Your Guide to World Cup in Philadelphia

This year, Philadelphia joins 15 other cities across North America in hosting the world’s most popular sporting event, FIFA World Cup.

A record number of teams (48, to be specific) participate in the 39-day tournament that includes group play and elimination matches between national teams. Six of the matches are happening right in South Philly at Lincoln Financial Field. But, even if you don’t have tickets, you can enjoy the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill.

The World Cup kicks off on June 11 and runs through the final match on July 19, 2026. The games in Philly take place between June 14 and July 4, 2026. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll note that that last day is the much-hyped 250th birthday of the United States, which will transform the entire city into parties and events for weeks.

As a proud Philadelphia Union supporter (though angry about this year’s record), I feel the need to note that four players on the US Men’s National Team played for the Union and are locals. A fifth, star Christian Pulisic, grew up a stone’s throw away in Hershey. It’s unknown whether we’ll get to see them play here on July 4, which would kind of be like a movie script.

Looking for more on what to expect? Read on for details.

Match Information

The opening FIFA World Cup match takes place on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, and activities here get underway 3 days later on June 14. The Linc, which is temporarily renamed Philadelphia Stadium because of FIFA branding rules, hosts 6 matches. The first and third matches include Côte d’Ivoire, who is training at the Union’s Subaru Park in Chester during the tournament.

Matches at Philadelphia Stadium are:

• June 14 at 7 pm: Côte d’Ivoire vs. Ecuador
• June 19 at 8:30pm: Brazil vs. Haiti
• June 22 at 5pm: France vs. Iraq
• June 25 at 4pm: Curaçao vs. Côte d’Ivoire
• June 27 at 5pm: Croatia vs. Ghana
• July 4 at 5pm: Knockout Stage (teams TBD)

Getting Tickets

The controversy around pricing for World Cup tickets has been pretty epic, but it’s still possible to snag some directly when FIFA does their ticket drops. Otherwise, look for resale options here.

If You Have Match Tickets

For most ticket holders, public transit is likely the simplest way to get to Philadelphia Stadium since SEPTA will be adding trains before matches. Take the Broad Street line to the NRG Station and walk from there. Unlike some host cities that are gouging fans on public transportation costs, SEPTA’s normal $2.90 base fare to take the Broad Street line one-way to the stadium is not going up! And from half-time until 2 hours after the match, you can head home from the NRG station for free.

For all the details on SEPTA service, including additional Regional Rail trains, head to their official page for updates.

Parking & Festivities

I’m sure there are some valid reasons people might need to drive to the stadium, but it’s hard to imagine it will be anything other than gridlock and slight pandemonium. Plus, it’s super expensive. Parking passes are a whopping $125+ online. They need to be purchased in advance here, and you must have a match ticket.

Lots open four (or sometimes more) hours before the match and close one hour after it ends. Tailgating is allowed in most lots.

Stateside Live! is only open to ticket holders pre- and post-match.

FIFA Fan Festival

The free FIFA Fan Festival runs the entire duration of the 39-day tournament. The event is likely to be packed, with an expected attendance of around 20,000 on match days. On non-match days, ticketed concerts will keep people entertained.

The celebration at Lemon Hill will be a giant party with live broadcasts of the matches, a rotating list of 80 food trucks, music, and cultural events highlighting the competing countries. There will also be tons of giveaways, games, and a temporary soccer field where you can impress friends and family with your Messi-like skills.

Everything starts with a bang on June 11, 2026, with a performance by Luis Fonsi, most well-known for his hit Despacito.

Advanced registration is required, and you’ll need to show an e-ticket to get inside. Check out the whole schedule to plan your visit. If you’re going to the festival don’t miss the vendor village across from Fan Fest’s south entrance at Sedgely Drive.

Getting There

The two entrances to Fan Fest are at Sedgley and Poplar Drives (south) and Girard Avenue and Poplar Drive (north). Public transportation or arriving on foot will be the best way for most people to get to the event because of traffic and road closures.

Fortunately, Philly PHLASH has added a stop at Pennsylvania and Fairmount Avenues to get festival goers where they need to be, and an all-day PHLASH pass costs just $5. You can buy one online, at a visitor center, or on-board (exact cash required!).

Additionally, SEPTA is offering more access on routes, including the 32 and 48, which stop at Pennsylvania and Fairmount Avenues near Fan Fest.

If you’re walking from Center City, pop-up visitor centers at City Hall, LOVE Park, Ben Franklin Parkway, Sister Cities Park, Eakins Oval, and Kelly Drive, have restrooms, visitor information, and refillable water stations, which will be super helpful in the summer heat.

If you must drive to Fan Fest, limited parking is available at the Philadelphia Zoo. Spots can be reserved day-of or in advance, and they are likely to be in high demand. The walk from the lots to Fan Fest is about 20 minutes.