Copied to Clipboard
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 — 11 in the United States, plus three in Mexico and two in Canada — 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.
FIFA World Cup 26 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.
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.
— Photo courtesy FIFA World Cup 26 Philadelphia
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.
Now that the early access lotteries have wrapped up, we’ve entered the last-minute sales phase where those looking to buy tickets can purchase single-match tickets or packages for any remaining seats on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fans who miss their chance to purchase a ticket can also look for resale options at the Marketplace link on FIFA.com/tickets. Want to get breaking ticket news? Sign up through the FIFA World Cup website here.
If you’ve missed your chance to snag tickets — or decide you just want in on extra FIFA excitement — join the thousands who plan to gather at the tournament-long, free-admission FIFA Fan Festival.
To be 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.
Organizers expect about 15,000-25,000 to attend the fan festival each match day, while 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), and routes 32, 49 and 7 (bus routes). Shuttles help people navigate the 46-acre green space — and if you decide to bike there, look for the bike valets to secure your ride while you celebrate.
Don’t wait until game time to get in the FIFA spirit. Ahead of the international tournament’s opening day, the coveted FIFA World Cup Trophy is going on a massive world tour.
You can see soccer’s top prize up-close and in-person when the FIFA World Cup Original Trophy Tour hits Philadelphia on Thursday, May 21, 2026. In addition to admiring the iconic trophy, fans can look forward to interactive activations, music, games, giveaways and a Coca-Cola sampling station. The event is free to attend, but tickets are required. You can register online at the official website.
This worldwide tour takes the iconic trophy to several future FIFA World Cup host nations, including Morocco and Spain, and 37 other cities across North America, in addition to Philadelphia. It all culminates in Mexico City, just ahead of the FIFA World Cup 26 opening match between Mexico and South America on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Not a fan of huge crowds? You’ve got opportunities to take in the action at smaller venues across the region, like sports bars and watch parties.
Philly’s go-to spots for gameday hangs with friends include: Cavanaugh’s, which has several locations (Rittenhouse, Headhouse and Riverdeck on the Delaware waterfront); Logan Square’s popular City Tap House; Center City Irish pub Tir Na Nog; and South Street’s Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub (with another location in the Northeast).
Chickie’s and Pete’s numerous locations across the region are synonymous with game day gatherings, where the crab fries flow freely and the taps runneth over.
Check out our guide to the city’s best sports bars to find a great watering hole to throw back a cold one with your soccer-loving friends.
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.
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.
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. By the end of the month, average highs jump to 85 degrees, bottoming out at night near 65.
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.
For more on FIFA World Cup 26, click the button below.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Want to know even more about FIFA World Cup 26 Philadelphia? Check out Matador’s comprehensive guide by clicking the button below.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and priceless peace of mind.
EN 
ES 
FR 
PT 
ES_EC 
FR_FR 
NL