On December 8, Enterprise Florida, Inc.’s (EFI) Board of Directors voted to make $10 million in funds available to support Miami and Orlando’s ongoing bids to be selected as two of the ten U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament. If selected as hosts, these funds will support the cities’ logistical needs to host hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, of visitors over the month-long competition.
“Bringing the FIFA World Cup back to Florida would be an ideal complement to the attractions, amenities, and events already staged in the Sunshine State,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today we are making sure that Orlando and Miami have the resources they need to bring the World Cup to the state.”
“Hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Florida would elevate Florida’s status as the world’s premier tourism destination even further, creating a tremendous and reverberating economic boom to the $57.4 billion impact that sports already has on our state,” said Acting Secretary of Commerce Marc Adler, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc. “We are proud to support Governor DeSantis in his mission to make Florida the world’s top sporting destination.”
"Florida has the infrastructure, workforce, and experience in tourism and hosting large scale events that make it a perfect fit to offer two host cities for the World Cup,” said Holly Borgmann, Vice Chairman of the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors. “Enterprise Florida is proud to be able to support Miami and Orlando’s efforts, which align perfectly with Governor DeSantis’ and our state’s economic development leaders’ efforts to keep Florida’s economy open, and consistently support business and industry and the world’s number one tourism economy.”
“As the top tourist destination in the world, Florida offers its visitors an unparalleled experience,” said Angela Suggs, President and CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation. “Florida is ready to welcome the World Cup back, and these funds will support Miami and Orlando’s preparations as they near 2026, so that the competitions visitors can have the experience of a lifetime.”
The funds requested would be used to provide a $5 million grant to the Greater Orlando Sports Commission and a $5 million grant to the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau to support security, transportation and other infrastructure needs related to serving as 2026 World Cup venues.
Release of funds would be contingent on award of venues by FIFA and satisfactory documentation of use of funds per terms of executed contracts.
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