A few weeks ago, Philadelphia hosted a series of high-energy watch parties, with a major highlight on December 5, 2025, when fans gathered at Stateside Live! and venues across the city for the FIFA World Cup Final Draw including the Center City Philadelphia FIFA Volunteer Headquarters where I was.
We’ve known for years, Philadelphia will host six matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, spanning Canada, Mexico, and the United States, including five Group Stage matches and a Round of 16 showdown on July 4, 2026—a historic moment aligning with America’s 250th anniversary.
The city will welcome some of the world’s most celebrated national teams during the Group Stage, including Brazil, France, Ghana, Croatia, Côte d’Ivoire, Curaçao, Ecuador, Haiti, and a Playoff Qualifier.
Philadelphia Match Schedule
- Sunday, June 14
Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador | 7:00 PM ET - Friday, June 19
Brazil vs. Haiti | 9:00 PM ET - Monday, June 22
France vs. Playoff Winner (Bolivia, Suriname, or Iraq) | 5:00 PM ET - Thursday, June 25
Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast | 4:00 PM ET - Saturday, June 27
Ghana vs. Croatia | 5:00 PM ET - Saturday, July 4 – Round of 16
Winner Match 74 vs. Winner Match 77 | 5:00 PM ET
Catering was by the 12th Street Catering, and there was this very cool beverage service sponsored by American Airline, and served by actual flight attendants. It was a very cool event with guests ranging from sponsors, to politicians, business leaders and guests all watching the DC ceremony on a large TV.
Thanks to the hard working Philadelphia FIFA staff for working on this project from it’s inception through next year. It’s going to be a great experience for all of Philadelphia, and our visitors who are in for a treat.
Check out the City’s website for a Public Safety Guide to FIFA 2025
Happy New Year!!