Philadelphia will host the World Cup for the first time in 2026, welcoming fans from around the world for six monumental matches.
The action gets underway on June 14 and will include a pair of appearances by former World Cup champions in Brazil and France before reaching a crescendo with a Round of 16 showdown on the Fourth of July.
Regardless of whether you've got a ticket to this summer's tournament at Lincoln Financial Field, the City of Brotherly Love will be a worthwhile visit. Here's how to make the most of your trip.
Things to Do During the World Cup in Philadelphia
Soccer fans descending on Philadelphia for the World Cup this summer must stop by the free FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park. The nation's largest landscaped park will come alive with watch parties, live concerts, interactive games, giveaways, a rotating lineup of food trucks and a Vendor Village featuring a curated marketplace of local artists and artisans.
Festival-goers can also learn more about the city and build out their itinerary at the Pennsylvania Pavilion.
The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo Credit: Adobe/SeanPavonePhoto)
Additionally, Philly's World Cup festivities will coincide with the city's America250 celebrations this June and July. The birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, there might not be a better place to visit for the nation's 250th birthday this summer.
Visitors can look forward to a robust lineup of events in the coming weeks, including art and culture festivals, musical performances, exhibitions and much more.
In between the countless Juneteenth and Fourth of July events, visitors can explore some of Philly's premier attractions, like the aforementioned Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the famous Rocky Statue, Franklin Square and Eastern State Penitentiary, where you can tour Al Capone's prison cell.
Travelers will also want to venture over the Delaware River into New Jersey to check out the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, where visitors can witness real paleontological discovery in action and dig for fossils themselves.
For more family-friendly fun along the waterfront, head to bustling Penn's Landing, home to more museums, parks and even river cruise offerings.
Fireworks exploding in Penn's Landing at Philadelphia's Wawa Welcome America celebration. (Photo Credit: Visit Philadelphia)
Sports fans may also consider extending their trip behind Philly's final match on July 4 to experience the MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14. Visitors will also have numerous opportunities to catch the hometown Phillies in action at this ballpark this summer.
Where to Stay for the World Cup in Philadelphia
Fans traveling to Philly for the World Cup this summer might consider booking The Bellevue. Located in the heart of the city, the historic Broad Street hotel offers Home Field Advantage packages designed to elevate the match-day experience.
Guests can choose from a two-night stay with breakfast and late check-out to a Presidential Suite experience complete with stadium transportation and an in-room tailgate menu.
Presidential Suite at The Bellevue. (Photo Credit: The Bellevue)
Fortunately, Philadelphia offers a wide range of accommodations, meaning travelers won't have a hard time finding a place to stay. The Old City neighborhood is an excellent starting point, as visitors will be in the heart of Philly and able to access a handful of affordable, top-rated hotels.
The Gas Lamp Hotel is offering a World Cup Premiere Package that provides guests with VIP treatment in the hotel’s penthouse, complemented by beer, cocktails, Philly pretzels, and cheesesteaks. Guests can also enjoy round-trip transportation to the stadium.
Elsewhere, the inviting Courtyard Philadelphia South at The Navy Yard will put guests right in the action at Lincoln Financial Field.
What to Eat for the World Cup in Philadelphia
You can't explore Philadelphia on an empty stomach and no dish here is more iconic than the famous Philly cheesesteak. There's no shortage of great places to order one, of course, from classic joints like Pat's and Geno's to melt-in-your-mouth favorites like Jim's South St.
Closer to the stadium, spots like Skinny Joey's and Tony and Nick's stand out for hungry fans in search of this Philly staple.
Geno's Steaks in Philadelphia. (Photo Credit: Adobe/jonbilous)
Visitors can also embrace the city's rough and tumble persona with a mouthwatering roast pork sandwich at Tommy DiNic's at Reading Terminal Market. This local legend was even named the best sandwich in America a few years back.
To chow down on some of the best East Coast pizza, head to elite pizzerias like Angelo's, Paulie Gee's and Pizzeria Beddia.
For an unparalleled dive bar experience, be sure to pop into Lorraine, where bartenders are pouring up local craft beers and awesome cocktails in a unique atmosphere.
In general, Philly is great for nightlife as visitors will discover countless rooftop bars, beer gardens, barcades and brew pubs to wet their whistle while they cheer on their favorite teams.
More great food and drinks await at Stateside Live! for visitors who want to feel the energy of the match without heading inside of the stadium.
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