Brazilians in Miami gather to watch World Cup and luxury condos
Two passions came under one roof, albeit recently built, in North Miami Beach on Saturday evening.
An hour before the five-time World Cup champions kicked off against Morocco, dozens of Brazilians gathered in this plush lobby. Valet parking removed some of the stress fans felt. A projector was mounted and ready in the sales pavilion of 33 story ONE Park Tower by Turnberry. The space was cleared out for chairs and hopefully revelry.
Daniel Ickowicz, CEO of Elite International Realty, greeted each guest as he or she arrived. Canapés and beverages flowed in abundance. Friends or colleagues who hadn’t seen each other in months or years gave warm, tight and long embraces, as only Brazilians know. Some people had only arrived from the country in the past few days or were on short trips.
Elite, a real estate firm, was formed by Leo Ickowicz, Daniel’s father, in 1994, also the last time the World Cup was held in the U.S. Brazil won that tournament.
Leo, 79, is still active and involved in the business: he sat in front row. But Daniel, 49 and born in São Paulo, now runs the firm. He has lived in South Florida for 35 years, now based in Aventura.
South Florida has a bevy of ways for soccer fans to support their teams. Since at least 2010, the father and son have sought to bring clients together by holding World Cup watch parties at new properties, particularly when Brazil plays. It’s the ultimate mixing business with pleasure.
“Brazilians of course love soccer,” said Uiane Lim, 61, a realtor from São Paulo in attendance. “Also, they love coming and visiting and investing in Miami,” she noted.
“We’re showing two beautiful things,” said Isabella Velez, marketing director for Elite, referring to the beautiful game and seeing new buildings.
This particular watch party “is a way to engage with your clients,” she noted.
Moreover, through the watch parties, “the customers get to know different areas of the city, not only Brickell,” said Lim, who is also an official FIFA volunteer for this World Cup.
North Miami Beach is a huge untapped market, she believes.
Before the start of the match, guests were given tours of the property, taken to the condos, the fitness room and shown the view outside.
ONE Park Tower, with more than 300 luxury condos, was developed by Jackie Soffer’s firm. Already open, it sits beside Laguna SoLé, a seven-acre Crystal Lagoon.
On one of the outdoor decks, a makeshift bar drew a crowd.
One tap served beer, mainly Stella Artois. The other had two options: one served caipiroskas and the other made caipirinhas. Called Mobile Bar Services, it’s run by 30 year-old Alex Guzman.
Joao Vicentes Braganeto, a 66-year-old who had just flown in from his home in Manaus, was in line and ordered a beer. Decked in a Brazil jersey, he was in town to close a real estate deal in Orlando.
He brought some friends. Bernard Teixeira, 37 and also from Manaus came with his girlfriend for a vacation. He doesn’t yet have investments in the U.S. “We will visit properties but am not looking to invest,” for now, he said.
Once the match started, the tours of the property stopped and all attention turned to the soccer game.
The sales pavilion was standing room only, if that. Chants of “Vai” periodically erupted. Nerves frayed.
At halftime, visits of ONE Park Tower resumed. Nerves calmed somewhat. .
Elite’s approach in the market is to focus more on condos already built, Daniel Ickowicz said. He’s less bullish than others in the real estate market on the many high-rises going up and dotting the Miami skyline, saying “there’s a lot of inventory.”
He’s skeptical of developers’ common claims that their buildings sell out before even being built.
“There are condos that were pre-construction years ago, now ready, but not sold out,” said Ickowicz.
He considers those “good opportunities.” He thinks now is “a great time to negotiate.”
He had lots of clients and possible future clients to choose from on Saturday. He said about 80 people showed up. An array of Brazilians were there to support both him and the team.
Artist Adriana Adelson, from Rio de Janeiro was there. She lives in Aventura and helps Elite’s clients understand art and South Florida’s art scene.
Sandra Mina, Senior VP - Residential Lending Manager for BB Americas Bank, the U.S. subsidiary of Banco do Brasil, attended. Based in Miami the past 14 years, she helps Elite clients finance their deals.
Born in São Paulo, she said she came to “watch the game and work.”
This is the fourth Word Cup she’s watched with Elite.
“Real estate is a big interest for Brazilians,” she said. From these events, “you sometime get deals.”
Then there’s Mario Caldas, 61, and his wife Marina Pinto, 62.
Originally from Rio de Janeiro, he’s lived in Miami since 2014.
While he’s rooting for his Brazil he has a broader vision of this year’s World Cup.
He served in the Brazilian Army for about 30 years. His highest rank was Colonel. During that time, he served in Haiti, in 2005 as part of the UN Peacekeeping Mission.
“It was very hard,” he recalls. But “it was a profound experience.”
He’s hoping Haiti has a good World Cup, he said.
“The people are so loving,” he remembered. “I love the country” and he wants the team to do well. But how well?
Haiti’s next match is against his Brazil. Asked if he hopes for a Haiti win or even a draw, he initially contemplated the idea, but then replied, “No. I’m always going to root for Brazil.”
The Brazil-Morocco second half eventually started, and the building tours ended.
Every seat was full. Chants surged.
Ultimately though, the outcome was not what they hoped.
“It’s typical Brazil,” said Daniel Ickowicz. “We don’t know what to expect until the first game.”
That’s because the national team members play for different teams, mostly overseas, he said. It’s only in subsequent group match games that they improve.
He was pleased with goalkeeper Alisson.
“I have a good feeling this team is going to come together.”
“Jogo porcaria,” or “[B.S. game]”, Mario Caldas said to Daniel Ickowicz as he departed the property on Saturday night and they embraced.
But, “Que bom é ver você” or “it was good to see you.” That was a sentiment shared by all.
This story was originally published June 14, 2026 at 4:03 PM.