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Every four years, billions of spectators around the globe tune in to soccer’s FIFA World Cup — the world’s most popular sporting event.
And in 2026, the party comes to America — just in time for the nation’s Semiquincentennial celebration.
FIFA World Cup 26 pits dozens of the world’s best national soccer (aka fútbol) teams against each other in a series of electrifying country-versus-country matchups.
With a lineup of 48 teams for 2026 (the most in FIFA World Cup history), the 39-day tournament takes place in 16 cities across North America, including right here in Philadelphia.
Philly hosts six big matches at Lincoln Financial Field, expecting to draw more than half a million visitors in total to the city, as well as the 39-day FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park.
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with Philly’s matchups being held between June 14 and July 4, 2026 — which happens to be the 250th birthday of the United States.
Read on for a comprehensive guide on what to expect during FIFA World Cup 26 in Philly.
The number of matches in this year’s World Cup sets a new record — a whopping 104 matches — divided into 12 groups of four teams.
FIFA World Cup 26 kicks off with an opening match in Mexico City at Estadio Azteca (North America’s most famous soccer venue) on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
South Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field (temporarily renamed Philadelphia Stadium) then plays host to six of the tournament’s matches total.
The Philly region begins with five Group Stage “pool play” matchups — featuring qualified national teams from semi-randomly assigned groups — from June 14-27, 2026, at The Linc on the following dates:
As the tournament progresses, the top two teams from each round-robin group (one group per city) move into the single-elimination Knockout Stage.
Philadelphia does not host a match during the Knockout Stage’s Round of 32, but returns for a high-stakes Round of 16 match at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026 — one of Philly’s biggest holidays and America’s Semiquincentennial — for the right to advance to a Quarter-final in Boston. The teams for that match (Match 89) are still to be determined.
From there, the winners will progress to the semifinals in Texas and Atlanta, and conclude with the FIFA World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
FIFA World Cup 26 tickets are still on sale on a first-come, first-served basis. Simply create an account (aka a FIFA ID) and enter the queue. Presales are over, so it’s your last chance to snag sales as we inch closer and closer to the first coin toss.
Fans can also look for resale options at the Marketplace link on FIFA.com/tickets.
As all of you ticketholders count down the days until your team hits the pitch, information is becoming available on how to access the games, parties and parking as well as some safety details.
Here’s a primer on what we know so far.
For those driving to the matches, you can access Lincoln Financial Field from I-95 and I-76.
As parking remains exclusive to ticketholders, you’ll need to purchase a $125 FIFA Parking Pass ahead of time. You must use the same email address for the pass as you used to purchase match tickets. Parking passes for oversized vehicles cost $500 per game.
Public transit might be the quickest and easiest way to get to the stadium, via SEPTA’s B (Broad Street) subway line. Simply exit at NRG Station, the last southbound subway stop and take a short walk to the stadium.
Note: SEPTA’s normal $2.90 base fare to take the B subway one-way to the Linc remains unchanged during the games.
Bonus! Fans can enjoy a free ride home from the NRG Station after each game. Just head back to the NRG station anytime after the half (up to two hours post-match) to enjoy free fare, one-way.
— Photo courtesy FIFA World Cup 26 Philadelphia
Stateside Live! — a dining and entertainment hub within the sports complex — offers the official (and exclusive) pre- and post-game experiences with varying levels of hospitality exclusive to ticketholders. That’s right — only ticketholders can access these match-day experiences.
Each level of Stateside’s experience packages includes all of the perks of the lower levels with added bonuses. Read more about the packages here.
The City of Philadelphia wants to keep everyone safe, so they’ve created a dedicated safety page for the World Cup. The city page links to FIFA’s Code of Conduct and reminds fans to check the list of prohibited items ahead of entry. Bookmark this page to review when you are getting your gear ready before the games.
Folks looking to experience the FIFA excitement can join thousands of other fans at the 39-day-long, free-admission FIFA Fan Festival.
Held at Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park over the course of the event, the massive international celebration features the best of fútbol culture, along with giant screens broadcasting live matches and highlights, food and beverage vendors, live music and entertainment, and International cultural events and parties.
— Rendering courtesy Philadelphia Soccer 2026
Organizers expect about 15,000 to 25,000 to attend the fan festival each match day. Non-match days feature ticketed concert events.
You can get to the event on public transit, as SEPTA offers increased access on routes, including the G (trolley) or 7, 32, 38, 48 and 49 bus routes. If you decide to bike there, look for the bike valets to secure your ride while you celebrate.
Philly’s lineup of teams is a big deal. What better way to experience these cultures than through food?
Whether you’re looking for coastal Caribbean flavors, Latin American staples, perfectly-spiced West African classics or indulgent French delicacies, Philly’s authentic and diverse food scene has got you covered.
Our FIFA World Cup dining guide offers cuisine representing each FIFA World Cup 26 team hosted in Philly — and your chance to dine along with the players, try something new or enjoy a taste of home.
Africa Small Pot — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
It’s almost go-time for FIFA World Cup 26. That means it’s also go time for the half-a-million expected visitors to book a hotel for game day(s).
Luckily, Philly has an abundance of hotels for fans needing a place to call home during the games — both near the stadium and throughout the city.
Get the scoop on where to stay in Philadelphia — as well as where to get sweet perks — with our FIFA World Cup hotel guide.
Courtyard Philadelphia South at The Navy Yard — Photo by J.Goldman
Philadelphians know the stadium as The Linc, but during the World Cup, we’re going to call it Philadelphia Stadium. It holds close to 70,000 people, and when you pack that many people into one space, all cheering on their favorite team, it can get crazy loud.
Visitors have registered volume levels of up to 95 decibels — loud enough that our beloved Birds sometimes have trouble hearing calls — so bring some earplugs if you want to dampen the noise.
The stadium serves up local favorites like cheesesteaks, with venerable stands like Tony Luke’s and Chickie’s & Pete’s. Other Philly favorites on hand include Philly Pretzel Factory, Rita’s Italian Ice and more.
Fans with dietary restrictions can feast as well. The stadium has made it onto PETA’s list of the most vegetarian-friendly NFL stadiums due to its wealth of meat-free options, while those seeking Kosher and gluten-free eats can find ample options too.
Parking at the stadium has always been plentiful: The whole sports complex has more than 21,000 spots, with 2,000 outside The Linc. Tailgating often starts many hours before Philly sports games, so feel free to set up your group’s pre-game eats and drinks in the lot to get ready for the game.
Nearby, Stateside Live! also hosts match-day experiences, pre- and post-game parties, food and drink, and varying levels of hospitality.
As Philadelphia welcomes the world to our beloved city, we know getting to new places can sometimes cause stress. The good news for first-timers to Philly: Getting here is easy.
We’ve got a world-class airport, easy Amtrak access and a local mass-transit system with buses, trolleys and trains.
Check out our comprehensive guide to getting to Philly to help you plan your route here.
In addition, the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau updates its Ultimate Guide to FIFA World Cup 2026 in Philadelphia regularly, and has a special section with tips for international fans coming to see games in the U.S.
With so many different ways to navigate Philadelphia, getting to the stadium on game day is a breeze. For those driving to the matches, Lincoln Financial Field is easily accessible from I-95 and I-76.
The quickest way to the stadium is to take SEPTA’s B (Broad Street) subway line. Simply exit at NRG Station, the last southbound subway stop. SEPTA’s normal $2.90 base fare to take the B subway one-way to the Linc remains unchanged during the games. Plus, fans can enjoy a free ride home on the subway from the NRG Station anytime after the half (up to two hours post-match).
Philly’s got a robust bicycling program, where anyone can grab an Indego bike at one of hundreds of stations across the city. The city is also one of the most walkable in the country, voted the most walkable city for visitors in the U.S. three years in a row in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Learn more in our comprehensive guide to getting around Philly, and check out our neighborhood guides to give you an intro to the local flavor of each section of the city.
¡Bienvenidos! Bienvenue! Bem-vindo! Philly welcomes non-native English speakers from around the globe. The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau has created guides to Philadelphia in numerous languages.
The city also has a list of helpful “I Speak” cards you can download and/or print out to help you access city services from someone who can speak your language.
For those visiting The Linc with disabilities or mobility challenges, note that the stadium has an accessibility guide in addition to a state-of-the-art sensory room on-site.
Check out Visit Philadelphia’s comprehensive guide to accessibility in the city.
No stranger to hosting epic international events (like the Pope visiting!), Philly has hotels in every corner of the city, from five-star luxury stays to cozy boutique digs to call your home away from home.
Our guide to Philadelphia hotels can help you get started, and because Philly is more fun when you sleep over, we love sharing hotel deals with visitors, including our Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package.
Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia — Photo courtesy of Live! Casino & Hotel
Philadelphia is undoubtedly one of the best dining and nightlife cities in America.
Don’t take our word. Just ask Eater. Or Condé Nast Traveler. Or Food & Wine, Forbes, and Travel + Leisure.
Maybe peruse the James Beard Awards, which bestowed culinary honors on dozens of Philadelphia restaurants and bars, or Michelin’s brand new guide to the city.
That’s not even to mention the cheesesteaks, soft pretzels and hoagies people flock to Philly to savor, in addition to historic spots like our much-beloved Reading Terminal Market, in operation since 1892. Let’s just say your taste buds will thank you after they’ve experienced Philly’s food scene.
Looking for where to start? Check out our guide to must-visit restaurants for first-time visitors.
Reading Terminal Market — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
The weather in June in Philadelphia is relatively mild. At the start of the month, daytime high temperatures average 78 degrees Fahrenheit, with overnight lows around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. By the end of the month, average highs jump to 85 degrees, bottoming out at night near 65 degrees.
July in Philadelphia can get pretty hot, but mid-summer temps usually remain relatively comfortable. Daytime high temperatures average 87 degrees Fahrenheit, with overnight lows around 70 degrees.
Expect lots of sun — and bring an umbrella, for an occasional pop-up thunderstorm.
2026 is Philadelphia’s biggest year yet. In addition to FIFA World Cup 26, we’re hosting plenty of major events for the Semiquincentennial — America’s year-long 250th birthday.
Events include The Declaration’s Journey at the Museum of the American Revolution and new galleries at the National Constitution Center, all building up to Wawa Welcome America, the city’s massive 16-day celebration of independence.
National Constitution Center — Photo by J. Miczek for the National Constitution Center
Philadelphia’s founder, William Penn, envisioned a city filled with green space, and modern-day Philly bursts with tranquil green spots — like Fairmount Park, Wissahickon Valley Park and nearby FDR Park — each perfect for strolling when you need a break from the bustle.
You can also explore Philly’s riverside along the Schuylkill River Trail and Delaware River Trail, which each offer stunning skyline and riverside views.
Shoppers love visiting the commercial corridors and charming boutique shops spread across the city.
And if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, Philly’s got you covered from Black, Latino and AAPI culture, to LGBTQ+.
Get started with our list of the most essential things for first-time visitors to Philly, find activities for the whole family with our guides to the top things to do with kids and teens, or have fun without breaking the bank with our comprehensive guide on free things to do in Philly.
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It’s Philly’s biggest year yet!
Make the most of it by booking the Visit Philly Overnight Package, which comes with free hotel parking and complimentary tickets to some of the most popular attractions in each of Greater Philadelphia’s five counties including Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute, the Mercer Museum in Bucks County, Longwood Gardens in Chester County, the Brandywine Museum of Art in Delaware County and Elmwood Park Zoo in Montgomery County.
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