Philadelphia
6 matches including most symbolic World Cup venue, plus Liberty Bell, Rocky Steps, and Philly cheesesteaks
At a Glance
- Location
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Country
- USA
- Metro Population
- 6.2 million
- Total Matches
- 6 matches
- Match Period
- -
- Primary Stadium
- Lincoln Financial Field
- Recommended Stay
- 3-4 days
- Daily Budget
- $80-120 USD per person
- Best Time to Visit
- Last Updated
Best Time
Ideal Stay
3-4 days
Daily Budget
$80-120 USD per person
Walkability
9/10 - Very walkable, compact Center City
Transit
10/10 - BEST World Cup stadium access (SEPTA direct, 14 min, $2.50)
Safety
7/10 - Safe in tourist areas, avoid certain neighborhoods at night
About Philadelphia
Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia will host 6 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches from June 15 to July 4, 2026, including a Round of 16 match on July 4, 2026 - the 250th anniversary of the United States' Declaration of Independence signed in Philadelphia in 1776. This is the most symbolically significant World Cup venue. The 69,176-seat stadium is home to the Philadelphia Eagles and located 4 miles from Center City with direct SEPTA Broad Street Line access (14 min, $2.50) - the BEST public transit to any World Cup stadium in North America. Philadelphia is the birthplace of American democracy (Liberty Bell, Independence Hall) and home to Rocky Steps, Reading Terminal Market, and Philly cheesesteaks.
City Character
Philadelphia is the birthplace of American democracy - where the Declaration of Independence (1776) and U.S. Constitution (1787) were signed. The Liberty Bell with its famous crack is the city's symbol. Center City is compact and walkable with colonial cobblestone streets (Old City), modern skyscrapers, and world-class museums. Reading Terminal Market (since 1893) offers 80+ food vendors. The Rocky Steps at Philadelphia Museum of Art are one of America's most photographed spots. Philly is known for passionate sports fans (especially Eagles), cheesesteaks (Jim's vs Pat's/Geno's debate), and gritty blue-collar character. Less polished than Boston, more affordable than NYC, and authentically American. July 4th will see massive patriotic celebrations for USA's 250th birthday.
Stadium Location
Lincoln Financial Field is 4 miles south of Center City in South Philadelphia Sports Complex (shares area with Phillies, 76ers, Flyers stadiums). From Center City: SEPTA Broad Street Line (Orange) southbound to NRG Station (14 min, $2.50), then 200 feet walk to stadium entrance. This is the EASIEST World Cup stadium access via public transit in North America - no transfers, no shuttles, direct line. Trains every 5-10 min on match days. Post-match trains packed (wait 15-30 min or walk to earlier station). Avoid driving - parking $40-60, 60-90 min exit delays.
Critical Info
JULY 4TH BOOKING CRITICAL: Round of 16 on USA's 250th Independence Day will have 200-300% hotel surge - book 6+ months early. SEPTA Broad Street Line ...
Where to Stay
Philadelphia has 800+ hotels (80,000+ rooms). Expect 100-150% surge during World Cup, 200-300% for July 4th match. BEST LOCATION: Center City ($150-350) - walkable restaurants/history, direct SEPTA to stadium (14 min), mid-range prices. South Philadelphia ($120-250) - cheaper, walking distance to stadium, but limited dining/nightlife outside Xfinity Live!. Old City ($180-400) - most expensive, historic boutique hotels, Liberty Bell/Independence Hall area. University City ($130-280) - budget option, near 30th Street Station (Amtrak). Fishtown ($140-300) - trendy breweries, mostly Airbnb. Book 6+ months ahead for July 4th. Direct hotels if cancellation needed. SEPTA access is KEY.
Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
FIFA: Philadelphia Stadium
69,176
Capacity
6
Matches
4mi
From Downtown
2003
Opened
Transport
SEPTA Broad Street Line (14 min, $2.50) - BEST public transit access
Open-air stadium - NO roof coverage (bring sunscreen, hat, poncho for rain)
Economic Impact
$280-380 million USD to Philadelphia metro economy from tourism, hospitality, and event spending
Get Involved
1,800 volunteers volunteers needed!
Philadelphia Host Committee & FIFA World Cup 2026
Birthplace of American democracy with July 4th 250th Anniversary Round of 16 and best public transit access
Top Highlights
Unique Experiences
- ★Run up Rocky Steps like Rocky Balboa (1976 movie scene) - FREE iconic photo op
- ★Stand where Declaration of Independence was signed (Independence Hall, 1776) - F
- ★Touch the Liberty Bell with famous crack - symbol of American freedom
- ★Cheesesteak pilgrimage: Jim's Steaks (locals' favorite), Pat's vs Geno's debate
- ★Reading Terminal Market food crawl - Amish baked goods, DiNic's roast pork (best
Perfect For
History enthusiasts (birthplace of USA, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall)
July 4th seekers (250th Independence Day + Round of 16 = most symbolic match)
Public transit lovers (SEPTA Broad Street Line = BEST World Cup access)
Foodies (cheesesteaks, Reading Terminal Market, diverse dining)
This City Might Not Be For You If...
Match Schedule
6 matches • Group Stage, Round of 16
🇨🇮 Côte d'Ivoire vs 🇪🇨 Ecuador
Sunday, June 14, 2026
7:00 PM ET
🇧🇷 Brazil vs 🇭🇹 Haiti
Friday, June 19, 2026
9:00 PM ET
France vs FIFA Play-off 2
Monday, June 22, 2026
5:00 PM ET
🇨🇼 Curaçao vs 🇨🇮 Côte d'Ivoire
Thursday, June 25, 2026
4:00 PM ET
🇭🇷 Croatia vs 🇬🇭 Ghana
Saturday, June 27, 2026
5:00 PM ET
TBD vs TBD
Saturday, July 4, 2026
5:00 PM ET
Stadium Quick Tips
Weather During World Cup
Warm and humid East Coast summer • 66-85°F (warm afternoons, mild evenings)
Average High
85°F
(29°C)
Average Low
66°F
(19°C)
Rainy Days
9-11 days/month
per month
Humidity
65-70% (moderate)
Morning humidity 70
What to Expect
Philadelphia in June/July is warm and humid with temperatures averaging 81-88°F (27-31°C). Expect 65-70% humidity making it feel like 85-92°F. Rain is common (9-11 rainy days/month) with short afternoon thunderstorms possible. Lincoln Financial Field is an open-air stadium with NO roof coverage - matches can be delayed for lightning. Less oppressive than Houston/Miami but still humid. Pack sunscreen (SPF 30+), hat, sunglasses, and light rain jacket or poncho. Hydrate constantly (3-4 liters/day). Evening temps drop to comfortable 72-75°F.
Daylight Hours
14-15 hours daylight • 5:30-5:50 AM - 8:30-9:00 PM
Humidity Pattern
Morning humidity 70-75%, afternoon 60-65%
Packing Essentials
- Sunscreen SPF 30+ (reapply every 2 hours)
- Hat and sunglasses for open-air stadium
- Light rain jacket or poncho (afternoon storms common but brief)
- Light, breathable clothing (shorts, T-shirts, sundresses)
- Comfortable walking shoes (Philadelphia very walkable)
- Reusable water bottle (drink 3-4 liters/day)
- Clear bag for stadium (12x6x12 max)
- Power bank (10,000+ mAh)
Plan Your Visit
Everything you need for an unforgettable World Cup experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the July 4th match special?
July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States' Declaration of Independence, signed in Philadelphia in 1776. This Round of 16 match at Lincoln Financial Field is the most symbolically s...
Read more →How do I get to Lincoln Financial Field from Center City?
Take the SEPTA Broad Street Line (Orange) southbound from any Center City station (City Hall, Walnut-Locust, Lombard-South). Ride 14 minutes to NRG Station (Sports Complex terminal, last stop). Walk 2...
Read more →Do I need a car in Philadelphia?
NO. Philadelphia has excellent public transit (SEPTA) and is very walkable. Center City to Old City is 15 min walk. SEPTA Broad Street Line goes direct to stadium (14 min, $2.50). Only rent a car if y...
Read more →What's the best area to stay for World Cup matches?
Center City ($150-350/night) is best for most fans - walkable restaurants/history/Reading Terminal Market, direct SEPTA to stadium (14 min), mid-range prices. South Philadelphia ($120-250/night) is ch...
Read more →Does Lincoln Financial Field have a roof?
NO. Lincoln Financial Field is an open-air stadium with NO roof coverage. Bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and poncho. Matches can be delayed for lightning (check weather forecast). Unlike Houston (r...
Read more →What's the cheesesteak debate - Pat's vs Geno's vs Jim's?
Pat's King of Steaks (since 1930) claims to have invented the cheesesteak - greasier, softer bread, open 24/7. Geno's (since 1966) is across the street - shinier bread, organized meat. Both are touris...
Read more →How do I visit Independence Hall?
Independence Hall is FREE but requires timed-entry tickets (book weeks in advance at recreation.gov or same-day walk-up at Independence Visitor Center starting 8:30 AM - limited quantity). Tours run e...
Read more →Can I visit Liberty Bell and attend a match the same day?
Yes! For evening kickoffs (7-9 PM): Morning Independence Hall tour (8-10 AM, book timed-entry weeks ahead) → Liberty Bell (10-11 AM, no ticket) → Reading Terminal Market lunch (11:30 AM-1 PM, $10-20) ...
Read more →Is Philadelphia safe for tourists?
Yes, tourist areas (Center City, Old City, South Street, Rittenhouse Square) are safe and heavily policed. Avoid Kensington and North Philadelphia at night. SEPTA Broad Street Line is safe during the ...
Read more →How expensive is Philadelphia compared to other World Cup cities?
Moderately priced - cheaper than NYC/Boston but more expensive than Kansas City/Houston. Hotels: $150-350/night Center City during World Cup (100-150% surge, 200-300% July 4th). Food: $10-20 budget me...
Read more →Ready to Experience Philadelphia?
Access detailed itineraries, hotel recommendations, insider tips, and everything you need for an unforgettable World Cup adventure.
Last Updated:
By KickoffAdventures Editorial Team