READING, Pa. – Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro made a trip to Reading Thursday morning to announce that the city will serve as a location of one of three official “Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zones.”
Shapiro and Visit PA, in partnership with Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit local host committee planning and executing FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Philadelphia, made the announcement at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in downtown Reading.
Officials say three fan zones will be located in Pittsburgh, Reading, and Scranton and will bring free, world-class public viewing events to tens of thousands of fans.
“Pennsylvania is excited to host some of the best games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and these Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zones will bring the action directly to Pennsylvanians all across our Commonwealth with free events where fans can watch the games, gather with friends, and enjoy food, drinks, and live entertainment,” said Governor Shapiro. “Hosting one of the biggest sporting events in the world is an incredible opportunity for our businesses, our communities, and our people. The Commonwealth is all in and we look forward to showing the world what Pennsylvania is all about.”
Organizers say Each Fan Zone will offer large-screen broadcasts of FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Round matches, live entertainment, interactive soccer fan experiences, and food and beverages — all free of charge and designed to be accessible to fans of every background.
Fan Zones will be located in:
Reading — Santander Arena, a downtown multi-purpose arena and home of the Reading Royals hockey team, will host bilingual watch parties in English and Spanish
Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh Football Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Scranton — Lackawanna County Courthouse Square, an iconic outdoor park in the heart of downtown Scranton
More information about Philadelphia Soccer 2026 can be found at PhillyFWC26.com