Where to Play, Stay, and Eat in Philadelphia During the FIFA World Cup

In 2026, Philadelphia, known throughout the world for its very passionate sports fans, will be hosting the biggest soccer tournament there is: the FIFA World Cup. While 16 cities will host games, it’s Philly’s team (the Philadelphia Union), sits in at the top of the MLS rankings. That’s sure to make the city a draw for soccer fanatics traveling from far and wide to see the matches in person.

The Philadelphia World Cup matches will take place at Lincoln Financial Field, home of the NFL’s Eagles. Luckily for supporters who want to do a little sightseeing before and after the games, the stadium is within the city limits, less than four miles from the downtown area. And you won’t have to hoof it to the stadium, because a 15-minute Uber trip (or a 40-minute SEPTA subway or bus ride) will take you straight there from downtown. That means you can see Liberty Bell in the morning and catch a match in the afternoon without any fuss.

In June and July 2026, Philadelphia will host a total of six matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including five group stage games (June 14, 19, 22, 25, 27) and one knockout-stage match on July 4. And what’s more iconic than spending Independence Day watching sports in Philly, the “birthplace of America”? Nothing, that’s what.

While tickets aren’t available for purchase just yet, you should still plan ahead. Lincoln Financial Field can host 69,000 people, and they’ll all be in the city at the same time as you. To make the most of your time in Philly, here’s where to eat, play, and stay during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Just don’t wait too long to make those bookings.

We hope you love the spaces and activities we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay or tour. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Because you’re in Philly to watch high-stakes soccer games in one of the most sports-obsessed cities in the US, you’re probably into most-things-athletic. Fortunately, there are plenty of active things to do in Philly, including fun exercise sessions, touring the city on a bike, visiting sports venues, or even catching an MLB game. But if you do like more traditional tourist draws, there are always cheesesteaks to chow on and Independence Hall to check out.

Photo: Airbnb

Rocky Balboa running through the city of Philadelphia all the way up the stairs leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a recurring scene from the Rocky movie franchise — one that has since become iconic.

If you want to be Rocky Balboa for a short time, you can book a 90-minute high-intensity bootcamp with performance coach and physical therapist Joe at this very same spot. You’ll warm up, climb the stairs with some added challenges thrown in, and celebrate your undeniable athleticism à la 1976 Sylvester Stalone (i.e., jumping up and down with your arms raised to the heavens). Not only will you complete a solid and fun workout, but you’ll also check one of Philadelphia’s must-sees off your list.

While you’re there, snap a picture with the large bronze Rocky statue at the bottom of the museum stairs. It was originally created for Rocky III in 1982 and is now one of the most visited monuments in the city.

Photo: AAR Studio/Shutterstock

The Philadelphia Flyers are Philly’s beloved NFL team, and during hockey season, they play at the city’s Wells Fargo Center. While hockey is on a break during the summer, you can still check out the impressive stadium by grabbing tickets for whatever is happening at the stadium. The 2026 summer lineup hasn’t been announced, but events in 2025 include a Cirque du Soleil show, stand-up comedians, A-list musical artists, and family-friendly stage acts sure to drive kids crazy. Tcikets for events can be as low as $20 or into the thousands if you want primo seats to the biggest artists touring today.

Photo: Viator

If you’re keen to combine exercise with sightseeing, you have two options: you can tour Philly by bike, or on foot with Viator. Both tours are highly rated and will take you to see the city’s most famous landmarks and provide expert commentary for a comprehensive visit. At 3.5 hours, the bike tour is a little more involved than the 1.5-hour walking tour, but if your time in the city is limited and you’re not afraid of a little physical activity, it’s a good option.

Photo: hannahsnyder/Shutterstock

2026 will be a big year for Philadelphia. On top of hosting the FIFA World Cup and celebrating the 250th anniversary of American Independence, the city will also host the MLB (Major League Baseball) All-Star Game. The event, which is a game between the best players in the American League (AL) and the National League (NL), will take place at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Phillies, in July 2026. While tickets for the game will be hard to get, there’ll be a host of all-star sporting events around the city for those who aren’t at the games.

If you can’t make it to Citizens Bank Park for the all-star game, book one of the regularly scheduled, 75-minute tours of the ballpark for just $25 per person. While there, make sure to check out the two Liberty Bell replicas: the 19-foot-tall Veterans Stadium Liberty Bell sitting outside of the stadium, and the 52-foot-tall Liberty Bell located in the right-center field of Citizens Bank Park. The bell inside the stadium lights up and rings when the Phillies score a home run or win.

If you want to catch all the other FIFA World Cup 2026 matches taking place in the US, Canada, and Mexico while you’re in Philadelphia, you’d better find a good sports bar. Preferably, one that also serves food, so you’ll never have to step away from the screens. These three bars and pubs are great places to start.

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Drinker’s is a neighborhood dive bar beloved by locals who want a friendly, no-frills place to enjoy a couple of cheap draft beers and watch whatever game is playing. There are several high-definition TVs on the walls for that purpose, but don’t expect anything very high tech or flashy – Drinker’s is not a pretentious establishment. The food menu is equally simple, with only salty, cheesey, and fried plates on offer such as nachos, fried dill pickles, wings, and burgers among others. There’s a pool table so you can do something during the half-time break. Drinker’s is located in the very popular Rittenhouse neighborhood.

Drinker’s: 1903 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA

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Also in the Rittenhouse neighborhood, and also on Chestnut Street, family-owned Giovanni’s Bar & Grill is a casual spot famous for its friendly and attentive staff and its great food. While it looks like a pizza shop from the street, you’ll find a whole bar in the back. There are large screens on the wall so you won’t miss a minute of the matches. The menu is extensive and includes a good variety of pasta, calzones, wings, burgers, and more. And it’s all not beers and cider being served at Giovanni’s, the bar staff makes excellent cocktails, too.

Giovanni’s Bar & Grill: 1533 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA

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Not too far from the other bars on this list is Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen. It’s a local favorite, especially for beer lovers and connoisseurs. While still very casual, Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen is a step up from Drinker’s and Giovanni’s, serving 36 beers on tap, expertly made cocktails, and excellent food that nobody in their right mind would call bar food (think French onion soup, pork schnitzel, charred octopus, and flourless chocolate cake). The bar has a few big TV screens showing whatever important game is on, so you won’t miss any of the Philadelphia FIFA World Cup matches while there. Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen hosts regular events as well, including live music, comedy shows, and even burlesque events.

Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen: 126 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Photo: Airbnb

Because Lincoln Financial Field is located within the city limits and is easily reachable by public transportation, you have plenty of easy options when it comes to Airbnbs. The only problem you’ll encounter is availability. June and July 2026 will be very busy months in Philadelphia — and that’s not just because of the FIFA World Cup. It’s also the 250th anniversary of America becoming a country, the MLB All-Star Game, and the PGA championship. Don’t procrastinate and book early. (Note that, at the time of writing, the Airbnbs listed below are all available for booking between June 13 and July 5, 2026.)

Close to all the best bars, restaurants, boutiques, and attractions, this modern townhouse can accommodate up to four guests in its two bedrooms and two bathrooms. There’s a fully equipped kitchen and a fancy freestanding tub (for relaxing after a tense soccer match). The patio in the backyard is private and the perfect spot to hang out with a drink at the end of the day — unless you prefer the basement, with a comfortable couch and a large TV so you can catch the non-Philadelphia World Cup matches if you don’t feel like going to a sports bar. It’s about 35 minutes from the stadium on SEPTA.

South of Philly’s Gayborhood, this charming brick house can sleep up to eight guests in three bedrooms, making it a good pick for traveling groups. It’s elegant, cozy, and well appointed, with a fully equipped kitchen, a small patio to enjoy some fresh summer air, and a mosaic by famous American artist Isaiah Zagar just outside the front door. It’s only a 25-minute walk to the Liberty Bell, or 35 minutes to the stadium on public transportation.

If you’re keen to stay somewhere a little offbeat during your time in Philly, this super-modern and art-filled loft might just be the place for you. As it’s a studio, it only sleeps two, but it’s filled with so much light, color, and plants that it feels a lot bigger. Take the time to look at all the art pieces on display, especially the Rocky-themed ones. Art Tower, as the building is known, is around 40 minutes by SEPTA from the stadium.