arts
New generation of South Florida soccer players being inspired by FIFA World Cup in Miami
By Bri Buckley at CBS4 Miami
· July 4, 2026
· 2 min read
Young soccer players in Oakland Park say the FIFA World Cup is fueling their dreams of one day competing on that same stage.Kids at America's Got Soccer, a youth program in Oakland Park, said players like Lionel Messi have become heroes to them.Lua Pratt said she already has big aspirations."What do
Key takeaway Kids at America's Got Soccer, a youth program in Oakland Park, said players like Lionel Messi have become heroes to them.
Why this matters in The Miami
The FIFA World Cup's presence in Miami is having a tangible impact on the city's young soccer enthusiasts, with players like Lionel Messi inspiring a new generation of athletes in neighborhoods like Oakland Park. As the tournament brings international attention to South Florida, local youth programs like America's Got Soccer are capitalizing on the excitement to foster a love of the game among kids. With Miami's strong Latin American and Caribbean roots, the World Cup's influence is particularly pronounced, with many young players idolizing stars from these regions. As families navigate the challenge of accessing live matches due to high ticket prices, community initiatives like watch parties hosted by America's Got Soccer will help bring the tournament's energy to a broader audience, further fueling the passion for soccer in Miami's diverse communities.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: July 4, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Young soccer players in Oakland Park say the FIFA World Cup is fueling their dreams of one day competing on that same stage.Kids at America's Got Soccer, a youth program in Oakland Park, said players like Lionel Messi have become heroes to them.Lua Pratt said she already has big aspirations."What do
When was this published? This article was first published on July 4, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Bri Buckley at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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