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CFP National Championship 2026 January 19 • Miami Gardens
CFP National Championship 2026 in January 19 • Miami Gardens

The CFP National Championship Game is the final and most important event of the college football season. In 2026, the championship will be staged in South Florida, bringing together elite teams, national attention, and one of the sport’s largest audiences.

Below is a clear, easy-to-follow guide covering all essential information: date, location, teams, tickets, TV channels, streaming options, and what fans can expect before kickoff.

Why the CFP National Championship Matters

The CFP National Championship is the final test of the season. It crowns the sport’s undisputed champion after months of competition and, now, multiple playoff rounds.

Winning the title in Miami carries added prestige. The setting, national spotlight, and history of Hard Rock Stadium make it one of the most memorable stages in college football.

Date and Time

  • Date: Monday, January 19, 2026

  • Kickoff time: Expected between 7:30–8:30 p.m. ET
    (Official kickoff time will be confirmed closer to game day.)

The CFP National Championship traditionally takes place on a Monday night to maximize national television viewership.

Location and Stadium

  • City: Miami Gardens, Florida

  • Venue: Hard Rock Stadium

Hard Rock Stadium is one of the most experienced championship venues in the United States. It has hosted Super Bowls, College Football Playoff semifinals, and previous national championship games.

Key venue details:

  • Seating capacity: approximately 65,000+

  • Outdoor stadium with partial canopy

  • Located about 15 miles north of downtown Miami

Which Teams Will Play?

The two teams in the championship game will be the winners of the CFP semifinal games, played earlier in January.

Under the expanded 12-team CFP format, teams must win:

  1. A first-round game (if not a top-four seed)

  2. A quarterfinal game

  3. A semifinal game

By the time they reach Miami, both teams will have survived the toughest path college football has ever seen.

Final teams will be announced after the CFP semifinals.

Semifinal Matchups (Final Four)

The CFP semifinals are now set after the quarterfinal round of the 2025–26 College Football Playoff:

No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers vs. No. 5 Oregon Ducks

→ This game will take place in the Peach Bowl on Friday, January 9, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. Indiana and Oregon previously met this season, and now they will face off again with a spot in the national championship on the line.

No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels vs. No. 10 Miami Hurricanes

→ This game will be played in the Fiesta Bowl on Thursday, January 8, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. Both programs advanced by winning their quarterfinal games and will compete for the second berth in the national title game.

So, the two semifinal winners from these matchups will advance to the CFP National Championship Game on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida

Tickets: What Fans Should Know

CFP National Championship tickets are among the most expensive and in-demand in college football.

How Tickets Are Sold

  • Primary sales:
    Distributed through the College Football Playoff, participating schools, and official partners.

  • Secondary market:
    Most fans buy through resale platforms once the matchup is known.

Price Expectations

  • Prices typically rise significantly after semifinal results

  • Lower-level seats and midfield sections sell fastest

  • Parking passes are often sold separately

Tip: Fans traveling should budget not only for tickets, but also for parking, food, and merchandise.

TV Channels Broadcasting the Game

The CFP National Championship will be broadcast nationally in the United States.

  • Primary TV channel: ESPN

ESPN holds exclusive broadcast rights to the College Football Playoff and will provide:

  • Pre-game coverage

  • In-game commentary

  • Halftime analysis

  • Postgame trophy ceremony

Streaming Options

Fans without cable can still watch the game live through official streaming platforms.

Expected streaming options include:

  • ESPN App (with TV provider login)

  • ESPN+ (depending on regional access and packages)

  • Live TV streaming services that carry ESPN, such as:

    • Hulu + Live TV

    • YouTube TV

    • Sling TV

    • Fubo

Availability may vary by region, so fans should confirm access ahead of time.

Getting to Miami Gardens

Airports

  • Miami International Airport (MIA) – closest major airport

  • Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) – about 30 miles north, often cheaper

Transportation to the Stadium

  • Rental cars: Flexible but expect heavy traffic

  • Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Convenient but surge pricing is common

  • Shuttles: Often announced closer to game week from downtown areas

Fans are strongly advised to arrive at the stadium at least three hours before kickoff.

Where Fans Usually Stay

Popular hotel areas for CFP fans include:

  • Miami Beach: Best for nightlife, dining, and beaches

  • Downtown Miami / Brickell: Central location with modern hotels

  • Aventura / Hollywood: Closer to the stadium, often more affordable

Hotel prices typically increase once the semifinal matchups are set.

Weather Forecast and What to Wear

January weather in South Florida is one of the biggest advantages of this host city.

  • Daytime: Mid-60s to mid-70s (°F)

  • Evening: Cooler but comfortable

  • Rain: Possible but usually brief

Fans should wear light layers and comfortable shoes. Heavy winter clothing is unnecessary.

Events Around Championship Week

The CFP National Championship is more than a single game.

Fans can expect:

  • CFP fan festivals

  • Sponsor events and activations

  • Team arrival coverage and media events

  • Merchandise shops and interactive fan zones

Most events are held in downtown Miami or popular tourist areas.

Final Takeaway

The CFP National Championship Game on January 19, 2026, will bring college football’s biggest moment to Miami Gardens. With clear plans for tickets, travel, TV coverage, and game-day logistics, fans can fully enjoy the experience — whether inside the stadium or watching from home.

One team will leave South Florida as national champion. For fans, it will be the final and defining night of the college football season.