Lackawanna County Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton will serve as one of three “Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zones” and host a number of FIFA World Cup watch parties between Independence Day and July 19, the date of the 2026 World Cup Final.
Gov. Josh Shapiro and Visit PA, in partnership with Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the nonprofit host committee planning and executing World Cup matches there, announced Thursday that Scranton, Pittsburgh and Reading will host fan zones when the much-anticipated international tournament kicks off this summer.
“Branded under Pennsylvania’s dynamic “Visit PA” tourism office, these Fan Zones will amplify and complement Philadelphia’s 39-day FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill Park — extending the World Cup’s energy and economic impact far beyond Southeastern Pennsylvania,” organizers said in a press release. “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.”
The United States, Canada and Mexico are jointly hosting the 2026 World Cup, with Philadelphia serving as one of the U.S. host cities.
“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,” Shapiro said in the press release. “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.”
It also quotes Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan, who said officials are “thrilled to transform Lackawanna County Courthouse Square into a global stage.”
“This Fan Zone gives our community a front-row seat to the excitement of the World Cup at one of the region’s most beautiful outdoor landmarks,” he said.
Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti echoed that sentiment.
“We’re grateful to Philadelphia Soccer 2026 for recognizing what we’ve always known: Scranton is a city that knows how to show up, welcome people, and create something special,” she said in a statement. “To be selected as an official destination for World Cup fans puts Scranton on a global stage, and it’s something our residents should be proud of. In a year when we’re celebrating 160 years as a city alongside America’s 250th birthday, this recognition means even more. It also means a real boost for our local economy, with more visitors supporting our small businesses, restaurants and hotels.”
“We’re ready to welcome people from around the world, show off who we are, and make sure World Cup fans leave with a great impression of Scranton,” Cognetti said.
Scranton Fan Zone events include:
Saturday, July 4, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.1 p.m.: Round of 16 Knockout Match5 p.m.: Round of 16 Knockout Match
Sunday, July 5, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.4 p.m.: Round of 16 Knockout Match8 p.m.: Round of 16 Knockout Match
Monday, July 6, 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.3 p.m.: Round of 16 Knockout Match8 p.m.: Round of 16 Knockout Match
Saturday, July 18, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.5 p.m.: World Cup Bronze Final
Sunday, July 19, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.3 p.m.: World Cup Final
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