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

From getting tickets to see the world’s biggest sporting event in person in the stands at Philadelphia Stadium to places to watch games amid other futbol fans to how to get around the city to where to eat, here is everything you need to make your World Cup experience a winning goal.

Welcome to Philadelphia — Host City for FIFA World Cup 26™

When officials evaluated where to welcome the globe for the FIA World Cup 26™, Philadelphia distinguished itself as the ultimate host city. This is the birthplace of America — where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 — 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, Chelsea vs. Palmeiras, and the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final between Jamaica and Mexico.

If you’re planning to travel here see one of Philadelphia’s six matches, you’re in luck: The action is happening during one of the best times to visit. 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:

• Sunday, June 14, 7 p.m. | Cote D’Ivoire vs Ecuador (Group E)
• Friday, June 19, 8:30 p.m. | Brazil vs Haiti (Group C)
• Monday, June 22, 5 p.m. | France vs Iraq (Group I)
• Thursday, June 25, 4 p.m. | Curaçao vs Cote D’Ivoire (Group E)
• Saturday, June 27, 5 p.m. | Croatia vs Ghana (Group L)
• Saturday. July 4, 5 p.m. | Round of 16 match with teams to be announced

If you didn’t get tickets during FIFA’s earlier phases of ticketing, there are still options available through the last-minute sales and the FIFA Marketplace for resale options from other fans. You’ll need to create an account with FIFA ID. As the international matches get closer, additional tickets could become available, so check FIFA’s ticketing site on a regular basis.

If you’re on a much larger budget, FIFA’s hospitality packages include options istarting at $3,000 for exclusive Pitchside 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 SeatGeek, StubHub, Ticketmaster, 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.

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. PHL also serves Mexico City and Toronto should you want to see a match in another host country.

Once you land, PHL is one of the fastest airports for welcoming international guests with average wait times to clear customs under 15 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 hailing services are directly outside of baggage claim. It’s a quick ride, as downtown is only nine 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’s newly reopened Center City bus station — check Greyhound, 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 (and free B Line subway rides to return from Philadelphia Stadium on match days). Hop on a train or a bus to watch matches around the city at favorite viewing bars like Lion Sports Bar, Chickie’s & Pete’s, Tir na Nog and Brauhaus Schmitz. Uber and Lyft are the go-to ride hailing services, so make sure you have these mobile apps installed with your payment information stored. Also call 215-Get-A-Cab for access to the city’s taxi fleet.

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 SEPTA’s B subway 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 (remember free rides home on match days). 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 website at a greater cost than normal sporting events in Philadelphia.

FIFA Fan Fest at Lemon Hill

Because traffic and parking will be highly restricted around the FIFA Fan Festival™ grounds, fans are strongly encouraged to use public transit, rideshares, bike, or walk to reach the secured entrance at Kelly Drive and Sedgley Drive.

🚍 Public Transit (SEPTA & Philly PHLASH)

Philly PHLASH: Take the seasonal Downtown Loop directly to Stop 9 for the easiest festival access.

SEPTA Bus Routes 32 & 48: Both routes drop off at Pennsylvania Avenue and Fairmount Avenue. From there, the secured entrance is a scenic walk of less than a kilometer.

SEPTA Bus Routes 7 & 49: These lines drop off in the adjacent Fairmount neighborhood, just a short walk from the park.

SEPTA Metro G Line (Route 15 Trolley): Operating with its distinctive yellow-gold branding along Girard Avenue, the historic G Line drops fans off within walking distance just north of Lemon Hill (at the 31st or 33rd & Girard stops). Please note that you will have to walk a decent distance down into the park to reach the secured entrance gates.

🚲 Biking & Walking

Indego Bikeshare: For fans who want to pedal to the festival, an Indego bikeshare station is located conveniently near the main entrance.

The Parkway Stroll: If you have time to spare, you can enjoy a beautiful, direct walk (about 45 minutes) straight up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from Center City right into Fairmount Park.

🚗 Parking at the Philadelphia Zoo, Center City

If driving is your only option, the Philadelphia Zoo is providing secure event parking in its designated lots and garages. You can then walk to the festival entrance on the other side of the Schuylkill River. All Zoo parking facilities close strictly at midnight:

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Open parking is available at the Giraffe Lot on Girard Avenue.

4 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Parking shifts over to the Zoo Garage on Girard Avenue and the Tiger Lot on 34th Street.

FIFA has also partnered with Park Whiz to find fans parking within walking or shuttle distance.

Where to Stay — Best Areas for World Cup Fans

Philadelphia has hotel rooms 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:

Looking for a new experience? Stay in on of Philly’s newest hotels.

Center City

The appropriately-named Center City puts you in the middle of everything: restaurants, bars, relaxing parks, 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 subway 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, historic 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 Revolutionary-era attractions and history museums. The neighborhood also offers easy access to Penn’s Landing, a hub for roller skating, exercising, relaxing, 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 subway 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, playgrounds, a famous skatepark, tennis courts, running/walking trail, boating lake, 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

FIFA suggests fans download the official FIFA World Cup 2026™ app to get up-to-the-minute updates and information for “matchday and beyond.”

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 (Note that due to FIFA security measures, only ticketed fans can enter the parking lots and stadium grounds). 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. At the least, expect a party on par with the parties put on by Philadelphia Eagles fans for every NFL home game. No matter who’s taking the pitch, be ready for a party.

Once inside the stadium, soccer fans will find complimentary stadium-wide Wi-Fi (FWC26_FANS), convenient mobile charging stations, the official FIFA Store, and activity-filled Fan Experience Zones.

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 hotter. Philadelphia Stadium is outdoors, so wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water for game days. 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. As stated above, SEPTA will offer free rides back into Center City on the B subway after each match. Rideshare companies will have dropoff and pickup spots near the stadium. If getting a ride to the stadium, put in FDR Park at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue as the address to get close to the action. . If you plan to hang around to enjoy the crowd, check out walkable destinations with food, drinks and fun near the sports complex: Stateside Live! — a nearby massive sports bar 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.

What you can/cannot bring

Gates open exactly three hours before kickoff. To ensure a speedy entry through security checkpoints, pack as light as possible and strictly adhere to the official tournament code of conduct. Please note that re-entry is forbidden if you choose to leave the stadium premises.

The Clear Bag Policy

All bags are subject to thorough inspection at the gates. To avoid being turned away, your bags must meet the following strict dimensions:

• Clear Bags: Must be made of transparent plastic, vinyl, or PVC, and cannot exceed 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches (30 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm).
• Small Clutches & Wallets: Do not need to be clear but cannot be larger than 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches (11 cm x 16.5 cm).

Allowed Items

Fans are highly encouraged to bring their energy, pride, and passion for the beautiful game! The following fan gear is permitted:

• Standard Flags & Banners: Small, fire-resistant flags, banners, and posters are perfectly fine, provided they measure no larger than 78 inches x 60 inches (2 meters x 1.5 meters).
• Oversized Materials: Any flags or banners larger than the standard dimensions must be vetted and approved in advance through the official FIFA Fan Materials Request Portal.

Prohibited Items

Attempting to bring any banned items into the stadium may result in being denied entry. Leave the following items at home or in your hotel room:

• Weapons & Hazards: Firearms, knives, explosives, smoke bombs, and chemical spray cans.
• Safety Risks: Helmets, lighters, and any incendiary devices.
• Vaping & Smoking: All stadium zones are strictly smoke-free; this includes e-cigarettes and all vaping devices.

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.

Understanding U.S. rules

The legal age to drink alcohol in the U.S. is 21 years old, and you’ll need to be prepared to show your passport/ID to prove your birthdate at bars and nightclubs. While smoking and vaping is allowed, you cannot do it indoors, and you’ll need to adhere to buffer laws that generally prohibit smoking within 20 feet of a building entrance. Cannabis is not recreationally legal in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Managing money

The U.S. operates on a nearly-cashless basis with the vast majority of transactions paid for via credit and debit cards. However, it’s wise to have some physical U.S. Dollars (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 WiFi, as do many coffee shops, hotels, and casual restaurants. For getting around, make sure you have the SEPTA mobile app installed on your phone, along with Uber or Lyft. Google Translate — which translates nearly 250 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: More than half 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.

Philadelphia’s hospitality community has taken additional steps to ensure that those with non-apparent disabilities feel welcome, too: This is a certified sensory inclusive city. Even during matches, anyone who needs to escape the crowd can take advantage of a the stadium’s large sensory room presented by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on the West Lower Suite Level. Just ask any concierge desk attendant for help.

How to Experience the Tournament Without a Ticket

Stateside Live! — featuring massive indoor and outdoor entertainment zones with room for thousands of fans — and Sports & Social at Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia are both located just steps away from Philadelphia Stadium. Because these premier fan hubs will be incredibly popular, be sure to plan your visit well ahead of time, as entry and reservation space will be strictly limited.

For fans who want to step foot inside the venue itself, FIFA is offering exclusive stadium tours on non-match days throughout the tournament. “The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Stadium Tour gives you exclusive access to locker rooms, media zones, premium areas and iconic pitch viewpoints,” FIFA notes. Because these behind-the-scenes experiences are highly coveted, you must book your time slot online.

Fans can also get immersed in all things World Cup at the The FIFA Fan Festival™ on Lemon Hill in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park neighborhood. The festival runs for the 39 days (June 11th through July 19th) of the tournament and features live performances, live games on big screens, local food vendors featuring “Philly Phlavors”, and plenty of other free fun. Fans can register online for free passes to enter the festival grounds.