After years of anticipation, later this month Philadelphia takes center field on the world stage as FIFA World Cup 2026 (phillyfwc26.com) arrives at Lincoln Financial Field for six matches between June 14 and July 4, including group-stage play and a Round of 16 showdown.

WHERE TO STAY

AKA University City
AKA University City is the ultimate FIFA home base in Philadelphia. Spacious suites with full kitchens and Level 28’s rooftop pool keep the energy going from kickoff to the final whistle. Book the Golden Goal Getaway for FOX Sports access and exclusive gifts. 2929 Walnut St., stayaka.com

Fruits de mer, layered with fresh flavors from the Ornamental Kitchen Garden. PHOTO BY DUCHALA ADELYN

Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
Stay close to the action at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, which is only a 10-minute walk from Lincoln Financial Field. Fans can book around their preferred match dates and catch every goal at on-site watch parties. 900 Packer Ave., livech.com/philadelphia

The Gas Lamp Hotel
The Gas Lamp Hotel’s World Cup Premiere package is in a league of its own. Rent out the entire Old City boutique hotel, sleeping up to 13 guests, including a panoramic penthouse suite with daily breakfast, luxury stadium transportation, custom jerseys, a private speakeasy lounge and exclusive access to the outdoor courtyard.140 N. 2nd St., thegaslampphilly.com

WHERE TO EAT

Emmett
At Emmett, Julian van der Tak and chef Evan Snyder marry Levantine and Mediterranean flavors: think bites like a rye tartlet with Wagyu and dry-aged duck with cherry shawarma and date malfouf. Locally sourced ingredients and art displays make this James Beard Award finalist unforgettable. 161 W. Girard Ave., emmetphilly.com

Fiore’s breakfast sandwich on schiacciate bread with herb aioli, fennel sausage and fontina cheese PHOTO: BY KARELIA FORLENZA

Fiore's breakfast sandwich on schiacciate bread with herb aioli, fennel sausage and fontina cheese.

Fiore

Find a piece of Italy in East Kensington’s Fiore. The beloved bakery and cafe from James Beard Award finalist Justine MacNeil and Ed Crochet is known for its housemade pasta, pastries and relaxed atmosphere. Treat yourself to the spinach gnudi or satisfy your sweet tooth with the Bomboloni: pillowy doughnuts rolled in sugar. 2413 Frankford Ave., fiorefinefoods.com

Her Place Supper Club
With a changing menu of gourmet creations, foodies never know what to expect at James Beard finalist Amanda Shulman’s eatery. The French- and Italian-inspired set menu, featuring Jewish touches, is served to all guests simultaneously, creating a dinner-party feel. 1740 Sansom St., herplacephilly.com

Honeysuckle’s Epis roasted chicken with grilled collards, candied lemon and charred leek aioli. BY HAAMZA EDWARDS

Honeysuckle's Epis roasted chicken with grilled collards, candied lemon and charred leek aioli.

Honeysuckle
This community-centered restaurant on North Broad celebrates Afrocentric cuisine through a multi-course tasting menu. James Beard finalists Omar Tate and Cybille St. Aude-Tate’s commitment to wellness is demonstrated through the fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers. 631 N. Broad St., honeysucklephl.com

Kalaya
James Beard-winning chef Nok Suntaranon channels her Southern Thai upbringing into one of Philadelphia’s most celebrated dining destinations. Try flower-shaped dumplings, goat and lamb curry and sip spiced cocktails as you’re transported straight to Trang Province. 4 W. Palmer St., kalayaphilly.com

Royal Izakaya
James Beard finalist Jess Ito combines two concepts under one roof: a lively izakaya serving gyoza and hamachi ponzu, and an intimate eight-seat omakase counter in the back. Indulge in the 17-course omakase for the ultimate treat.780 S. 2nd St., royalizakaya.com

WHERE TO PLAY

A Nation of Artists
You have never experienced American Art like this. A Nation of Artists unites across the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts with 1,000 works—including 120 from the private Middleton Family Collection, making their public debut.Through Sept. 12, 2027, 600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 118-128 N. Broad St., anationofartists.org

Chinese Lantern Festival
Franklin Square glows all summer long with the Chinese Lantern Festival, running from June 5 through Aug. 16. The annual celebration fills the park with handcrafted Chinese lantern displays rooted in a centuries-old tradition. 200 N. 6th St., phillychineselanternfestival.org

watch your favorite teams on the Fan Festival’s big screen. COURTESY OF BRAND

Watch your favorite teams on the Fan Festival's big screen.

FIFA Fan Festival
You don’t need a stadium ticket to soak up the World Cup energy. The free FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park runs for 39 days, attracting up to 20,000 fans on match days. Giant screen live broadcasts, live music and food and beverage vendors complete this celebration of global fútbol culture. Lemon Hill Dr.,phillyfwc26.com

Wawa Welcome America
Celebrate Juneteenth and America’s 250th birthday at the country’s largest July 4th celebration from June 19 to July 4. Concerts, fireworks and over 50 events are sure to keep Philadelphians and visitors busy—including performances from artists like Queen Latifah, Idina Menzel, Eve and Kirk Franklin. Multiple locations, july4thphilly.com

WHERE TO WATCH

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia is taking World Cup season to new heights—literally. From June 11 through July 19, the 59th floor will transform into The Match Room: a sports lounge pop-up with panoramic skyline views, live match broadcasts and a menu featuring elevated game-day bites like lobster rolls. One N. 19th St., fourseasons.com/philadelphia

enjoy a stein of your favorite German beer while watching the game at Frankford Hall. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS

Enjoy a stein of your favorite German beer while watching the game at Frankford Hall.

Frankford Hall
At Frankford Hall, long communal tables fill a sprawling beer garden, creating a lively backdrop for nail-biting FIFA matches. With large screens, flowing steins and German bites, it’s a festive, high-volume spot to catch the action with friends. 1210 Frankford Ave., frankfordhall.com

Misconduct Tavern
Known as the official home of the Arsenal Philadelphia fan club, Misconduct Tavern is a go-to for FIFA matchdays. Grab a classic hot dog and a basil lemonade upstairs, where the high-energy crowd brings a stadium-like atmosphere. Multiple locations, misconducttavern.com

Cheer on your favorite team at Stateside Live! PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS

Cheer on your favorite team at Stateside Live!

Stateside Live!
Join Stateside Live! for a matchday viewing experience designed for the ultimate soccer fan. Close enough to hear the crowd roar, this locale turns the average watch party into an all-day celebration full of food, drinks and entertainment. 1100 Pattison Ave., statesidelive.com

SCHEDULE

6/14 Côte d’Ivoire vs. Ecuador
6/19 Brazil vs. Haiti
6/22 France vs. Iraq
6/25 Curaçao vs. Côte d’Ivoire
6/27 Croatia vs. Ghana
7/4 Round of 16