Philadelphia World Cup 2026 Tickets

Philadelphia: Where American History Meets World Cup Football

As the USA joins Canada and Mexico as co-hosts for the World Cup, American cities are gearing up for a summer of football fever. Philadelphia stands among them as a particularly compelling host. Celebrated as the birthplace of American democracy, Philly cheesesteaks, and unapologetically passionate sports fans, Philadelphia knows how to host major events and promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for international football supporters flooding the city.

Securing Your Philadelphia Match Tickets

With the World Cup happening just once every four years, ticket demand is through the roof. Our support team regularly hears from supporters asking how they can possibly secure Philadelphia seats. Here’s your complete step-by-step guide:

1. Choose your target fixture and click ‘Find Tickets’
2. Pick your preferred seating zone using the stadium diagram
3. Specify the number of tickets you’re purchasing
4. Hit the ‘Get now’ button
5. Complete the order form with your information
6. Double-check all details for accuracy
7. Click ‘Make Payment’
8. Done – tickets secured!

Remember that pricing shifts based on seating location and match significance. Knockout fixtures and games featuring popular teams disappear incredibly fast, so book early and stay alert for release announcements!

Lincoln Financial Field – “The Linc” Welcomes the World

Lincoln Financial Field – locally known as ‘The Linc’ – has been designated as Philadelphia’s official World Cup venue for summer 2026. Opened in 2003, the stadium serves as home to the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles and stands as Philadelphia’s premier sports venue with capacity for nearly 70,000 supporters. Its contemporary amenities, fan-friendly layout, and sustainability commitment make it an outstanding destination for football fans worldwide.

The stadium is fully equipped for major sporting events, having previously welcomed the Club World Cup in 2025. Throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Linc will showcase six matches, including both group stage and Round of 32 fixtures.

Fun fact: During the World Cup, Lincoln Financial Field will officially be called ‘Philadelphia Stadium’ per tournament sponsorship and branding regulations.

City	Stadium	Capacity	Matches Hosted	Tournament Phases
Philadelphia	Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field)	69,328	6	Group Stage, Round of 16

Philadelphia World Cup Fan Festival

The World Cup Fan Festival is the ultimate destination for supporters without stadium tickets to experience World Cup matches. In Philadelphia, the Fan Festival occupies Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park – a historic Federal-style mansion and estate renowned for its cultural significance, Schuylkill River views, and panoramic city skyline vistas.

With an anticipated draw of 15,000 fans daily, supporters can experience:

• Live match screenings on giant screens
• Outstanding food and culinary options
• Top-tier entertainment performances
• Immersive tournament atmosphere

As part of World Cup preparations, the city is upgrading the venue’s facilities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all supporters, including enhanced pathways, lighting, and event infrastructure.

Where to Stay in Philadelphia: All Budgets Covered

Whether your priority is proximity to the Fan Festival for soaking up World Cup atmosphere or staying closer to the stadium for match days, Philadelphia offers plenty of accommodation options. Here’s what’s available.

Hotels Near Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Stadium)

Budget-Friendly (Under £130/night)

Hotel	Distance
Rodeway Inn Center City	15-minute drive
Penrose Hotel Philadelphia	5-minute drive
Days Inn by Wyndham Philadelphia Airport	20-minute drive

Mid-Range (£130-£230/night)

Hotel	Distance
Courtyard Philadelphia South at The Navy Yard	5-minute drive
Holiday Inn Philadelphia Stadium	5-minute drive
Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia Airport	15-minute drive

Luxury (Above £300/night)

Hotel	Distance
The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia	15-minute drive
The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection	20-minute drive
W Philadelphia	20-minute drive

Hotels Near Lemon Hill (World Cup Fan Festival Site)

Budget-Friendly (Under £130/night)

Hotel	Distance
Apple Hostels of Philadelphia	15-minute walk
Best Western Plus Philadelphia Convention Center Hotel	20-minute walk
Alexander Inn	25-minute walk

Mid-Range (£130-£230/night)

Hotel	Distance
Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown	10-minute walk
Aloft Philadelphia Downtown	15-minute walk
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square	20-minute walk

Luxury (Above £300/night)

Hotel	Distance
The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection	10-minute walk
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia	20-minute walk
The Rittenhouse Hotel	25-minute walk

Smart tip: Planning an extended stay or travelling with a group? Consider an Airbnb or short-term rental. Whatever you choose, book early – rates climb and availability vanishes as the tournament approaches.

Getting to Philadelphia

Flying from the UK

Most UK travellers fly direct from London Heathrow to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). The journey takes around 8 hours, and upon arrival, navigating into the city is relatively hassle-free.

From Philadelphia International Airport, the SEPTA Airport Line provides convenient train connections to downtown. Trains run every 30 minutes, with the ride to Center City taking roughly 25 minutes. Alternatively, several SEPTA bus routes serve the airport, though they’re slower and less direct.

Prefer private transport? Uber and Lyft operate extensively throughout Philadelphia, with designated pick-up zones at the airport. Taxis are also available, with fares to downtown typically ranging from $30-$40 depending on traffic and time of day.

Navigating Philadelphia

Philadelphia is highly walkable, especially in historic districts like Old City and Center City. However, reaching areas like the stadium may require public or private transport. SEPTA’s subway, trolley, and bus network proves reliable and affordable, with day passes available for unlimited rides.

For shorter trips, Indego – Philadelphia’s bike-share program – is popular, and electric scooters are becoming increasingly common in select neighborhoods.

Driving is possible, with parking generally easier than in cities like New York. However, traffic can get heavy on match days, particularly near Lincoln Financial Field, so if you’re renting a car, plan ahead and consider arriving early.

Travelling Between Eastern Region Host Cities

Philadelphia anchors the Eastern Region alongside Atlanta, Boston, Miami, New York/New Jersey, and Toronto – all connected via Amtrak, America’s primary rail network. Train journeys require patience, but Amtrak provides comfortable seating and often scenic routes.

Prefer flying? Flights between these host cities run frequently and affordably, especially with Delta and Southwest Airlines. Domestic flights are generally the fastest way to travel between Eastern Region venues, saving considerable time if you’re working against the clock.

Road trips remain an option, though they consume substantial time, as shown below:

Route	Distance	Driving Time
Philadelphia → New York	95 miles (150 km)	2 hours
Philadelphia → Boston	310 miles (500 km)	5-6 hours
Philadelphia → Toronto	500 miles (800 km)	8-9 hours
Philadelphia → Atlanta	780 miles (1,255 km)	12-13 hours
Philadelphia → Miami	1,250 miles (2,000 km)	18 hours

Philadelphia’s Football Journey

Philadelphia boasts a rich football history stretching back to the 19th century. The city’s first official game with “proper rules” took place in 1883, having been played in various forms before that. Over the following century, as the game became more established locally, multiple teams emerged including the Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Fury, and Philadelphia Atoms. The latter captured the NASL championship in their inaugural season, becoming the city’s first major football champions.

However, after the Philadelphia Atoms and Philadelphia Fury disbanded in 1976 and 1980 respectively, local football supporters endured a lengthy wait for another team to support. That changed in 2010 with the Philadelphia Union’s formation. Since inception, the Union have become one of MLS’s most consistent and competitive clubs, earning recognition for their youth development commitment. In 2024, the Union handed a debut to Cavan Sullivan despite the USA U-17 international being just 14 years and 293 days old, making him the youngest player ever to feature in MLS, breaking Freddy Adu’s 2004 record by thirteen days. Sullivan has since signed a contractual agreement with Premier League side Manchester City, potentially continuing his career across the pond upon turning 18.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many World Cup fixtures will Philadelphia host?

Philadelphia will host 6 World Cup matches, including five group-stage games and one Round of 16, establishing it as a key venue in the northeastern United States.

When can I buy World Cup tickets for Philadelphia?

World Cup tickets are currently available through the Fanatix website. Specific fixture tickets will go on sale shortly following the draw.

Can I purchase multiple match tickets for Philadelphia?

Yes, though you’ll complete separate transactions for each match. The system doesn’t feature a shopping cart, so each game requires its own order process.

Which airport serves Philadelphia?

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is your gateway, located roughly 7 miles southwest of downtown. It connects directly to major cities throughout North America and select destinations in Europe and the Caribbean.

How do I reach downtown Philadelphia from the airport?

Take the SEPTA Airport Line train directly to 30th Street Station. Taxis, Uber, Lyft, and airport shuttles are also widely available. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

What are the distances from Philadelphia to other host cities?

Here are approximate distances from Philadelphia to other host cities:

• New York/New Jersey – 95 miles (150 km)
• Boston – 310 miles (500 km)
• Toronto – 500 miles (800 km)
• Atlanta – 780 miles (1,255 km)
• Miami – 1,250 miles (2,000 km)
• Dallas – 1,450 miles (2,335 km)
• Houston – 1,520 miles (2,445 km)
• Kansas City – 1,250 miles (2,010 km)
• Los Angeles – 2,700 miles (4,345 km)
• San Francisco Bay Area – 2,850 miles (4,585 km)
• Seattle – 2,800 miles (4,505 km)
• Guadalajara – 2,200 miles (3,540 km)
• Mexico City – 2,100 miles (3,380 km)
• Monterrey – 1,950 miles (3,140 km)
• Vancouver – 2,750 miles (4,425 km)

Air travel is clearly the practical option for visiting multiple host cities, particularly over longer distances.

Can I travel by train from Philadelphia to other host cities?

Train service via Amtrak reaches nearby cities like New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C. For longer distances, flying proves faster and more practical.

What’s the best way to move around Philadelphia during the World Cup?

Use a combination of SEPTA trains, buses, walking, and rideshares. The SEPTA system connects the airport, stadium, and major neighborhoods. Bike-sharing and scooters are also available throughout central areas.

Which Philadelphia neighborhoods work best for World Cup visitors?

Center City, University City, and Old City are excellent picks. Center City keeps you closest to both the stadium and Fan Festival. University City delivers a youthful vibe with solid transport links. Old City features historic charm and vibrant nightlife.

When should I book Philadelphia accommodation for the World Cup?

Book immediately if possible. Rates will surge and rooms will disappear as the tournament nears. Many hotels provide flexible cancellation policies, letting you secure your spot now and adjust if plans change.

Where will Philadelphia’s official Fan Festival take place?

The official Fan Festival will occupy Penn’s Landing, a waterfront venue along the Delaware River with easy public transport access and nearby attractions.

Do I need tickets for the Philadelphia Fan Festival?

No tickets necessary. The Fan Festival is free and open to everyone, making it perfect for supporters without match tickets.

What should I expect at Philadelphia’s Fan Festival?

Giant screens broadcasting live matches, musical performances, food trucks, sponsor exhibits, interactive activities, and merchandise vendors. It’s designed to be family-friendly and welcoming to supporters of all ages.

What are Philadelphia’s top attractions?

Must-see spots include Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Reading Terminal Market, and the Franklin Institute.

Where can I watch other World Cup matches in Philadelphia without attending?

Catch games at the Fan Festival or local football bars including Tir Na Nog, Misconduct Tavern, and Fadó Irish Pub. Numerous hotels and restaurants will also broadcast matches.

What’s Philadelphia’s weather like during the World Cup in June?

Expect warm and humid conditions, with typical highs around 84°F (29°C) and lows near 65°F (18°C). Occasional rain showers are possible.

What should I pack for a Philadelphia World Cup trip?

Bring light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and a rain jacket or umbrella. A light jumper may prove useful for cooler evenings or indoor venues.

Is downtown Philadelphia safe at night?

Downtown Philadelphia is generally safe in busy zones near the stadium and Fan Festival. Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated streets, and travel with others when feasible.

How long is the London to Philadelphia flight?

Direct flights from London to Philadelphia take approximately 8 hours. British Airways and American Airlines provide direct service between Heathrow and PHL.

What’s Philadelphia’s time zone?

Philadelphia operates in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), which is UTC−5 during standard time and UTC−4 during daylight saving time. The city will be on daylight saving time in June.

How do I travel between Lincoln Financial Field and the Philadelphia Fan Festival?

Lincoln Financial Field sits in South Philadelphia, roughly 5 miles from Penn’s Landing. Take the Broad Street Line subway to NRG Station, then transfer to a bus or rideshare. The journey takes approximately 25-35 minutes depending on traffic. Public transport options may expand during the tournament.

Other World Cup 2026 Venues in the United States

City	Stadium	Key Matches
New York / New Jersey	MetLife Stadium	Final, Semi-final
Los Angeles	SoFi Stadium	Semi-final, Quarter-final
Dallas	AT&T Stadium	Quarter-final
Atlanta	Mercedes-Benz Stadium	Quarter-final
Houston	NRG Stadium	Group Stage, Round of 16
Kansas City	Arrowhead Stadium	Group Stage, Round of 16
Miami	Hard Rock Stadium	Group Stage, Round of 16
San Francisco	Levi’s Stadium	Group Stage, Round of 16
Seattle	Lumen Field	Group Stage, Round of 16
Boston	Gillette Stadium	Group Stage