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The FIFA World Cup is 100 days out and Philadelphia’s host committee joined the global celebrations counting down to the first game on June 11. 

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham hosted the event and hyped up the crowd with “E-A-G-L-E-S.” chant to start things off. He then helped to teach some of the soccer chants that will be heard echoing around Lincoln Financial Field this summer.  When Graham yelled “Allez” the crowd was instructed to shout “Les Bleus” back, to celebrate France’s national soccer team. When he sang “olé, olé, olé, olé” the response was “Brazil, Brazil.”

Eagles great Brandon Graham and Meg Kane, host city executive for Philadelphia Soccer 2026,(center) lead a pep rally to fire up fans for the 2026 World Cup. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

Those two nations, both World Cup winners, highlighted the lineup of countries that will be playing at the Linc for the city’s five group stage games, beginning on June 14. The city will round off its part in the tournament with a Round of 16 knockout stage game on the Fourth of July, coinciding with all of Philly’s celebrations of the nation’s 250th birthday. 

Overall, FIFA expects 6.5 million fans to travel across the globe for the festivities, which will take place in 16 cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Michelle Singer, the co-chair of the group planning Philly’s part in the World Cup, said that the tournament will not just be about the games and the soccer stars though. It will also be a chance to show the world what makes Philadelphia special.

The Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble perform at a pep rally marking 100 days to the World Cup held at the Comcast Technology Center in Philadelphia. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

“We’re going to show visiting soccer fans our unmistakable passion, our grit, our energy and we’re going to make them feel home in Philadelphia,” she said.

Attendees at the rally also got to write out their favorite “Phan” traditions on a chalk wall.

Attendees at a pep rally marking 100 days to the World Cup write about their favorite Philly sports moments. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

“When I say there is no better sports city in the United States, and maybe the world, I don’t just believe it, I live it every day, and so do you,” said Meg Kane, Philadelphia’s host city executive. “And that’s what we need the world to feel this summer.”

Philadelphia Soccer 2026 also revealed its new “How do you Phan?” hype video at Tuesday’s rally. 

Tuesday also saw the global release of the tournament’s poster, which was created by an artist from each of the three host nations: Carson Ting from Canada, Minerva GM from Mexico and U.S. artist Hank Willis Thomas.  

The official FIFA World Cup 2026 poster, designed by Carson Ting from Canada, Minerva GM from Mexico and Hank Willis Thomas from the U.S. (Courtesy of FIFA)

Be sure to check out Billy Penn’s guide to the World Cup games in Philly, which offers a crash course in what teams and players you’ll  likely see this summer, how you can watch the games and which local soccer players could make the United States team for the competition.