Philadelphia Emerges as World Cup 2026 Fan Favorite
Short overview
Philadelphia may not host the opening ceremony or final, but it has become a standout host city for the 2026 World Cup. With 250,000 fans visiting the fan park and packed stadiums, the city's sports culture and fan experience are under the spotlight.
Philadelphia may not have hosted an opening ceremony, and it won’t be the venue for the final, but the city has emerged as one of the big winners of the 2026 World Cup, according to a new episode of the BBC World Service podcast More than the Score.
Stadium and Fan Park Success
Philadelphia Stadium – also known as Lincoln Financial Field, home of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles – has been filled to capacity for matches featuring teams such as Brazil, France and Ivory Coast. In the first two weeks of the tournament, 250,000 people had passed through the gates to watch games on big screens at the official fan park.
Exploring the Fan Experience
In the episode, hosts Lee James and John Bennett examine the fan experience in the city. John visits a tailgate before the Brazil vs. Haiti match, chatting with fans and sampling the local food on offer. Lee then visits all four of Philadelphia’s major US sports teams – the Eagles (NFL), Phillies (MLB), 76ers (NBA) and Flyers (NHL) – to learn more about the city’s rich sporting heritage.
Insights from the Host City Executive
Lee also speaks with Meg Kane, the host city executive for Philadelphia Soccer 2026, about why the city wanted to host World Cup games and what benefits it brings. Kane provides insight into the planning and impact of hosting such a global event.
About the Podcast
More than the Score offers more than just the men’s football World Cup – covering the new teams, standout stars, trends and fandoms shaping the tournament in ways the stats don’t show. With 48 teams competing across Mexico, the US and Canada, the BBC World Service promises to take listeners deeper – from the group stages to the final. Listeners can search for More than the Score wherever they get their BBC podcasts.
More on these topics
Ronaldo Makes History as First to Score at Six World Cups
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score at six FIFA World Cup editions, breaking his tie with Lionel Messi. The 41-year-old scored twice in Portugal's match against Uzbekistan in Houston, cementing his legacy at the 2026 tournament.
Norway top FIFA ranking climbers after 2026 World Cup
Norway made the biggest jump in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking after the 2026 World Cup, climbing 12 places to 19th after reaching the quarter-finals. FIFA's review highlights other notable movers since 1994, including Ukraine's 30-place rise in 2006.
The Commentators' View Returns for Series Three
John Murray, Ian Dennis, and Ali Bruce-Ball return for series three of The Commentators' View, sharing World Cup final stories, Chris Sutton's clash with Spanish commentators, and previewing the new Premier League season.
Haaland's Brace Sends Norway Past Brazil at World Cup 2026
Erling Haaland scored twice to lead Norway to a historic World Cup quarter-final, defeating Brazil in a thrilling last-16 match. His performance included a towering header and a low drive, followed by the team's iconic Viking Row celebration.
