Miami's World Cup passion faces traffic, weather tests

Miami is gearing up to host seven matches of the upcoming World Cup and present the world its deep-rooted soccer culture, but unfavorable traffic conditions around the venue and a looming hurricane season could steal the show.

Thanks to a large Latin American immigrant community, where Argentine, Brazilian, and Colombian traditions blend, Miami boasts one of the most robust soccer cultures among American cities. The city's enthusiasm for the sport was supercharged in the summer of 2023 when Argentinian star player Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami, leading the club to a league title.

Recent surveys show that more than 80 percent of residents in South Florida say they will actively participate in World Cup-related events. However, their passion may be tested by traffic congestion.

The seven matches will all take place at the Miami Stadium, also known as the Hard Rock Stadium. Originally built for American football, Formula One racing, and other sports, the venue has installed sod rolls for the World Cup. With a capacity of about 65,000, the stadium sits in a suburban area with no direct subway connection.

To ease traffic pressure, organizers have launched free round-trip shuttle services for verified ticket holders connecting the stadium with four intercity bus hubs, including downtown Miami.

Yet, with limited capacity, the shuttles will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and there will be no guarantee of punctual arrival at the stadium due to likely traffic jams.

Meanwhile, the Atlantic hurricane season is posing a more serious threat to the event, as it overlaps with the World Cup schedule. Miami lies in a hurricane-prone zone, and worries are emerging that matches could be postponed or even canceled due to storms.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 23rd edition of the tournament but the first to feature 48 teams and three host countries, will take place from June 11 to July 19. Its 104 matches will be hosted by 16 cities -- 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.

FIFA announced on Tuesday that all 1,248 players of the 48 teams at the World Cup have been confirmed following the submission of final squad lists to the world soccer governing body.

Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, met with Myanmar's Minister for Foreign Affairs Tin Maung Swe, in Beijing on Friday.

Li said that China will, as always, support Myanmar in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, and the country is ready to deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation, strengthen friendly exchanges between the legislatures, promote closer people-to-people ties and promote the sustainable development of China-Myanmar relations.

Tin Maung Swe said Myanmar firmly abides by the one-China principle and is willing to carry forward the "pauk-phaw" ("fraternal" in the Myanmar language) friendship between the two countries, jointly implement the four major global initiatives, deepen practical cooperation and advance exchanges between legislative bodies.