Fort Lauderdale by the Numbers: The World Cup Effect

June 3, 2026

This summer, the global spotlight turns to South Florida as the FIFA World Cup arrives—bringing with it a surge of visitors, investment, and international attention. Fort Lauderdale stands to be a big winner. Here’s how the impact breaks down, by the numbers.

700,000+ Visitors. 30% Staying in Broward.

FIFA projects approximately 700,000 visitors for the seven matches in the region, with 60% of ticket holders coming from outside South Florida. Estimates from FIFA suggest that 30%—or at least 210,000 visitors—will stay in Broward County. For Fort Lauderdale, that translates into packed hotels, bustling restaurants, and a city operating at peak energy during what is typically a slower summer season.

$150 million to $175 million in Economic Impact.

The anticipated economic boost for Greater Fort Lauderdale is substantial, with projections ranging from $150 million to $175 million according to Visit Lauderdale. This includes direct spending on lodging, dining, transportation, and entertainment, as well as indirect and induced impacts that ripple through the local economy.

2 Team Training Sites.

Fort Lauderdale will serve as a home base for international teams, hosting two official practice sites: one at Nova Southeastern University and another at the Inter Miami CF Training Facility. These facilities will bring global media exposure and fans eager to catch glimpses of their teams.

2 Team Hotels.

Teams will be housed in two Fort Lauderdale hotels, one in the downtown and another along the 17th Street corridor, further concentrating activity and visibility in key commercial districts.

Hotel Rates: Doubling ADR.

Historically, average daily room rates (ADR) in Broward County during June and July hover between $145 and $155. With World Cup demand, ADR is expected to double during peak match windows. This surge reflects not only increased demand but a shift from primarily drive-in summer tourism to high-spending international visitors.

Game-Changing Infrastructure.

None of this would be possible without major local investment. The development of Chase Stadium and the Florida Blue Training Center—driven by leadership from the City of Fort Lauderdale and Inter Miami CF—positioned the city as a viable hub for international soccer at the highest level.

The Bottom Line.

For Fort Lauderdale, the World Cup is more than a nearby event—it’s a catalytic moment. With global powerhouses practicing in Fort Lauderdale, international visitors filling hotel rooms, and millions in economic impact on the table, the region is poised to turn the beautiful game into a defining opportunity.