For Immediate Release
PHILADELPHIA (Jun 11, 2025)
Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the 501c3 non-profit organization that serves as the Local Host Committee charged with planning and executing FIFA World Cup 26™ in coordination with the City of Philadelphia, today announced a slate of events and activations to mark the one-year countdown to the world’s largest stand-alone sporting event. The 40-day tournament will kick off in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. Philadelphia will host five Group Stage matches (June 14, June 19, June 22, June 25, and June 27), and a Round of 16 match on the semiquincentennial, July 4, 2026.
With just one year to go, Philadelphia Soccer 2026 is turning up the energy and inviting residents across the city and throughout the Commonwealth to join the celebration.
“This is it! With just 365 days until the world arrives in Pennsylvania, we’re inviting everyone to be part of this once-in-a-generation event,” said Meg Kane, Host City Executive/CEO, Philadelphia Soccer 2026. “This isn’t just about the six FIFA World Cup 26™ matches we’ll host here in Philadelphia. It’s about creating lasting memories, building pride, and ensuring Pennsylvania shines on the global stage, driving tourism, business development, and so much more beyond 2026. We’re ready to rally together and make history over the coming year and next summer.”
One-Year-Out Event Highlights:
Wednesday, June 11: Countdown Clock Unveiling & Press Conference
The Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Philadelphia Countdown Clock will be unveiled at Dilworth Park at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, marking one year until the tournament kicks off in Mexico City. This custom-designed, illuminated clock will feature Philadelphia’s unique branding and join clocks across all 16 Host Cities in counting down to midnight on June 11, 2026 locally across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It will remain on public display throughout the coming year leading up to the tournament.
Wednesday, June 11: One Year to Go Youth Soccer Clinic at Penn Park
As part of its commitment to making the game more accessible to all, Philadelphia Soccer 2026 will host a free soccer clinic at Penn Park for local youth participating in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Led by coaches from Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer (EPYS), the evening will include soccer, music, food trucks, and giveaways, as well as feature appearances by Philadelphia Union midfielder Alejandro Bedoya and mascot Phang.
Saturday, June 14: Unity Day with the Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Soccer 2026 will celebrate one year until the first match in Philadelphia and recognize the global spirit of the game at the Philadelphia Union’s annual Unity Day match. Highlights include a lively pre-match activation on Subaru Plaza, exclusive giveaways, and opportunities to learn about volunteer and community involvement opportunities. Philadelphia Soccer 2026 will also host youth soccer athletes from Safe-Hub for a pregame party at Union Yards and provide tickets to the match.
FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the largest competition ever hosted by FIFA – three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams, 104 matches – uniting an entire continent to showcase a transformative new tournament format. Fans can sign up to receive more information at FIFA.com/tickets, the official and preferred source of tickets for the tournament.
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About Philadelphia Soccer 2026
Philadelphia Soccer 2026 is the Local Host Committee charged with planning and executing FIFA World Cup 26™ in coordination with the City of Philadelphia. Established in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is governed by a 14-person Board of Directors that convenes leaders from across the City of Philadelphia and the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For more information, follow us on social media @FWC26Philly.
FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the biggest sporting event ever, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. With more countries, cities, teams, and games, FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the most inclusive tournament ever, engaging millions of fans across 16 unique stadiums and billions worldwide. The tournament will take place in June and July 2026. For the latest FIFA World Cup 26™ information please visit the FIFA World Cup 26™ website. For media representatives wishing to stay up-to-date on all things 2026, please register via the FIFA Media Hub.