PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia will be the host of six games during the upcoming World Cup, but a new effort announced by Governor Josh Shapiro Thursday will bring the fan experience to three other cities across Pennsylvania.
“We are ready to put on a great show,” said Shapiro. “The matches may be in Philly but I think the heart and soul of FIFA is going to be all across Pennsylvania.”
World Cup fan zones will now also be in Scranton, Reading and Pittsburgh. Visiting fans can get a bite to eat, listen to music and enjoy other entertainment while watching World Cup games. Shapiro said it’s an opportunity for local businesses to benefit from the same influx of fans and revenue expected to come to the Philadelphia region this summer.
“This is really a once in a lifetime opportunity for Pennsylvania,” he said.
More than half a million visitors are expected to come to Pennsylvania for the World Cup. The influx of fans is projected to generate some $770 million over three weeks.
“We want you to come and enjoy and we want you to come and experience the games in the way you want to experience them,” said Shapiro.
Beyond the games at Lincoln Financial Field in South Philadelphia, Subaru Park in Chester will also host the team from Ivory Coast throughout the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19.
Philly may be hosting games, but Reading, Scranton and Pittsburgh are also getting in on the action.
