Half of a million domestic and international visitors are expected to descend upon the Philadelphia region for the FIFA World Cup matched this summer.
On Thursday, Feb. 12, Delaware state leaders announced plans to maximize the First State’s role in the World Cup to get fans and small businesses involved.
“They’re gonna need places to stay places to eat, go out, have a good time. We know northern Delaware, maybe even central Delaware and maybe even the beaches, southern Delaware, is an option,” Gov. Matt Meyer said.
One of the teams is scheduled to stay in Delaware as they train at the Union’s complex in Chester, Pennsylvania.
The estimate is that, for the Philly region, the World Cup is going to generate $770 million with the average international traveler staying for 21 to 24 days.
Delaware state tourism leaders say small businesses need to start targeting their marketing material to potential guests soon.
A pep rally is planned at the DE Turf Complex on May 19.
For residents and visitors in the state, watch parties will be happening:
The Philadelphia hosting committee says that Delaware is the perfect home base for so many people who were be here for the games in the city as well as northern New Jersey.
“It is a small wonder of a state and where it’s situated and we want to make sure Delaware benefits just as much as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the state of New Jersey will by being host states,” Meg Kane, of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, said.