Brazil, France Headline World Cup Teams Coming to Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) - - Soccer fans across Philadelphia had reason to celebrate Saturday as officials revealed the long-awaited list of teams set to play World Cup matches in the city. While residents already knew five group-stage games would be held at Lincoln Financial Field, the announcement of which countries would take the pitch brought a wave of excitement.

At The Black Taxi in Fairmount, fans erupted as the matchups were shown on screen.

"We just can't wait for the other nationalities to come, France, Brazil, Ghana, Croatia, we're ready for them all," said Donal McCusker of Fairmount as the crowd cheered around him.

Powerhouse Teams Are Coming to Lincoln Financial Field.

"The headline is Brazil and France are coming," said Meg Kane, CEO of Philadelphia Soccer 2026.

Philadelphia's slate of World Cup action begins June 14, when Ivory Coast faces Ecuador in the city's opening match.

Over the course of two weeks, the city will host five matches featuring teams from Haiti, Curaao, Croatia, and Ghana. And on July 4, Philadelphia will take center stage during the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations with a Round of 16 match.

Organizers say the visiting teams won't just attract international guests, they'll spotlight the diverse communities already living in Philadelphia.

"I have wanted Brazil to come to Philadelphia because I felt their fandom would match up so well with our own passionate fandom," Kane said. "We have an amazing Brazilian population here in the Northeast."

Soccer supporters say bringing the World Cup to North America, could transform the sport's popularity for years to come.

"I hope USA, Canada and Mexico do the very best they can so that we can promote soccer in North America," said Alan Murphy of Fairmount.

Others hope the tournament marks a cultural shift.

"It's a huge culture around the world," said Alexandra McNamara of Fishtown. "For it to come to the United States, for it to become part of the discussion, is going to be major."

Philadelphia Soccer 2026 says the arrival of these high-profile teams will bring an unprecedented level of energy to the city welcoming both die-hard fans and those discovering the sport for the first time.