This summer, Philadelphia proudly welcomed the world to Lincoln Financial Field for the 2025 FIFA Club games—an unforgettable showcase of global talent, electric fan energy, and the city’s unmatched hospitality that welcomed fans of Real Madrid, ES Tunis, FC Salzburg, and more from across the world. Now that the roar of the crowd has faded, one thing is clear: Greater Philadelphia is ready for the world’s biggest stage.
The 2025 Club games were more than a thrilling preview of what’s to come—they were a powerful demonstration of our region’s capacity to host world-class events.
Now, all eyes turn to 2026.
Next summer, Philadelphia will be one of the select U.S. host cities for the FIFA World Cup 26, welcoming hundreds of thousands of international visitors and fans. With six matches scheduled at Lincoln Financial Field and the FIFA Fan Festival lighting up Lemon Hill Park, the city is poised to become a global epicenter of sport, culture, and commerce.
The projected impact is staggering: an estimated $770 million in economic activity, 6,600 new jobs, and $51 million in tax revenue for the region. This will be the largest financial boost from a single sporting event in Pennsylvania’s history, with benefits extending from Center City to York County, Pennsylvania, and New Castle County, Delaware.
For the business community, this is a once-in-a-generation moment to build on this economic boost and create opportunity for upward economic mobility in our city and region.
The Chamber is calling on business leaders across all sectors to get involved. The World Cup presents a platform to showcase what our region has to offer to a global audience. It’s also a chance to forge new partnerships, attract international investment, and contribute to a legacy of economic growth.
To ensure we’re ready, the Chamber is advocating for critical transportation funding to support seamless travel throughout the region. We’re also working closely with regional partners to promote Greater Philadelphia’s strengths—from our diverse talent pool to our innovation economy—to global site selectors and decision-makers.
The momentum is building. The world is watching. And Philadelphia is ready to shine.
Let’s seize this moment together. The countdown to 2026 has begun—and the business community will be at the heart of it all.
