The Smartest Way to Navigate the 2026 World Cup: TRI-RAIL
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to South Florida, and as the region gears up to host seven high-profile matches and Fan Fest celebrations, excitement is building. But alongside that anticipation comes another less exciting reality that locals already know all too well: traffic.
Between crowded highways, expensive parking, road closures, and the challenge of safely getting thousands of fans to and from events, transportation is expected to be one of the biggest conversations surrounding the tournament. And soccer fans — residents and visitors alike — should know that there is a much better way to move through it all.
Diane Hernandez Del Calvo, Interim Executive Director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority/TRI-RAIL, said the region’s commuter rail system is preparing to play a major role during the World Cup, not only by helping fans travel more efficiently, but by reshaping how residents and visitors think about public transit in South Florida altogether.
Preparing for South Florida’s Biggest Soccer Moment
For TRI-RAIL, preparation for the FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place from June 13 to July 18, is already well underway. The transport service is focused not only on logistics but also on creating a smooth, approachable experience for the many passengers who may be using the system for the very first time.
“We are going to be able to move fans from Palm Beach and Broward into Miami, as well as from downtown Miami into one of the official game day express hubs,” Hernandez Del Calvo said. “And it’s going to be a coordinated effort with our regional partners.”
Given that many people have never used TRI-RAIL before, there’s a strong focus on simplifying the process. And that starts with accessibility and communication. Riders will be able to purchase tickets through the SoFloGO app or at station ticket machines before boarding trains headed toward matches and Fan Fest events. Additional service, including express trains and late-night return service, is also expected to help accommodate the massive crowds anticipated throughout the tournament.
But the biggest thing worth cheering for is that fans won’t have to spend hours staring at brake lights on I-95.
Why Fans Are Reconsidering the Drive
Choosing a traffic-free (and stress-free!) transportation method is fast becoming one of the biggest reasons more soccer fans are already embracing rail transit for sporting events. TRI-RAIL has seen a noticeable increase in riders attending Inter Miami CF matches since the team started playing at Nu Stadium this year — and Hernandez Del Calvo said the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We have been hearing from everyone that the simplicity and convenience of the service is nothing short of amazing,” she said. “Not only do they plan on doing it again, but they’re telling friends, coworkers and family members that this is the way to do it.”
For many fans, the appeal goes beyond convenience. Taking the train transforms game days into part of the experience itself. Instead of worrying about parking lots, navigating traffic detours, or designating a driver, passengers can simply board the train and enjoy the ride alongside other fans headed to the same destination.
“You can feel the energy and enthusiasm onboard from fans going to soccer matches,” Hernandez Del Calvo said. “Everyone’s talking about where they’re sitting, what they’re excited for. They’re making new friends before even getting to the game.”
That communal atmosphere has become a defining part of the experience for many Inter Miami CF supporters riding the system today — something TRI-RAIL expects will multiply dramatically once international soccer fans arrive in South Florida for the World Cup.
A More Relaxed Game-Day Experience
TRI-RAIL is also working to remove another major concern many event attendees face: the long and slow process of tens of thousands of people exiting after the game ends. One of the most appreciated parts of TRI-RAIL’s current event service is its flexibility and communication with riders.
“With our special train service departing approximately 45 minutes after the game, we tell them, ‘Enjoy your game to the last minute. Your train is going to be waiting for you,” Hernandez Del Calvo said.
That reassurance allows fans to stay through the final whistle instead of rushing out early to beat traffic or make a parking exit.
What First-Time Riders Can Expect
For first-time riders attending World Cup matches, the process will be very straightforward. Fans will board TRI-RAIL trains from any of its train stations and arrive at the Golden Glades Station, where they can connect directly to shuttle services that will transport them to stadium areas and Fan Fest activities.
“The shuttles will be right there waiting for you when you get off the train,” Hernandez Del Calvo explained. “The service is available exclusively for verified game day ticket holders.”
The emphasis, she added, is on creating a seamless transition from train to event venue while providing enough staff and guidance to help visitors navigate unfamiliar surroundings confidently.
That effort may prove especially important for international travelers, many of whom already rely heavily on public transportation in their home countries.
“A lot of our international visitors are used to public transportation,” Hernandez Del Calvo said. “For them to hear there’s a commuter rail in the region, it’s like, ‘Of course! We do this back home.’”
A Turning Point for Public Transit in South Florida
In many ways, the World Cup presents a unique opportunity for South Florida to reintroduce itself — not just as a tourism destination, but as a region increasingly embracing multimodal transportation.
For years, TRI-RAIL has quietly connected communities across Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. But Hernandez Del Calvo said major events like the World Cup are finally bringing broader attention to the system and its value.
“For the longest time, we were almost forgotten,” she said. “Now, we’re relevant. More people are saying, ‘I ride TRI-RAIL!’”
That shift could have lasting effects, long after the tournament ends.
Beyond helping visitors reach soccer matches, TRI-RAIL encourages more residents to rethink how they travel every day — whether commuting to work, heading downtown on weekends, or exploring South Florida — by enjoying the peace of mind that comes with not having to sit in traffic.
Of course, the affordability factor matters, too. Hernandez Del Calvo pointed out that weekend fares can cost as little as $5, making rail transit an attractive alternative at a time when gas prices, parking fees, and ride share costs continue to rise.
More Than a Ride
Ultimately, TRI-RAIL sees the 2026 FIFA World Cup as more than just a transportation challenge. It’s a chance to demonstrate how public transit can improve mobility, reduce stress, and create a more connected experience for both residents and visitors.
And for soccer fans hoping to spend less time in traffic and more time enjoying the excitement of the world’s biggest sporting event, the train ride itself may become part of the core memories of this monumental sporting event.