Florida is poised to be one of the most watched stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Miami hosting seven matches including a quarterfinal and the bronze final. At the same time, the state remains the target of highly publicized travel alerts from civil rights and advocacy groups warning certain communities about visiting Florida. For fans planning World Cup trips, that combination has created confusion: Is it safe to come, what exactly do the alerts say, and how should visitors adjust their plans? Here is what international and U.S. supporters need to know right now about navigating the tournament in the context of Florida’s ongoing travel advisories.

Understanding the Florida Travel Alerts

Florida is not subject to a national government “do not travel” notice. Instead, the most prominent alerts currently in place are advisories issued by organizations such as the NAACP, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and LGBTQ advocacy groups in response to state-level policies they argue are hostile to Black Americans, immigrants, and LGBTQ people. These alerts are political and social warnings rather than formal security bulletins, but they carry real weight for many fans deciding where to spend their money and how visible they feel comfortable being in public.

The NAACP’s advisory, first issued in 2023 and still being referenced in 2025 and 2026, describes Florida as “openly hostile” to Black Americans and other minorities and urges travelers to be aware of laws affecting diversity programs, voting, and public education. Latino civil rights organizations have warned about aggressive immigration enforcement environments in parts of the state, while LGBTQ groups point to legislation affecting classroom discussions of gender identity and access to gender-affirming care. None of these alerts instruct people to stay away from Florida outright, but they do encourage travelers from affected communities to make fully informed decisions and take extra precautions.

For World Cup visitors, that means the core concern is not widespread violent crime specifically targeting tourists, but rather the risk of discrimination, hostile rhetoric, or legal complications for certain groups. In practical terms, most visitors will still be able to move through airports, hotels, stadiums, and popular neighborhoods without disruption, but minority and LGBTQ fans may wish to plan with more intention than they might in some other host cities.

How the Alerts Intersect With World Cup Planning

Miami’s role as a World Cup host is substantial. The city’s Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens is scheduled to stage four group-stage matches, a round of 32 game, a quarterfinal, and the tournament’s bronze final between the losing semifinalists. That schedule places Miami in the international spotlight across the full month of play, from mid-June group fixtures through the penultimate weekend in July. As a result, any existing travel alerts about Florida will inevitably intersect with the world’s largest sporting event.

FIFA and local organizers in Miami have made public assurances that they are preparing to welcome fans from every background, with planning tours, security coordination and city-level transport and hospitality upgrades underway. On the ground, the World Cup “bubble” of airports, fan zones, hotels, and stadium precincts is likely to be heavily policed, closely managed and designed for mass tourism. Historically, major events in U.S. cities, from Super Bowls to international tournaments, have unfolded with high security but relatively low rates of serious incidents involving visitors in official event zones.

However, the advocacy-group advisories highlight that visitors’ experiences extend beyond the controlled environment of FIFA events. Fans may head to beaches, nightlife districts, or road trips across the state between matches. For LGBTQ supporters, fans of color, immigrants or mixed-status families, the alerts are a reminder to research local norms, understand their rights, and decide how comfortable they feel with things like public displays of affection, protest paraphernalia, or political apparel outside official venues. It is less a warning that the World Cup itself will be unsafe and more a call to approach the broader destination with eyes open.

From a public-safety perspective, Miami is used to managing very large, high-profile events, and World Cup match days will trigger multi-agency security operations. Visitors can expect significant police presence around stadiums, fan festivals, and transport hubs, along with airport-style security at entry. That can be reassuring for many supporters, but it may feel intimidating to those who have had negative experiences with law enforcement at home. Advocacy groups have specifically urged Black and Latino travelers to be aware of the possibility of racial profiling during traffic stops or in nightlife districts, and to carry identification and important documents at all times.

For international visitors, it is important to distinguish between U.S. federal rules, such as entry requirements at the border, and state-level policies in Florida. Immigration checks at airports and land borders are handled by federal authorities, not by the state. Once inside the country, however, state laws can govern issues such as the rights of undocumented people, penalties for transporting individuals without legal status, public protest rules, and the treatment of minors seeking gender-affirming care. Even if you personally are visiting on a valid tourist visa, traveling with relatives who have precarious legal status or with transgender youth may require more detailed planning and legal advice.

Fans should also be aware of standard U.S. regulations that will be enforced regardless of politics. Public drinking laws, open container rules, recreational drug use, and driving under the influence are common sources of trouble for visitors during large tournaments. Medical cannabis, for example, is legal only within strict guidelines and remains illegal under federal law; recreational use is not broadly permitted in Florida. Simple steps such as using designated rideshare areas after matches, staying in groups when leaving stadiums late at night, and keeping valuables out of sight remain the most effective ways to avoid routine crime in urban areas.

Travel Logistics: Getting In, Getting Around and Where Fans Will Be

Despite the political noise, the practical logistics of getting to and around Miami for the World Cup are largely straightforward. Miami International Airport is one of North America’s busiest gateways, with extensive connections from Europe, Latin America, and within the United States. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, about an hour from the stadium by car, offers additional capacity and often cheaper fares. Neither airport has any special restrictions tied to the advocacy-group travel advisories; screening and customs procedures follow U.S. federal standards that apply nationwide.

Within South Florida, most fans will move between hotels, the stadium and entertainment districts via a mix of rideshare services, taxis, hotel shuttles, and public transit. Miami’s Metrorail and Metrobus systems serve key parts of the city, and suburban rail links offer connections up the coast. On match days, organizers are expected to put in place enhanced transport services and clearly marked shuttle routes linking park-and-ride locations with the stadium. Renting a car can provide flexibility for exploring beaches or the Keys, but visitors who are concerned about potential traffic stops or unfamiliar with U.S. driving rules may prefer to rely on professional transport providers.

World Cup visitors should also pay attention to the timing of matches and the local climate. June and July in South Florida are hot, humid and prone to afternoon thunderstorms and heavy rain. Hydration, sun protection, and extra travel time to account for weather disruptions will be essential. Early afternoon kickoffs may feel particularly intense in the heat; fans with health concerns should consult their doctors before travel and know where medical facilities are located near their accommodation and the stadium.

Community Climate: Culture, Inclusion and Potential Flashpoints

Miami itself is one of the most diverse and internationally oriented cities in the United States, with deep ties to Latin America and the Caribbean and large Black, Latino and LGBTQ communities. For many visitors, especially from abroad, the city’s day-to-day atmosphere can feel considerably more inclusive and cosmopolitan than the broad-brush picture painted by statewide political debates. Neighborhoods like South Beach, Wynwood and Brickell are used to international tourism and typically welcome a wide spectrum of expressions, languages and identities.

That said, visitors should not assume that every corner of Florida mirrors Miami’s cultural climate. Advocacy-group travel alerts highlight incidents and legislation across the state, not just in major metros. Fans driving to smaller beach towns or visiting rural attractions may encounter more conservative social environments and, in some cases, explicit signs of support for political positions that clash with their own identities or beliefs. Choosing where to stay and play based on comfort level is a legitimate way to respond to the alerts without giving up on attending matches.

The World Cup also has the potential to become a stage for protest, both inside and outside stadiums. Advocacy organizations may use the tournament’s visibility to draw attention to their travel advisories or to policies they oppose, while other groups may rally in support of state leaders. Fans should expect to see political messaging, demonstrations or counter-demonstrations in public spaces, especially downtown and near media hubs. As always, it is wise to monitor local news, follow instructions from event stewards and law enforcement, and avoid confrontations with demonstrators of any stripe.

Practical Steps for At-Risk or Concerned Travelers

For fans who fall into groups specifically mentioned in the travel alerts, planning ahead can make a significant difference to peace of mind. Before booking, take time to read the full text of any relevant advisories from organizations you trust, not just summaries on social media. Consider whether traveling with a larger group, joining an organized supporters’ tour, or staying in major international hotel brands will make you feel more secure. Inquire in advance about a hotel’s policies on issues that matter to you, such as inclusive check-in practices for same-sex couples or recognition of different forms of government-issued ID.

Carry digital and paper copies of important documents, including passports, visas, travel insurance, match tickets, and any medical prescriptions. If you are a U.S. citizen, know how to contact civil rights or legal support organizations in case of discriminatory treatment. International visitors should ensure they have emergency contact details for their consulate, as well as a plan for what to do if they lose documents or experience a legal issue. Many supporters groups and fan networks are also compiling their own safety and inclusion guides specific to the World Cup host cities; these can be useful supplements to official information.

Communication is another key protective factor. Share your itinerary and accommodation details with family or friends, check in regularly, and use well-known, reputable platforms when booking tickets, lodging or transportation. On the ground, trust your instincts. If a venue, conversation or police interaction feels uncomfortable, it is acceptable to step away, seek assistance from event staff, or move to a more public, well-lit area. The travel alerts are, at their heart, an invitation to think critically about where and how you travel; applying that mindset to your World Cup plans can reduce risk while preserving the joy of following your team.

The Takeaway

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring millions of eyes to Florida, and particularly to Miami, at a time when the state occupies a contentious place in U.S. social and political debates. The Florida travel alerts issued by civil rights and advocacy groups are not conventional security warnings, but they are serious expressions of concern about the lived experience of Black, Latino, LGBTQ and immigrant communities under recent state policies. Ignoring them entirely would be a mistake, especially for fans who belong to those groups or travel with loved ones who do.

At the same time, there is no current indication that the World Cup matches in Miami will be canceled or that international visitors will face extraordinary barriers at the border solely because the tournament is taking place in Florida. For most supporters, the event will look and feel like a large-scale, tightly managed international festival layered onto one of America’s most tourism-hardened cities. The key is to balance enthusiasm with awareness: understand the political context, recognize your own risk profile, take practical safety measures, and make informed choices about where you stay, how you move, and how visible you wish to be.

For many fans, the World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness football history up close. Navigating Florida’s travel alerts does not have to mean abandoning that dream. It means approaching it with a clear view of both the joy and the complexity that come with staging the world’s game in a place where questions of identity, rights and belonging are very much in play.

FAQ

Q1: Are the Florida travel alerts official government warnings?
The prominent Florida travel alerts related to the World Cup are issued by civil rights and advocacy groups, not by national governments. They are political and social advisories highlighting concerns about discrimination and state policies, rather than formal security bans on travel.

Q2: Is it generally safe for tourists to attend World Cup matches in Miami?
Large international events in U.S. cities typically involve extensive security planning, and Miami has long experience hosting major sports and entertainment gatherings. While no trip is risk-free, there is currently no broad indication that attending matches in official World Cup zones in Miami will be unusually dangerous for visitors.

Q3: I am LGBTQ. Should I avoid traveling to Florida for the World Cup?
LGBTQ advocacy groups have criticized Florida’s recent laws and issued travel cautions, particularly around rights for transgender people and public school policies. Many LGBTQ travelers still visit Miami and other parts of the state, but you may wish to research local conditions, choose LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods and accommodations, and decide what level of visibility feels comfortable for you.

Q4: Do the alerts affect my ability to enter the United States?
No. Entry requirements are set by the U.S. federal government and apply nationwide. The civil rights travel advisories do not change visa rules or border procedures. However, visitors should ensure they meet standard U.S. entry criteria and carry all required documentation.

Q5: Could the World Cup matches in Florida be relocated because of the alerts?
There is no current indication that FIFA plans to move World Cup matches out of Miami due to advocacy-group travel advisories. Host city contracts, stadium preparations and ticket sales are proceeding based on Florida remaining a key venue.

Q6: How can I reduce the risk of discriminatory treatment while visiting?
Steps that may help include staying in well-reviewed hotels in central, tourist-oriented areas, traveling in groups when possible, using reputable transport services, carrying identification at all times, and being mindful of local norms in more conservative areas. Knowing basic phrases for asserting your rights and having contact information for legal or consular support can also provide reassurance.

Q7: Are there special rules on protest or political clothing near the stadium?
FIFA and local authorities typically impose restrictions on banners, flags and political messaging inside stadiums, and local laws govern demonstrations in public areas. Fans should check updated match-day guidelines and follow instructions from stewards and police. Political protests may occur in the city, so it is wise to stay informed and avoid confrontations.

Q8: What about health and weather risks in Florida during the tournament?
June and July in South Florida are hot, humid and prone to heavy rain and storms. Visitors should plan for high temperatures, stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and allow extra time for transport disruptions. If you have existing medical conditions, consult a doctor before travel and identify nearby clinics or hospitals at your destination.

Q9: Will my travel insurance cover issues related to discrimination or political unrest?
Coverage varies widely by policy. Some plans cover trip interruption due to civil unrest or certain emergencies, while others do not address discrimination-related incidents. It is important to read the fine print of your policy, ask specific questions of your insurer, and consider upgrading coverage if you are concerned.

Q10: What should I do if I feel unsafe or harassed during my trip?
If you feel in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. For less urgent issues, move to a crowded, well-lit place, seek help from event staff or hotel security, and document the incident if safe to do so. U.S. citizens can also contact civil rights organizations or legal aid groups, while international visitors should reach out to their consulate for guidance and assistance.