The Ultimate Guide to the FIFA World Cup 26™ in Philadelphia

From getting tickets to the world’s biggest sporting event to sitting in the stands at Philadelphia Stadium, here is everything you need to make your World Cup experience a winning goal.

Welcome to Philadelphia — Host City for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

When officials evaluated where to welcome the globe for the 2026 World Cup, Philadelphia distinguished itself as the ultimate host city. This is the birthplace of America — where the Declaration of Independence was signed — so it will already be buzzing with activity to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Plus, Lincoln Financial Field — renamed Philadelphia Stadium for the matches in June and July — has been home to the sport’s brightest stars with a history of hosting matches such as Manchester United vs. Barcelona and Chelsea vs. Palmeiras.

If you’re planning to travel here see one of the six matches, you’re in luck: The action is happening during one of the best times to visit Philadelphia. High temperatures hover around 30 degrees Celsius, and the warmer weather makes the city heat up with loads to see, do and explore during the summer. As you prepare for your time in the City of Brotherly Love, read on to make sure you’re ready to make your trip a win.

Match Schedule & Tickets

Philadelphia will host five Group Stage matches and one Round of 16 competition:

• June 14, 19, 22, 25 and 27 (Group Stage)
• July 4 (Round of 16)

If you didn’t get tickets during FIFA’s first phases of early ticketing, there are still options available through the Random Selection Draw. You’ll need to create and account with FIFA ID, which also lets you browse the FIFA Marketplace for resale options from other fans. As the games get closer, additional tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so check FIFA’s ticketing site on a regular basis.

If you’re on a much larger budget, FIFA’s hospitality packages include options in the $2,100 — $3,200 range for exclusive lounge access. Those are readily available if you’re willing to spend the money for a VIP experience.

The U.S. also has an active secondary ticket market through services such as StubHub, SeatGeek and Vivid Seats. These companies are a safe bet for purchasing tickets because they offer protection to make sure your tickets are real — a key distinction versus unregulated sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist where it’s easy to get scammed.

Getting Here — International Travel & Arrival

Flying to PHL

Philadelphia International Airport welcomed more than 30 million passengers last year, making it one of the busiest airports in the U.S. You can find direct service from a range of European destinations such as London, Paris, Rome, Frankfurt, Athens, Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon and Dublin, along with direct service from Doha in Qatar — the most recent World Cup host.

Once you land, PHL is one of the fastest airports for welcoming international guests with average wait times to clear customs under 20 minutes. To get downtown, SEPTA — the region’s transit service — offers service from the airport to downtown in less than 30 minutes. Taxis are a flat rate of $32, plus $1 for every additional passenger. Uber and Lyft are both available in Philadelphia, and pick-up zones for both ride share services are directly outside of baggage claim. It’s a quick ride, as downtown is only eight miles from the airport.

Traveling to other U.S. East Coast destinations

If you’re planning to pair a match in Philadelphia with additional sightseeing in the U.S., consider options to Newark Liberty International (EWR). The airport serves the New York City metropolitan area, and it has an Amtrak station at the terminal, which offers a convenient route for traveling to Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station. Boston Logan Airport (BOS) also makes getting here relatively easy: South Station — the station that offers Amtrak train service to Philly— is just a 10-minute drive.

If you need to consider additional options, JFK — also in the New York City area — and Dulles (IAD), just outside of Washington, D.C., are both global hubs. Take Amtrak to Philadelphia from New York’s Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station or from Washington, D.C.’s Union Station. There are also many bus lines and motorcoaches available to book from nearby major cities to Philadelphia — check Peter Pan Bus Lines or FlixBus for schedules and rates.

Getting Around Philadelphia

Philadelphia consistently ranks as the Most Walkable City in the U.S., and the city’s Indego program offers a chance to see the city from the comfort of a bike seat. The Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop is a visitor-friendly public bus that provides convenient and affordable service to stops located near popular tourist destinations. When you’re traveling a bit further, SEPTA offers an expansive network of subways, buses and regional trains with one-way fares starting at just $2.90. Hop on a train or a bus to watch matches around the city at favorite viewing bars like Lion Sports Bar, Tir na Nog and Brauhaus Schmitz. Uber and Lyft are the go-to ride share services, so make sure you have these mobile apps installed with your payment information stored.

Here’s a rundown of how to get to the two most important places on the map to be part of the World Cup energy:

• Philadelphia Sports Complex: From Center City, take the B Line (Orange Line) south to the last stop (NRG Station). We strongly recommend taking the B Line as the easiest and most affordable way to get to the sports complex. You don’t need to rent a car here, although if you do, you can park at the stadium. Parking reservations are available now on the official FIFA World Cup 26™ parking
• FIFA Fan Fest at Lemon Hill: SEPTA’s G Line (Yellow Line) runs to the site of the FIFA Fan Fest: Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park. Plans are in the process of being finalized for shuttle buses from downtown Philadelphia to the FIFA Fan Fest. This location will be open throughout the entire 39-day tournament with action on non-game days, too.

Where to Stay — Best Areas for World Cup Fans

Philadelphia has hotel options for every type of fan. Be sure to compare options on a map to find a place that puts you near transit access. For the best experience, focus your search on these three areas:

Center City

The appropriately-named Center City puts you in the center of everything: restaurants, bars and shopping. This neighborhood has an option for everyone, too. Whether you’re looking for five-star luxury or you’re searching for a no-frills, budget-friendly room, you’ll find it in Center City. The SEPTA B Line (Orange Line) provides direct access to the stadium, and if you’re planning to explore more of the U.S. by rail, you’ll be able to take the L subway line (Blue Line) to 30th Street Station to catch an Amtrak train.

Old City

Just east of Center City, Old City is the best place to plant roots in Philadelphia if you’re hoping to spend most of your downtime exploring the city’s historic attractions. The neighborhood also offers easy access to Penn’s Landing, a hub of concerts, farmers’ markets and entertainment along the Delaware River. To get to the stadium, you’ll want to take the L subway  west and transfer to the B Line at City Hall/15^th Street Station.

 

Closest to the stadium

If you’re hoping to walk to the matches, there are two convenient options in South Philadelphia: the Live! Casino & Hotel and the Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia South at The Navy Yard. Both properties are within half a mile of the stadium. While the surrounding area isn’t as busy with nightlife as options in Center City, you will have easy access to FDR Park — the largest outdoor space in South Philadelphia and home to many sports fields and the American Swedish Museum.

Start browsing hotel options in Philadelphia. Consult hotels directly with questions about advance booking or specific amenities.

Match-Day Essential Information

What you should expect

When you reach the stadium, expect to be part of Philadelphia’s beloved tailgating culture with pre-match celebrations throughout many of the parking lots. When Brazilian fans came to the city last year for a FIFA Club World Cup match, some said the atmosphere reminded them of being back in Rio de Janeiro. No matter who’s on the field, be ready for a party.

What you should do to make your day a success

Be prepared for the weather. The matches will be played during the hot summer months, when temperatures in Philadelphia can reach 30 degrees Celsius or warmer. Philadelphia Stadium is outdoors, so wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water. If the forecast calls for rain, it’s wise to bring a poncho.

In addition to knowing how to enjoy your time during the game, be ready for what you plan to do after the final whistle blows. If you plan to hang around to enjoy the crowd, check out walkable destinations with food, drinks and fun near the sports complex: Chickie’s and Pete’s, a local sports bar chain with world famous Crabfries® or Philadium, a South Philly institution since 1971 that serves up pub eats and plenty of cheers.

Tips for International Fans in the U.S.

Completing entry requirements

Check your passport expiration date to verify that your document will be in good standing for at least six months after your planned departure date. Additionally, depending on where you live, you will need to complete a visa application or submit an application for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The ESTA process applies to citizens of more than 40 countries. If you need to complete the more formal visa application, the U.S. government has unveiled a priority appointment scheduling system that helps ticket holders secure an interview slot.

Managing money

The U.S. operates on a nearly-cashless basis with the vast majority of transactions paid for via credit and debit card. However, it’s wise to have some physical USD in case you’re in a local spot that does not accept credit cards.

It’s customary to tip hotel housekeeping per day during your stay. When it comes to tipping in other areas, an additional 20% of the bill is standard for good service at restaurants and bars. The same applies to taxi, Uber and Lyft drivers.

Downloading must-have mobile apps

Before you travel outside your home country, do your research to figure out the best way to stay connected while staying within your budget. Depending on the type of mobile device you’re bringing, there may be additional options for purchasing local SIM cards. If you’re concerned about roaming charges, these locations throughout the city offer free Wi-Fi. For getting around, make sure you have the SEPTA mobile app installed on your phone, along with Uber or Lyft. Google Translate — which translates between more than 100 languages — is also a helpful tool in areas where you might not find someone who speaks your native language.

Knowing accessibility options

If you or a member of your party requires additional assistance, the SEPTA mobile app can point you to the best options for getting around: Over 60% of stations are wheelchair accessible, and you’ll see an accessibility symbol next to designated stations. For navigating Center City and historic attractions, the city’s PHLASH bus — which offers a one-day pass for just $5 and an all-day family pass for $12 — is wheelchair-accessible and runs throughout the bustling downtown corridor. For mobility vehicles during your time here, Scootaround offers scooter, wheelchair and electric wheelchair rentals.