone is welcome here.”
Miami’s Host City Poster is one of 16 unique posters, each representing a FIFA World Cup 26™ Host City—a historic first for the tournament. The poster will be central to promotional materials and fan engagement leading up to the games.
As Mayor Levine Cava aptly noted:
“What better way to represent Miami than through visual art? I’m certain no other host city is doing it quite like us. Let’s keep the celebration going—this is just the beginning.”
With fútbol fever building and the world watching, Miami has positioned itself not just as a host, but as a creative and cultural beacon for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.
