Fans arriving in South Florida as final preps underway for first local World Cup match

MIAMI — The first FIFA World Cup match to be played in Miami is now just one day away, and the arrivals are already starting.

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Local 10 News’ Trent Kelly was inside Terminal J at Miami International Airport, where the international arrivals come through, and there were several futbol fanatics from overseas arriving Sunday morning.

Airport officials said they are expecting a slight uptick in travel this weekend and into Monday, as soccer fans from around the world fly in for the tournament.

Monday’s first South Florida match will feature Uruguay battling Saudi Arabia in a crucial group stage showdown.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

Soccer fans, media members, and team supporters have been arriving from across the globe.

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Uruguay enters the tournament as a two-time World Cup champion while Saudi Arabia is hoping to recapture some of the magic from its stunning upset of Argentina during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

For fans hoping to see the action in person, tickets are still available, but they aren’t cheap.

As of Sunday morning, resale tickets were starting between $500 and $600 for seats in the upper level of Miami Stadium, the re-branded name of Hard Rock Stadium for the duration of the tournament, while lower-level seats were selling between $800 and $1500.

Monday’s match will be the first of seven World Cup games scheduled for South Florida, including games in the round of 32, a quarterfinal and the bronze medal match.

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