PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The stage is set. Philadelphia has been named one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A clock party was held at LOVE Park in Center City, and football fans erupted in excitement when their city was named World Cup location.
Philly arrives at the #FIFAWorldCup 2026! @CBSPhilly pic.twitter.com/7sLInQX7p6
– Pat Gallen (@ PatGallenCBS3) June 16, 2022
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“Yeah, finally the most real fans in the world can show how really fantastic they are,” one fan said.
“It was so exaggerated, it was like the best party ever. Everyone here in Philadelphia is excited about it. say a fan.
Fans were a little nervous waiting for the announcement.
“I was sick to my stomach, but I knew in my heart that we had it,” one fan said.
Even Mayor Jim Kenney was a bit on the sidelines.
“I was wondering what, God forbid, we didn’t understand what we were going to do with all these people here and how we would get back to City Hall. But there was a time in my life when I felt more relieved. That’s when Tom Brady took Hail Mary’s pass to Minnesota, “said Kenney, referring to the Eagles’ 52 Super Bowl victory.
Aside from the parties, city officials say this offer is great for business and a big boost for the local economy.
And when 2026 arrives …
“I’m so excited. This is going to be a historic moment for Philadelphia, it’s going to be a historic moment for everyone here,” one fan said.
The World Cup matches in Philadelphia will be played at Lincoln Financial Field. The Linc offers pristine natural turf, ideal for world-class football stars and was a big part of the city’s playing field for FIFA.
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It also has close to 70,000 seats, a perfect place to host thousands of football fans from around the world.
Eagles owner Jeffery Lurie says the organization is “excited” that the World Cup is coming to Philadelphia.
“We’re proud to host the highest level of competition in the game in front of a global audience,” Lurie said. “The city of Philadelphia and Lincoln Financial Field are well prepared to offer the international football community an unforgettable experience by 2026.”
pic.twitter.com/cL5M6eP7gg
– Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) June 16, 2022
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will also be played in Canada and Mexico.
FIFA on Thursday announced the host cities for 2026: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Guadalajara, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, Monterrey, New York / New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area , Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver.
Your host cities for the #FIFAWorldCup 2026:
TAtlanta🇺🇸boston🇺🇸dallas🇲🇽guadalajara🇺🇸houston🇺🇸kansas City🇺🇸los angeles🇲🇽mexico city🇺🇸miami🇲🇽monterrey🇺🇸ne York / New Jersey🇺🇸philadelphia🇺🇸san Francisco Bay Area🇺 EatSeattle🇨🇦Toronto🇨🇦Vancouver
– FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 16, 2022
CBS3’s Pat Gallen previously spoke with Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin about the city selected to host the 2026 World Cup.
“I’ve heard little clues in different interior pieces that we’re in a good place after being a typical Philadelphia Union fashion fad to be selected for the 2026 World Cup, but if it comes to fruition, International people will come in. To experience all the great things we have here, the whole culture, the whole passionate fan base that we have here, it will be something that would be really special. it has to be 100% that Philadelphia is involved in the World Cup, “Curtin said.
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney 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 to be true: Philadelphia is a welcoming, world-class city and we have the experience to deliver a great experience for Philadelphia. teams, fans and sponsors. Over the last five years, a great deal of work has been done on behalf of this offer, especially as we have been navigating delays of several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am immensely proud of the outstanding work we presented at FIFA, and I am grateful to the many partners who came together to support this candidacy, including the PHLCVB, which led the commission since the united candidacy in 2016-17 and the Philadelphia Eagles, who have made Lincoln Financial Field such a spectacular place. I would especially like to thank Ambassador David L. Cohen and Dan Hilferty who served as passionate presidents for this candidacy. Its commitment to the vitality and success of our city cannot be overstated, and FIFA’s selection of Philadelphia as its host city reflects the power of its civic leadership. For this, and much more, we owe them a debt of gratitude.
Now, it’s the game that football fans around the world are waiting for. The summer of 2026 and the World Cup will be here before we know it.
THE WORLD COMES TO PHILIPPIA IN 2026! pic.twitter.com/MzL1T16yPc
– PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) June 16, 2022
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Kerri Corrado and Alyssa Adams of CBS3 contributed to this report.