Lincoln Financial Field Stadium World Cup 2026 Schedule & Dates – Philadelphia

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a historic, continent-spanning event, and Philadelphia will play a starring role.

As one of the 11 U.S. host cities, the City of Brotherly Love will welcome the world to Lincoln Financial Field, a stadium with a rich history of hosting major football events.

Lincoln Financial Field, often called “The Linc,” is a multi-purpose stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, opened in 2003 and primarily home to the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles and MLS’s Philadelphia Union.

For the FIFA World Cup 2026, the stadium will see enhancements to locker rooms, lighting, and broadcast facilities to meet global standards.

The venue will be temporarily renamed “Philadelphia Stadium” to comply with FIFA’s non-commercial naming policy.

The stadium, which is part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, has a standard seating capacity of 67,594.

The stadium features a natural hybrid grass surface, with a HERO Hybrid blend installed to ensure FIFA-compliant quality, durability, and playability for high-level soccer.

This guide covers the full Lincoln Financial Field World Cup 2026 schedule, key dates, stadium details, and an essential fan guide to help supporters plan their matchday experience.

World Cup 2026 Teams Playing at Lincoln Financial Field Stadium

Confirmed national teams for group-stage matches at Philadelphia Stadium include Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Brazil, Haiti, France, a FIFA playoff winner (Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname), Curaçao, Croatia, and Ghana.

These teams represent diverse confederations: CAF (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana), CONMEBOL (Ecuador, Brazil, Haiti, possibly Bolivia/Suriname), UEFA (France, Croatia), and CONCACAF (Curaçao, possibly Suriname).

The assigned playoff qualifier is for Group I, facing France, to be determined in the March 2026 playoffs.

FIFA allocated teams via the official draw in December 2025, grouping 48 nations into 12 groups of four.

Venues like Philadelphia were assigned based on eastern U.S. regional pods to minimise travel for teams and fans, ensuring logistical efficiency and balanced distribution across host cities.

How Many World Cup Matches Will Be Played at Lincoln Financial Field Stadium?

A total of six matches will be hosted at Philadelphia Stadium, aligning with the tournament’s 104-game format across North America.

The breakdown includes five group-stage matches and one knockout fixture in the Round of 16. This mix spans initial group rivalries to high-stakes elimination play, with the Round of 16 adding patriotic flair on U.S. Independence Day.

The matches will be spread across the tournament, with the first game kicking off on June 14, 2026, and the final Philadelphia match—the prestigious Round of 16 clash—taking place on Saturday, July 4, 2026

Philadelphia World Cup 2026 Match Schedule at Lincoln Financial Field Stadium

Here is the complete schedule of matches to be played at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Stadium). All times are listed in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

One match each from Groups E, C, and I, plus two additional matches from Group E, and one Round of 16 match.

Group-stage matches:

Sunday, June 14, 2026: Côte d’Ivoire vs. Ecuador (Group E) – 7:00 PM ET
Friday, June 19, 2026: Brazil vs. Haiti (Group C) – 9:00 PM ET
Monday, June 22, 2026: France vs. FIFA Playoff Winner (Iraq/Bolivia/Suriname) (Group I) – 5:00 PM ET
Thursday, June 25, 2026: Curaçao vs. Côte d’Ivoire (Group E) – 4:00 PM ET
Saturday, June 27, 2026: Croatia vs. Ghana (Group L) – 5:00 PM ET

Knockout matches:

Saturday, July 4, 2026: Round of 16 (Winners from designated groups, TBD) – 5:00 PM ET

Where Is Lincoln Financial Field Stadium Located in Philadelphia?

The full address is 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148.

It is situated in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, alongside Wells Fargo Centre (NHL/NBA), Citizens Bank Park (MLB), and Xfinity Live! entertainment district—about 5 miles south of downtown Philadelphia.

For drivers, it’s easily reached via I-95 or I-76, with proximity to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL, 5 miles away).

Lincoln Financial Field Stadium World Cup 2026 Fan Guide

Attending a World Cup match at Lincoln Financial Field promises an electric atmosphere, combining Philadelphia’s passionate sports culture with the global spectacle of football’s biggest tournament.

Located within the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, the stadium offers modern amenities, excellent sightlines, and proximity to other major venues and transport routes.

Fans should plan ahead for matchday transportation, weather conditions, and entry procedures, as World Cup matches attract significantly larger crowds than regular NFL games.

From public transit options to parking advice and stadium policies, this fan guide will help ensure a smooth and memorable World Cup experience in Philadelphia.

Best Seating Areas for Soccer Matches

For soccer, sideline seating in the 100-200 levels offers prime views of the full pitch, ideal for following end-to-end action.

The stadium’s design includes three open corners, offering some seats unique views of the Philadelphia skyline.

Upper tiers (300 levels) provide affordable panoramic perspectives, while club-level options (200-300) include premium amenities like cushioned seats and lounge access.

Sightline quality is excellent due to the stadium’s bowl design, but avoid extreme corners for better angles. Sections near the south end (e.g., 101-104) host lively supporter groups with chants and flags.

Stadium Entry Times & Arrival Tips

Official gate opening times for World Cup matches will be announced closer to the event. For major events, gates typically open 2-3 hours before kick-off.

Given FIFA’s enhanced security screening, plan to arrive at the stadium at least 60-90 minutes before the scheduled start time. This allows ample time for security checks, finding your entry gate, locating your seat, and enjoying the pre-match build-up.

Entry Rules, Security & Weather Tips

All tickets will be digital and managed through official FIFA platforms. A valid photo ID matching the ticket name will almost certainly be required for entry. Security procedures involve thorough bag searches and prohibited item checks.

Late-June and July in Philadelphia Expect warm to hot and humid conditions. Average highs are in the mid-80s°F (around 29°C), but temperatures can spike into the 90s°F (32+°C).

Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Dress in light, breathable clothing, wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated. The stadium is an open-air venue, so prepare for sun or rain.

Prohibited Items at Lincoln Financial Field Stadium

To ensure safety and speed up entry, the stadium prohibits many common items. Refer to the official Stadium Code of Conduct and FIFA guidelines for the complete list.

Bags that do not comply with the clear bag policy (typically bags larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ that are not clear).
Outside food and beverages (one sealed bottle of water is often allowed).
Professional cameras, tripods, and selfie sticks.
Large flags, banners, or poles.
Any form of weapon or projectile.
Always check the official FIFA World Cup 2026 website and the Lincoln Financial Field A-Z guide for the definitive list before your matchday.

Getting to Lincoln Financial Field Stadium by Public Transport

Public transport is highly recommended to avoid traffic and parking hassles.SEPTA’s Broad Street Line subway runs directly to NRG Station from downtown or the airport.

Ride-share considerations: Uber/Lyft are popular but expect surges and designated zones; plan for post-game waits up to 30-45 minutes.

SEPTA Broad Street Line (Subway): This is the most efficient option. Take the Orange Line south to the final stop, NRG Station, which is a short walk from the stadium entrances.
SEPTA Regional Rail: Fans can take various lines to Suburban Station or Jefferson Station in Center City and transfer to the Broad Street Line subway.
SEPTA Bus: Routes 4 and 17 also service the sports complex area.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Designated pick-up and drop-off zones will be established around the complex. Expect significant delays and surge pricing after the match.

Parking, Ride-Share & Drop-Off Areas

The sports complex has numerous large lots, but availability will be extremely limited. Pre-purchasing a parking pass in advance is essential.

Standard event parking costs $45. Follow official signage and instructions from traffic personnel.

Designated ride-share pick-up/drop-off zones are in Lots J and K near Pattison Avenue. Traffic management: Use apps for real-time updates; avoid peak hours by arriving early.

Food, Entertainment & Fan Zones in Philadelphia

Inside the Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field offers a wide array of concessions.

You can find everything from iconic Philly cheesesteaks (from Tony Luke’s and others) and Chickie’s & Pete’s famous CrabFries to local soft pretzels, hamburgers, and international options like Aussie meat pies and tacos .

The club levels offer exclusive menus featuring items like jerk chicken sandwiches and specialty burritos. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and kosher options are also available.

Outside the Stadium: The premier fan experience will be the official FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park.

This free, family-friendly zone will run for the tournament’s duration, featuring giant screens broadcasting all matches, live music, cultural activities, and food vendors.

It’s expected to attract 15,000-20,000 fans daily and is a must-visit, especially if you don’t have a ticket.

Hotels Near Lincoln Financial Field Stadium

There are limited hotels within immediate walking distance of the stadium. Most visitors stay in Centre City (downtown Philadelphia) or University City, which offer a vast range of accommodations and are connected to the stadium via the easy 15-minute subway ride on the Broad Street Line.

Neighbourhoods like Navy Yard and South Philadelphia also offer some closer options. Book your accommodations well over a year in advance, as the city will reach full capacity during match weeks.