Alina Hudak, the former city manager of Miami Beach, has been appointed as the president and CEO of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Miami Host Committee
Miami, Florida – After months away from her position as Miami Beach city manager, Alina Hudak is diving into the sports arena with an exciting new role.
This past weekend, the Miami Host Committee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup revealed the appointment of Hudak as its new president and CEO. In this pivotal role, she will lead the planning and execution of South Florida’s World Cup experience.
In April 2021, Miami Beach brought Hudak on board. The previous deputy mayor of Miami-Dade County has made history as the first woman to lead the City of Miami Beach. Prior to her resignation, she spearheaded Miami Beach’s 2024 spring break initiative, implementing stringent measures and restrictions aimed at reducing the violence that has plagued the city in past years.
“Her deep knowledge of the region, coupled with her proven ability to navigate complex challenges, makes her uniquely qualified to lead the Host Committee’s efforts for the FIFA World Cup 26,” the committee shared in a press release.
Hudak’s appointment follows the departure of former President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, who stepped down to prioritize “personal and professional commitments,” as noted by the committee.
In 2026, the World Cup will make history as it is hosted by three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This exciting tournament will also showcase an expanded lineup of 48 teams.
Miami is set to be a vibrant host city for multiple matches in the international tournament, featuring the highly anticipated third-place game at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium. The committee emphasized that the city’s role will serve as “a significant opportunity to showcase South Florida’s global allure and its ability to host premier events.”
“The FIFA World Cup transcends the realm of a mere soccer tournament; it stands as a vibrant celebration of unity, diversity, and global connection,” Hudak remarked. Miami stands out on the global stage, and my goal is to craft an extraordinary experience that showcases our city’s lively culture, creative energy, and dedication to excellence. This is an extraordinary chance to create a lasting legacy that will motivate future generations, and I am privileged to take the lead in making it a reality.
In May, the Miami-Dade County Commission made a significant decision to allocate millions in funding for the upcoming fiscal year, aimed at supporting events for the World Cup. The committee informed CBS News Miami that they anticipate a remarkable $1.5 billion economic impact for the city, which would be three times the revenue generated by Super Bowl LIV in 2020.
The spotlight is firmly on South Florida and the Miami Host Committee following the chaos that erupted before the COPA America final between Argentina and Colombia in July. Hundreds of fans stormed Hard Rock Stadium, resulting in serious injuries to fellow attendees and significant damage to the venue.
