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/ CBS Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The excitement for the 2026 World Cup is building in Philadelphia after FIFA announced Sunday the city will host six matches at Lincoln Financial Field.
Organizers with the Philadelphia Host Committee held a news conference at noon Monday to discuss the World Cup schedule. Meg Kane, the host city executive for Philadelphia 2026, was joined by city officials at the news conference.
The first five games will be Group Stage matches in mid-to-late June. The sixth will be an elimination game on July 4, America’s 250th birthday. World Cup matches kick off at the Linc on June 14, 2026. Then, there are games on June 19, 22, 25, and 27 before the July 4 match.
The World Cup is just one of several major sporting events happening in Philadelphia in 2026.
The city will also host the 2026 MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby, as well as the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament.
Delaware County will host two golf events in 2026. In Newtown Square, Aronimink Golf Club will host the 108th PGA Championships. Merion Golf Club will host the 2026 U.S. Amateur.
In 2022, Philadelphia was named one of 16 cities selected to host World Cup games in 2026. Hundreds of soccer fans gathered in LOVE Park to celebrate the announcement.
Mayor Cherelle Parker echoed that excitement Sunday after the schedule was revealed.
“The worldwide excitement of the World Cup is coming to the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection,” Parker said in a statement. “That means soccer fans from the city, region, country and the world will come to Philadelphia on those dates – including a match on the 4th of July.”
The 2026 World Cup Final will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19.
Philadelphia businesses are anxiously awaiting the anticipated economic windfall from the city hosting six World Cup matches.
At Brauhaus Schmitz, a German beer hall along South Street, owner Doug Hager expects thousands of people will watch the matches at his business.
“I think we’re already ready although we’re going to have to look at it as it’s a little more than just one matches or two matches,” Hager said. “This is going to be a month of madness so we’re getting as prepared as possible.”
He said during the 2014 World Cup, thousands of people watched at his beer hall.
“It’s coming quick, but not quick enough, right?” Hager said. “We’ve been excited since it was first announced. We’ve been following the progress all along.”
He’s also looking forward to following Germany’s progress in the 2026 World Cup.
“Oh my God, if Germany plays in Philadelphia, I don’t even know what we’re going to do,” Hager said. “We may have to shut the street down for a whole week if that’s the case.”
While Shibe Vintage Sports in Center City is more known for its gear showcasing major Philadelphia sports teams, manager Darren Nowicki said come 2026, they’ll be diving right into the world of soccer.
“We’ve been pretty excited about it since the announcement,” Nowicki said. “And should be a great economic boom for restaurants and retail.”
While they’re looking at potentially selling licensed FIFA gear, they’ll also be putting a Philly twist to their merchandise.
“We really want to hold up the history of Philadelphia soccer,” Nowicki said. “So we’re going to be honoring teams from the past. Teams like the Atoms, the Pennsylvania Keystoners.”
If you want tickets to the FIFA World Cup, you can register your interest on FIFA’s website.
After registering, FIFA said it will keep those interested up to date with the latest news and information regarding tickets.
Tickets aren’t available to purchase at the moment.
Tom Dougherty is a digital content producer for CBS Philadelphia. Before joining CBS News Philadelphia, Tom covered the NHL and college sports for NBC Sports Philadelphia. He covers breaking news and sports.
First published on February 5, 2024 / 11:29 AM EST
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©2024 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
