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/ CBS Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Philadelphia will host six 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, including a round of 16 match on July 4 — the 250th anniversary of the United States.
FIFA announced the schedule of the 39-day tournament on Sunday.
The opener of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11, and the final will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19.
Five of the World Cup matches in Philly will be Group Stage matches. Here are the dates of the matches played at Lincoln Financial Field in South Philly.
“It’s going to be a great year for Philly,” City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas wrote on X in part.
Philly will get 5 matches in the group stage and 1 round-of-16 match of the @FIFAcom #WorldCup in 2026, which is also the city’s 250th birthday! The Bank will also be hosting the @MLB All-Star weekend that summer. It’s going to be a great year for Philly 🙌🏿 #WeAre2026 pic.twitter.com/55D9lVLR4Z
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said the news is “exciting” for soccer fans across the Philadelphia region.
“The worldwide excitement of the World Cup is coming to the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection! 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,” Parker said in a statement. “Our world-class hotels, restaurants and every aspect of our hospitality and tourism sectors will be ready for our visitors. In addition, the final game is coming to New York/New Jersey – another positive economic impact for Philadelphia. Our hospitality industry is ready, willing and able to handle the overflow of soccer fans who’ll need places to stay.”
The six FIFA World Cup matches won’t be the only major sporting events in Philadelphia in 2026.
In March, Philadelphia will host multiple games in the first round and second round of the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball Tournament.
The 2026 MLB All-Star Game will be at Citizens Bank Park in the summer, likely happening right after the World Cup matches.
The PGA Championship will also be hosted at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, in 2026.
Philly will be at the epicenter of the sports world in 2026.
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 Ignudo is a Digital Content Producer at CBS News Philadelphia. Before CBS Philadelphia, Tom covered high school and college sports for the Philadelphia Inquirer. He covers breaking news, sports and more.
First published on February 4, 2024 / 5:17 PM EST
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©2024 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
