Philadelphia (CBS) – The stage is set. Philadelphia has been named one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A watch party was held at LOVE Park in Center City and football fans erupted in excitement when their city was named the World Cup venue.
Billy is there #FIFAWorldCup 2026! CBSP pic.twitter.com/7sLInQX7p6
– PatGallen (PatGallenCBS3) June 16, 2022
“Yes, finally the real fans of the world will show how great they are,” one fan said.
“It was so exciting, it’s always been like the best party ever. Everyone in Philly is excited about it.
Fans were a little nervous in anticipation of this announcement.
“I was sick to my stomach, but I knew in my heart we had it,” one fan said.
Mayor Jim Kenny was even a little on the edge.
“What, God forbid, we didn’t get it. All these people are going to do it here. I was wondering how we’re going back to City Hall. But once in my life I was so relaxed. That’s when Tom Brady picked up that hail Mary pass in Minnesota,” Kenny said. , Mentions the Eagles’ victory in Super Bowl 52.
Competition aside, city officials say the auction is good for business and a big boost to the local economy.
And when 2026 comes
“I’m so excited. It’s going to be a historic moment for Phil, it’s going to be a historic moment for everyone here,” one fan said.
The World Cup in Philadelphia will be played on the Lincoln Financial Field. Linc offers beautiful natural grass, which is ideal for world-class football stars and was a big part of the city’s pitch for FIFA.
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With nearly 70,000 seats, it is the perfect place to hold thousands of football fans from all over the world.
Jeffrey Lowry, owner of the Eagles, says the organization is “thrilled” that the World Cup is coming to Philadelphia.
“We are proud to host the highest level of competition in the game in front of a global audience,” Lourie said. “The city of Philadelphia and the Lincoln Financial Field are well prepared to provide the international football community with an unforgettable experience in 2026.”
– Philadelphia Eagles (@ Eagles) June 16, 2022
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will also be played in Canada and Mexico.
Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Guadalajara, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, Montessori, New York / New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver.
Your #FIFAWorldCup 2026 Host Cities:
Atlanta
🇺🇸Boston
🇺🇸Dallas
ுவGuadalajara
Houston
🇺🇸Kansas City
🇺🇸Los Angeles
நகரம்Mexico City
🇺🇸Miyami
🇲🇽Montori
New York / New Jersey
🇺🇸Philadelphia
🇺🇸San Francisco Bay Area
In Seattle
Toronto
🇨🇦Vancouver– FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 16, 2022
CBS3’s Pat Galen previously spoke to Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin about the city selected to host the 2026 World Cup.
“I’ve heard little hints that we’re in a good place in the regular Philadelphia Union style of being selected for the 2026 World Cup, but if it pays off, international people will come. We have to enjoy all the great things here. All the culture we have here, all the big fan base. That would be really great, it would make me proud to be a Philadelphian, and I think Philly’s involvement in the World Cup should be 100%, “said Curtin.
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenny issued a statement calling it “an incredible victory for Philadelphia.”
This is an incredible victory for Philadelphia and sets the stage for an unprecedented year for our city in 2026. FIFA saw what we all know: Philadelphia is a welcome, world-class city and we have the experience to deliver an amazing experience. Teams, fans and sponsors. Over the past five years, enormous work has been done on behalf of this auction, especially since we led several years of delays due to the Govt-19 epidemic. I’m very proud of the exceptional work we have done for FIFA and I am grateful to the many partners who have come together to support this auction, including PHLCVB, which led to the United States raising fees from the auction in 2016-17. The Philadelphia Eagles made the Lincoln Financial Field a wonderful place. Ambassador David L., who served as a leader interested in this auction. I would especially like to thank Cohen and Dan Hilberty. Their commitment to the vitality and success of our city cannot be overstated and FIFA’s choice of Philadelphia as their host city reflects the strength of their civic leadership. We are indebted to them for that and much more.
Now, this is the waiting game for football fans around the world. The summer of 2026 and the World Cup will come before we know it.
The world is coming to Billy in 2026! pic.twitter.com/MzL1T16yPc
– PhilaUnion (hiPhilaUnion) June 16, 2022
CBS3’s Kerri Corrado and Alyssa Adams contributed to this report.
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