As Miami prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of the Miami Host Committee, is spearheading an ambitious vision that aims to not only deliver an unforgettable event but also leave a lasting impact on the community. Drawing on decades of experience in the corporate world, most notably as CEO of Celebrity Cruises, Lutoff-Perlo’s leadership brings a unique blend of strategic foresight and a deep passion for Miami’s diverse and vibrant culture.
In an interview, Lutoff-Perlo shared her high-level vision for the World Cup in Miami, touching on everything from the city’s unique flavor to the tremendous opportunities for sponsors and community engagement. Her insights reflect a clear commitment to excellence and a desire to leverage the global event to drive long-term success for Miami and its people.
Lutoff-Perlo’s approach to Miami’s World Cup preparations is laser-focused on three key objectives: delivering an event that will be the envy of all other host cities, ensuring financial success, and creating a legacy that will endure long after the final match.
“When I started on this journey, I had three goals,” she explained. “One is to ensure that the matches and the events we put on in Miami were the envy of all other host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. I wanted to make sure that we operated in the black—even if it was by just one dollar. And most importantly, I wanted this World Cup to leave a lasting legacy on the community for many years after the final whistle.”
This vision underscores Lutoff-Perlo’s commitment not just to the event itself, but to the long-term economic and social impact on Miami. It’s a vision that resonates with sponsors, many of whom are equally excited about contributing to the lasting legacy of this historic event.
With 48 teams, 104 matches, and a global audience, the FIFA World Cup is unmatched in its scale and impact. For sponsors, this presents an extraordinary opportunity to engage with both a local and international audience. Lutoff-Perlo highlighted the sheer scope of the event and the enthusiasm it has already generated within the business community.
“There’s no sporting event in the world like the World Cup,” she said. “The last time it was held in the United States was 1994, and it was the most successful World Cup ever. Now, in 2026, we’ll have 50% more teams and 62% more matches. The sport has grown exponentially since then, and it’s now the fastest-growing sport in the world.”
This exponential growth is creating a wealth of opportunities for businesses. “Every time I talk to someone, they ask, ‘How can we get involved?’” Lutoff-Perlo said. “Do you need volunteers? How can our company be part of this? How can our company give back to the community? How can our employees get involved?”
These questions reflect a broader trend among sponsors who are seeking more meaningful and impactful partnerships. As Lutoff-Perlo noted, “It’s not just about tickets or suites. Sponsors want to engage their employees, connect with the community, and leave a lasting legacy. We’re co-creating with them to find innovative ways to achieve those goals.”
When it comes to hosting an event of this magnitude, Miami has an undeniable advantage.
“What better city in the world than Miami to have World Cup matches? It’s a no-brainer,” Lutoff-Perlo said. “This community, this whole region, is so diverse, so welcoming. We have Beckham, we have Messi, we have Latin America, we have Europe, we have Miami.”
Lutoff-Perlo is quick to highlight Miami’s unique ability to bring the world together. “We have a community made up of people from all over the globe—Latin America, the Caribbean, South America, Europe. It’s perfect,” she said. This diversity is not just a cultural strength; it’s also a key differentiator that makes Miami stand out among other host cities.
For businesses, Miami’s multicultural fabric offers a rare opportunity to engage with a global audience through highly localized, culturally relevant activations. Sponsors can connect with fans from diverse backgrounds, creating campaigns that resonate with Miami’s rich blend of Latin American, Caribbean, and European influences.
For Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the legacy of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ goes far beyond the matches themselves. While the global spotlight will undoubtedly be on Miami during the tournament, Lutoff-Perlo is most passionate about the lasting impact the event will leave on the city and its communities.
“The most important part of this is the legacy,” she said. “Through our fundraising efforts, the sponsorships we’re securing, and the programs we’re implementing, we’re going to create something extraordinary for this city that will continue long after the final match.”
Lutoff-Perlo sees the World Cup as a rare opportunity to address key challenges and open new avenues for Miami’s growth. From enhancing infrastructure to driving economic development, the event will act as a catalyst for transformation across the region. Her focus is on ensuring that the investments made today benefit future generations, making Miami an even more vibrant and accessible city for years to come.
This legacy-driven vision, grounded in financial responsibility and community empowerment, ensures that the World Cup will be more than just a fleeting event for Miami. It will be a lasting chapter in the city’s ongoing story of growth, diversity, and global prominence.
As Miami prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo’s vision of excellence, financial success, and lasting legacy is guiding the city toward a historic moment on the global stage. For business leaders and marketing executives, especially those within Miami’s vibrant Hispanic community, this event offers unprecedented opportunities for meaningful engagement, innovative sponsorships, and long-term investment in the city’s future.
With Lutoff-Perlo and the Miami Host Committee at the helm, Miami is not only set to deliver a world-class sporting event but also to position itself as a global leader in community development, sustainability, and corporate collaboration.
As Lutoff-Perlo put it, “Miami is already the sexiest city in the world, and it’s about to get even more so when the World Cup arrives.”
Now is the time for sponsors to get involved, co-create with the community, and be a part of this transformative moment for Miami.
The World Cup is coming—and Miami is ready to shine.
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