World Cup 2026 Logo
Back to guides

World Cup 2026 Host Cities Guide

Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)

A match‑day blueprint for singles & families—fast, factual, and knockout‑round ready

Philadelphia skyline
Why Philadelphia is a must‑book stop

Philadelphia (FIFA venue name: "Philadelphia Stadium", i.e., Lincoln Financial Field) will host six matches: five group‑stage games and a Round of 16 on Saturday, July 4, 2026—the United States' 250th birthday, fittingly in the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Official dates & FIFA match numbers at Philadelphia Stadium:

  • Sun, June 14 — Match 9 (Group)
  • Fri, June 19 — Match 29 (Group)
  • Mon, June 22 — Match 42 (Group)
  • Thu, June 25 — Match 55 (Group)
  • Sat, June 27 — Match 68 (Group)
  • Sat, July 4 — Match 89 (Round of 16)

Local guides and news outlets list the same six dates anchored at Lincoln Financial Field (temporarily branded as "Philadelphia Stadium" for FIFA).

The stadium & your gate game

Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, South Philadelphia Sports Complex (opened 2003; FIFA list capacity ~69,000).

Clear‑bag policy (avoid security slow‑downs):

Allowed: 1 clear plastic/vinyl/PVC bag ≤ 12″×6″×12″, or 1‑gallon clear zip bag, plus a small clutch ≤ 4.5″×6.5″; medical exceptions after inspection.

Not allowed: backpacks, large purses, coolers, and any bag exceeding the limits; there's no general bag check on site.

Pro tip: Stadium operations are fully cashless; use card or mobile pay inside.

Getting to the stadium on matchday (the least‑stress routes)

1) SEPTA Broad Street Line → NRG Station (recommended)

The straight‑shot subway to the Sports Complex: ride the Broad Street Line south to NRG Station, a short walk to the Linc. SEPTA routinely boosts service and runs event expresses for big games; FIFA's transport page and regional advisories point supporters to the Broad Street Line as the fastest option.

During 2025 Club World Cup events at the same venue, SEPTA scheduled extra BSL service/expresses, a good preview of World Cup operations.

2) Driving & parking (only if you must)

Lots around the Sports Complex typically open several hours pre‑kick; match‑day pricing is posted at gates and can vary by event. Expect heavy traffic and allow extra time.

The citywide party: FIFA Fan Festival™ Philadelphia (free)

Philly's official FIFA Fan Festival™ will fill Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park, with giant screens, food, live music, and daily watch parties—free to enter. Organizers began site upgrades (paths, ADA ramps, power, lighting, water stations, cameras) to make the five‑week festival smooth and accessible.

Expect 15k–20k attendees on peak days and sweeping skyline views from the hill—plan your arrival window accordingly once hours publish.

Airports & easy transfers (PHL → Center City → stadium)

PHL → Center City: Take the SEPTA Airport Line every ~30 minutes to 30th Street, Suburban, or Jefferson Stations in ~20–25 minutes (typical fares $6.50–$8 depending on payment).

Center City → Stadium: From any Center City hub, connect to the Broad Street Line and ride south to NRG.

Where to stay (and why)

Center City / Old City / Midtown Village: Walking distance to Airport Line stations, the Broad Street Line, and nightlife. Perfect base for accessing the stadium and the Fan Festival at Lemon Hill.

Rittenhouse Square: Upscale neighborhood with easy access to transit and the Parkway museums.

University City: Near 30th Street Station with good transit connections and vibrant dining scene.

Singles: your Philadelphia match plan

Base in Center City / Old City / Midtown Village. You'll be walkable to the Airport Line stations, the Broad Street Line, and nightlife.

Matchdays: Aim to board the BSL ~90–120 minutes pre‑kick to clear security and soak in the concourse vibe; post‑match, grab a bite on Pattison Ave or ride back to Center City before venturing to Old City bars.

Off‑days: Hit the Fan Festival at Lemon Hill, then museum‑hop the Parkway (steps from the park) or stroll Old City sites tied to 1776—perfect during the Semiquincentennial week.

Families: cooler, simpler, closer

Heat & crowds: Early summer can be warm and busy—Fan Festival will add shade and infrastructure, but bring sunscreen, hats, and refillable bottles (check policy).

Transit choice: The Broad Street Line avoids parking hassles and long exit queues with kids; trains run directly to NRG Station next to the stadium.

Bags: Stick to clear ≤12×6×12 or a clutch ≤4.5×6.5; request medical exceptions in advance if needed.

Family‑friendly activities: Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Franklin Institute, and the Fan Festival at Lemon Hill with skyline views.

Practical playbook

Tickets & hospitality

General admission tickets roll out via FIFA.com/tickets after the Final Draw; Philadelphia's dates are set, with kickoff times and teams announced after late‑2025 draw events.

Match‑day transport recap

  • Best bet: SEPTA Broad Street Line → NRG Station; watch for event express announcements as the tournament nears.
  • Driving: Lots open hours pre‑kick; expect congestion and dynamic rates; plan an early arrival.

Airport to Center City

SEPTA Airport Line runs every ~30 minutes to 30th Street, Suburban, or Jefferson Stations (~20–25 minutes, $6.50–$8 depending on payment method).

The final 10 words on bags

Clear 12×6×12; clutch 4.5×6.5; medical OK; cashless venue.

Two ready‑made itineraries

A) Singles — "Subway to the Linc, Skyline at Lemon Hill" (4 days)

  • Day 1: Land PHL → Airport Line to Suburban Station → check‑in → evening stroll on Ben Franklin Parkway.
  • Day 2 (Group match): BSL to NRG; return to Center City for late dinner.
  • Day 3: Fan Festival at Lemon Hill → museums/river views → Old City bars.
  • Day 4: Coffee in Rittenhouse → Airport Line back to PHL.

B) Families — "Short lines, long memories" (4 days)

  • Day 1: Center City hotel; scout Airport Line/BSL stations near you.
  • Day 2 (Group match): Go no‑bag if possible; arrive ~2 hours early; enjoy the plazas pre‑kick.
  • Day 3: Fan Festival watch party mid‑day; picnic on the lawns (check site rules).
  • Day 4: Independence Hall / Old City in the morning; easy rail back to PHL.
Your Philadelphia match list (bookmark)

Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Stadium):

June 14 (M9) · June 19 (M29) · June 22 (M42) · June 25 (M55) · June 27 (M68) · July 4 (M89, Round of 16).

Quick answers

How many matches in Philadelphia?

Six—five group games plus a July 4 Round of 16.

Fan Festival site?

Lemon Hill, East Fairmount Park—free entry; infrastructure upgrades underway.

Best no‑car route to the stadium?

SEPTA Broad Street Line → NRG Station.

Bag rules (Linc)?

Clear ≤12×6×12; clutch ≤4.5×6.5; medical exceptions; cashless inside.

Airport to Center City?

SEPTA Airport Line to 30th Street, Suburban, or Jefferson Stations (~20–25 minutes, $6.50–$8).