Orlando kicks off a summer of world soccer, fan experiences and championship events | News
Orlando kicks off an energetic summer of international soccer matches and fan experiences, cementing the destination’s growing role as a global sports and entertainment center as North America prepares to host the FIFA World Cup.
The highlight of the line-up is an international friendly between England and Costa Rica, offering fans a rare opportunity to see one of the world’s best teams in Orlando.
Taking center stage next to the field is the Orlando City Soccer Celebration presented by Verizon, a free, large-scale fan experience that will transform Pointe Orlando into Central Florida’s ultimate soccer destination.
“In addition to our renowned theme parks, award-winning restaurants and immersive entertainment, Orlando has become a hub for sports fans from around the world,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “With easy access to host cities including Miami and Atlanta, and an unparalleled range of experiences, we are giving visitors the opportunity to turn a game day trip into a full-blown vacation to make the most of everything Orlando has to offer for guests of all ages.”
To learn more about how you can combine your passion for world soccer with a bucket list getaway, visit VisitOrlando.com/soccer. Special offers are also available, along with free vacation planning services to help you create a personalized itinerary.
Where to watch the Games
Sports fans who can’t attend a game can catch the action at the Orlando City Soccer Celebration presented by Verizon. The event will feature live viewing of all FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches from June 11 to July 19, along with immersive fan experiences, a global food offering, player appearances and live entertainment.
Fans can also watch the action at the destination’s wine and brewery experiences, plus sports bars like Tom’s Watch Bar, which offer sky-high views with hundreds of screens for a 360-degree viewing experience; Stadium Club at Caribe Royale, complete with professional-level sports simulators; and NBC Sports Grill & Brew at Universal CityWalk, with nearly 100 high-definition TVs.
Stay close to the action with seamless access to Orlando
Visitors can easily create their itinerary with easy access to nearby host cities, flexible accommodation options across more than 133,000 rooms and countless ways to enjoy the game day atmosphere.
The destination is less than three hours from Miami via the Brightline train and less than an hour by plane to both Miami and Atlanta via Orlando International Airport, plus hundreds of direct flights to other US host cities.
Groups of three or more passengers on Brightline automatically save up to 25% on adult SMART and SMART Saver fares for travel between South Florida and Orlando during the World Cup period. Visit gobrightline.com/offers.
More professional football matches
Orlando Pride will compete against several teams at Inter&Co Stadium, including Bay FC (May 29), Kansas City Current (July 10), Boston Legacy FC (July 15), Chicago Stars FC (July 24), Racing Louisville (August 7) and Utah Royals (August 29).
Orlando City SC will also welcome several teams to Inter&Co Stadium, including Nashville SC (July 25), FC Cincinnati (August 15), Chicago Fire FC (August 19) and Real Salt Lake (August 22).
The Inter&Co Stadium will also host a friendly match between the England national team and Costa Rica on June 10, completing preparations for the FIFA World Cup.
Holiday like a champion
For a limited time through June, Madame Tussauds Orlando will feature the wax figure of Brazilian soccer star Vinicius Jr. to see. Dressed in the Brazil national team shirt, the figure offers fans a unique opportunity to see the Real Madrid forward before the figure returns to New York.
Meanwhile, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Experience at LEGOLAND Florida Resort (June 11 – July 19) will feature interactive challenges, brick-built versions of football legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, bespoke shirt design activities and photo opportunities with the LEGO FIFA World Cup Official Trophy.
Tennis and pickleball enthusiasts can serve up their own championship moments at the USTA National Campus. Pickleball players can also head to Crush Yard, Orlando’s premier indoor pickleball venue. Visitors can also experience FootGolf at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course.
And with more than 120 golf courses to choose from, Orlando offers championships at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Shingle Creek Golf Club and multiple options at Walt Disney World Golf.
