Matches in Philadelphia
Sun Jun 14, 7pm ET
Ivory Coast vs Ecuador
Group E
Fri Jun 19, 8:30pm ET
Brazil vs Haiti
Group C
Mon Jun 22, 5pm ET
France vs Iraq
Group I
Thu Jun 25, 4pm ET
Curacao vs Ivory Coast
Group E
Sat Jun 27, 5pm ET
Croatia vs Ghana
Group L
Sat Jul 4, 5pm ET
Round of 16 — TBD
Round of 16
July 4 — World Cup knockout on America's 250th birthday
Philadelphia hosts a Round of 16 match on July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of US Independence, in the very city where independence was declared. A once-in-a-generation convergence of football and history. Brazil and France both play group stage matches here, bringing two of the largest travelling fan bases in world football.
Where to stay
Center City
Best overall base. SEPTA Broad Street Line runs directly to the stadium in 20 minutes. Walking distance to Independence Hall, Reading Terminal Market and all major attractions. Wide hotel range.
Best overall
Rittenhouse Square
Upscale residential neighbourhood with excellent restaurants and bars. Pleasant parks and walkable streets. SEPTA access to stadium. Popular with families and older international visitors.
Safest / Upscale
Old City / Fishtown
Historic neighbourhood near Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Great bar and restaurant scene. Good SEPTA access. Most authentic Philadelphia experience for international visitors.
Best atmosphere
South Philadelphia
Closest to Lincoln Financial Field. Walking distance or very short SEPTA ride. More affordable than Center City. Authentic Italian-American neighbourhood with great food.
Closest to stadium
Brazil and France match dates sell out first
June 19 and June 22 are the highest demand nights in Philadelphia. Brazil and France both bring massive travelling support. Book accommodation for these dates immediately with free cancellation.
Local tips for Philadelphia
SEPTA Broad Street Line is the fastest route to the stadium
Take the southbound B (Broad Street) Line to NRG Station, the last stop, and walk to Lincoln Financial Field. About 20 minutes from Center City, costs $2.90. Return trips from the stadium are free from halftime until 2 hours after the match ends. SEPTA will add 10 extra trains before each match.
Best connected city for multi-city trips
Philadelphia is on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor. New York is 1h15m away, Washington DC is 1h45m, and Boston is about 5 hours. If you are attending matches in multiple northeast cities, Philadelphia is the smartest base — often with better hotel value than NYC.
Historic city — make time to explore
Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the famous Rocky Steps are all easily walkable from Center City. The Reading Terminal Market is one of the best food markets in the USA. Philadelphia rewards exploration between matches.
Cheesesteak is non-negotiable
Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steakhouse face each other on the same corner in South Philly and have been rivals since 1966. Both are open 24 hours. Order a cheesesteak with "Whiz, wit" for the full Philly experience — that means Cheez Whiz sauce and onions.
Fan Festival at Lemon Hill, Fairmount Park
The official 39-day FIFA Fan Festival runs at Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park, overlooking the Schuylkill River. SEPTA routes 15, 32, 49 and 7 stop nearby. Free entry with live match broadcasts throughout the tournament.
More affordable than New York
Philadelphia offers better hotel value than NYC for equivalent quality. Budget $70-100 per day for food and transport. Tip 18-20% at restaurants. The SEPTA subway at $2.90 is cheap and covers all the main areas you need.
Plan your full Philadelphia trip ⚽
Getting to Philadelphia
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is one of the closest major airports to a city centre in the USA — just 8 miles from downtown. SEPTA Airport Line connects to Center City in 25 minutes.
Getting to Lincoln Financial Field
SEPTA Broad Street Line to NRG Station
Southbound B Line to NRG Station, last stop. Short walk to the stadium. $2.90. Return is free from halftime until 2 hours after the final whistle.
Drive via I-95 or I-76
Stadium accessible from both interstates. On-site parking from $125. Live! Casino nearby has parking from $60. Book in advance.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft available. Designated zones around the stadium. Surge pricing expected after matches. SEPTA is much more reliable on match days.
Stay connected in Philadelphia
US roaming charges can be very expensive. Get a US eSIM before you board your flight.
Get US eSIM on Airalo
From $5 for 1GB, activate before landing
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Travel insurance
Medical costs in the USA are extremely high. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Get a quote on World Nomads
Covers medical, cancellation and baggage
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Official merchandise
Shop official World Cup 2026 jerseys and gear before you travel.
Shop on Fanatics
Official licensed World Cup gear
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Visa reminder for USA
Most international visitors need either ESTA or a B1/B2 visa to enter the USA. Check requirements before booking.
View full Visa Guide →
View full Visa Guide →