AS MIAMI PREPARES FOR THE FIFA WORLD CUP, HOST COMMITTEE CEO ALINA HUDAK DIRECTS THE CITY’S EFFORTS WITH FOCUS AND CONVICTION.
Miami is already counting down to 2026. With the FIFA World Cup set to bring record crowds and global attention, preparations across the city have accelerated. At the helm of that effort is Alina Hudak, a veteran public administrator known for her precision and poise, now leading Miami’s organizing team for the tournament.
Hudak serves as president and CEO of the FIFA World Cup 26 Miami Host Committee, the nonprofit formed by civic and business leaders to fulfill the city’s obligations as one of North America’s host sites. “Our purpose is to implement the requirements of the bid that brought the World Cup to Miami,” she said. “It’s a collaboration between the community, local government, and international partners.”
The stakes are high. Seven matches will take place at Hard Rock Stadium. Organizers estimate more than a million visitors and a major economic boost during the monthlong tournament. “It’s a defining moment for Miami,” Hudak said. “We have the opportunity to show the world our diversity, our energy, and our ability to welcome people from every corner of the globe.”
Planning goes well beyond logistics for game days. The committee is developing transportation and security strategies, sponsorship plans, and citywide fan experiences. A 23-day Fan Festival at Bayfront Park—open and free to the public—will serve as a central gathering place. “We want residents to feel part of it,” Hudak said. “This is a celebration that belongs to the whole community.”
Hudak’s experience makes her one of the city’s most seasoned leaders. She began her career in Miami-Dade County’s government, eventually becoming the first woman to serve as county manager, overseeing 28,000 employees and a $7 billion budget. Later, as city manager of Miami Beach, she helped guide the community through the Surfside condominium collapse and the recovery period that followed.
Her approach to leadership is steady and methodical. “Real leadership is about collaboration,” Hudak said. “You bring people together, you build consensus, and you make sure every decision is grounded in purpose.”
Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Hudak often credits her parents’ discipline and humility for her outlook. “I come from very humble roots,” she said. “I’ve always believed in being prepared, knowing the facts, and staying true to where I came from.”
That sense of preparation has guided her through every phase of her career. “When you understand the details, you can make good decisions,” she said. “That’s the key to clear and confident leadership.”
As she oversees the city’s preparations, Hudak sees the World Cup not only as a sporting event but as a moment of civic pride. “This will bring people together in a way few things can,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to show what Miami represents to the world.”
When the last game ends and the crowds disperse, her measure of success will be simple. “I want people to feel welcome and safe,” Hudak said. “And I want Miami to feel proud of what we accomplished together.”
Miami is already counting down to 2026. With the FIFA World Cup set to bring record crowds and global attention, preparations across the city have accelerated. At the helm of that effort is Alina Hudak, a veteran public administrator known for her precision and poise, now leading Miami’s organizing team for the tournament.
Hudak serves as president and CEO of the FIFA World Cup 26 Miami Host Committee, the nonprofit formed by civic and business leaders to fulfill the city’s obligations as one of North America’s host sites. “Our purpose is to implement the requirements of the bid that brought the World Cup to Miami,” she said. “It’s a collaboration between the community, local government, and international partners.”
The stakes are high. Seven matches will take place at Hard Rock Stadium. Organizers estimate more than a million visitors and a major economic boost during the monthlong tournament. “It’s a defining moment for Miami,” Hudak said. “We have the opportunity to show the world our diversity, our energy, and our ability to welcome people from every corner of the globe.”
Planning goes well beyond logistics for game days. The committee is developing transportation and security strategies, sponsorship plans, and citywide fan experiences. A 23-day Fan Festival at Bayfront Park—open and free to the public—will serve as a central gathering place. “We want residents to feel part of it,” Hudak said. “This is a celebration that belongs to the whole community.”
Hudak’s experience makes her one of the city’s most seasoned leaders. She began her career in Miami-Dade County’s government, eventually becoming the first woman to serve as county manager, overseeing 28,000 employees and a $7 billion budget. Later, as city manager of Miami Beach, she helped guide the community through the Surfside condominium collapse and the recovery period that followed.
Her approach to leadership is steady and methodical. “Real leadership is about collaboration,” Hudak said. “You bring people together, you build consensus, and you make sure every decision is grounded in purpose.”
Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Hudak often credits her parents’ discipline and humility for her outlook. “I come from very humble roots,” she said. “I’ve always believed in being prepared, knowing the facts, and staying true to where I came from.”
That sense of preparation has guided her through every phase of her career. “When you understand the details, you can make good decisions,” she said. “That’s the key to clear and confident leadership.”
As she oversees the city’s preparations, Hudak sees the World Cup not only as a sporting event but as a moment of civic pride. “This will bring people together in a way few things can,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to show what Miami represents to the world.”
When the last game ends and the crowds disperse, her measure of success will be simple. “I want people to feel welcome and safe,” Hudak said. “And I want Miami to feel proud of what we accomplished together.”
