Philadelphia World Cup 2026: Brazil, France Headline Epic Matches at Lincoln Financial Field

Philadelphia Lands Soccer Powerhouses for World Cup 2026

Philadelphia is set to become a global soccer hotspot in 2026, hosting five group-stage matches plus a knockout round at Lincoln Financial Field—renamed Philadelphia Stadium for the event. The FIFA draw revealed star-studded clashes, including five-time champions Brazil and 2018 winners France, aligning perfectly with America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. City leaders, including Philadelphia Soccer 2026 CEO Meg Kane, hailed the lineup as a “major opportunity” to showcase the city’s passion, drawing comparisons to Brazilian fans’ fervor.

Full Match Schedule and Key Highlights

Get ready for non-stop action from mid-June to early July. Here’s the confirmed lineup:

14th June, 7 pm: Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador – Kicks off Philly’s World Cup party.
19th June, 9 pm: Brazil vs. Haiti – A Friday night thriller featuring the smallest nation in modern World Cup history (Curaçao qualifies separately but adds underdog vibe).
22nd June, 4 pm: France vs. Iraq/Bolivia/Suriname playoff winner – Chance to see Kylian Mbappé live.
25th June 4 pm: Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast – Spotlight on the tiny Caribbean qualifier with just 156,000 people.
27th June, 5 pm: Croatia vs. Ghana – High-energy group finale.
4th July, 5 pm: Round of 16 knockout (TBD) – Perfect timing for U.S. Independence Day festivities.

These games promise diverse rivalries and passionate crowds from Philly’s own Brazilian and international communities.

Local Ties and Travel Buzz

Philly’s soccer scene gets personal with Philadelphia Union midfielder Danley Jean Jacques and Penn grad Duke Lacroix, both key to Haiti’s return since 1974. Despite a U.S. travel ban on Haitian nationals (exempting players), organizers pledge inclusive fan zones like Lemon Hill watch parties. Tickets drop on the 11th December via FIFA.com, with secondary prices starting at $1,100 for openers—expect hordes of global supporters.

Why This Matters for Philly Fans

This World Cup could supercharge soccer’s growth in America, blending elite talent with local pride. From powerhouse duels to historic firsts, Philadelphia’s slate positions it as a must-visit hub.