By Will Herbert

Philadelphia Welcomes World Cup, Find a Place to Celebrate, Avoid Traffic 

Philadelphia is welcoming the FIFA World Cup this summer from June 11 to July 19. Philadelphia Stadium (the temporarily renamed Lincoln Financial Field) hosts six games this summer, including a huge Round of 16 matchup occurring on the Fourth of July. Locals and visitors to Philadelphia will be treated to an array of related activities across the city, while city officials and organizations have made plans to approach the numerous challenges that come with hosting such a grand event. 

Games & Teams 

The World Cup begins with 48 teams across 12 groups playing round robin style games within their groups. The results of those games will determine the 32 teams that advance to the single elimination stage of the tournament to decide which country will raise the World Cup trophy.  

According to DTAI Sports Analytics Lab’s simulation, the United States has a 78% chance of advancing out of their group and into the knockout stage of the tournament, strong odds amongst what should be a competitive group. The United States team can advance to the Round of 32 by finishing in the top two of Group D, or by being a top eight 3rd place finisher. 

Among the nine teams scheduled to play in Philadelphia, Brazil is by far the most decorated side with five World Cup championships. According to Draftkings Sportsbook, Brazil currently sports the fifth best odds of winning the World Cup. 

Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) has become Philadelphia’s de facto second home team for the World Cup, as they are the only team scheduled to play two games in the City of Brotherly Love. In addition, Les Éléphants calls Subaru Park their base for training and preparation for the tournament. Subaru Park is the home of our Philadelphia Union of MLS. 

Rounding out the countries with scheduled games at Philadelphia Stadium are Croatia, Curaçao, Ecuador, France, Ghana, Haiti and Iraq. Teams for the Round of 16 match on July 4 will be determined as the tournament proceeds, and there’s a small chance the United States could be playing in that game. However, that would require finishing exactly third in Group D and winning a Round of 32 matchup against a likely powerhouse team. 

Entertainment 

FIFA Fan Festival comes to the Lemon Hill site at East Fairmount Park for the duration of the World Cup. Alongside match viewings, festival attendees will be treated to cultural programming, live concerts, and other activities. The festival is free for all goers, though registration is necessary. More details on registration, festival hours, accessibility and safety protocols can be found on the Philadelphia World Cup site. 

East Passyunk Avenue will host three block parties to celebrate Philadelphia’s involvement in the World Cup. Live music, entertainment and food pop-ups from local restaurants will accompany projected viewing live games. According to the East Passyunk events page, here are the block party dates and locations: 

• Friday, June 19, 7 p.m. -11 p.m.: East Passyunk Ave. between Moore St. and Morris St. 

• Saturday, June 27, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.: East Passyunk Ave. between Tasker St. and Dickinson St. 

• Friday, July 3, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.: East Passyunk Ave. between Reed St. and Wharton St. 

Community College of Philadelphia students will be treated to viewing parties hosted in partnership with International Student Services at the Winnet Student Life Building on June 15 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., and June 30 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Food will be served, and students are encouraged to wear their team colors to show support. 

Food 

Local restaurants and food vendors are gearing up for the World Cup by providing special menu items. Kouklet & Tanda Brazilian Bakehouse, located near the East Passyunk Avenue block parties is adding a World Cup Special for patrons to order platters of coxinha, a traditional Brazilian snack, and other full party platters.  

The Illest Flavors, a family-owned business located at 2834 West Girard Avenue, plans to have a special menu for the World Cup, including themed pizza pretzels, loaded nachos and country-inspired water ice flavors. 

“We’re very excited about the opportunity the World Cup brings, not just for business, but for the community,” The Illest Flavors’ ownership said via Instagram DM. “Events like this bring people from all over the world together.”  

VisitPhilly published a list of restaurants across the city where locals and visitors can try cuisine from the countries playing games in Philadelphia. 

However, the expected influx of visitors from foreign countries presents unique challenges for hospitality businesses to navigate.  

According to 6ABC, city officials recommended that businesses (including restaurants and hotels) consider adding a 20% surcharge to account for differences in tipping cultures amongst foreign visitors. Businesses are also tasked with balancing staffing limitations with potential extended hours to account for additional foot traffic. 

Representatives from the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association declined comment. 

Transportation 

SEPTA is providing additional public transportation service during the World Cup, particularly on the Broad Street line that runs directly to Philadelphia Stadium. SEPTA Senior Press Official John Golden said the Broad Street trains will operate 24-hour service on match days, with SEPTA employees in blue vests operating as specially trained ambassadors to help travelers find their way. 

SEPTA bus routes 32 and 48 will operate additional service to the Fan Festival. Philly PHLASH will also provide direct service to the Fan Festival via the downtown loop connection. 

Drivers should still expect potential traffic and delays from road closures throughout the city. According to multiple outlets, the following road closures are in effect around the East Fairmount Park area: 

• Sedgley Drive from Kelly Drive to Poplar Drive  

• Poplar Street from Poplar Drive to 30th Street (local access maintained)  

• Poplar Street from 29th Street to 30th Street (westbound only; local access maintained)  

• Poplar Drive from Sedgley Drive to Girard Avenue  

• Sedgley Drive from Girard Avenue to Lemon Hill Drive  

• Lemon Hill Drive & N. Lemon Hill Drive (loop road)  

Residents in the Lemon Hill area should also be aware that temporary parking permits are available for free via Philadelphia Parking Authority and will be required for the duration of the World Cup. Parking will not be made available at the Fan Festival. Philadelphia Parking Authority declined comment regarding other local traffic and parking rules. 

Drivers should also expect temporary closures and detours in conjunction with the East Passyunk Avenue block parties and other events throughout the city.  

Golden encouraged locals to allow extra time in their everyday commute, especially on the Fourth of July.  

Cyclists and pedestrians are encouraged at all events, with designated bike parking available at the Lloyd Hall Recreation Center for the Fan Festival. RideIndego has added additional stations for bike sharing near the Sports Complex for travelers to and from the stadium, as well as temporary pop-up stations near the Fan Festival for additional access. 

According to the FIFA World Cup hospitality site, ride-share pickup and drop-off will be restricted to FDR Park at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, as well as Pattison Avenue between Lawrence Street and Front Street for travelers to Philadelphia Stadium. The nearest ride-share zone for the Fan Festival is located at Eastern State Penitentiary, the nearby historical museum at 2027 Fairmount Avenue. 

Safety 

For medical, police and fire emergencies, dial 9-1-1. For non-emergency and city information, dial 3-1-1. Find downloadable maps at VisitPhilly for walking and public travel directions.