BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Today’s the day – the FIFA World Cup is officially here.
The opening match kicks off Thursday afternoon in Mexico City, with South Africa facing Mexico at 3 p.m. And with the world’s biggest stage in soccer set, fans everywhere are tuning in for the excitement all summer long.
69 News Reporter Sydney Kay was in Bethlehem with more on how you don’t need to go far to get involved in the excitement.
It will be a month-long celebration of the FIFA World Cup 2026 that will be held at the SteelStacks, ArtsQuest said in a news release.
World Cup fever hits Bethlehem: SteelStacks gears up for massive SoccerFest celebration
SoccerFest will feature live music, a soccer exhibit, and more, ArtsQuest said.
ArtsQuest Chief Operating Officer Curt Mosel said the event is a viewing party and festival to celebrate the World Cup. ArtsQuest has been holding the event since 2014.
Mosel said up to 10,000 people are expected to attend.
Every match is shown on multiple screens, he said. Matches can start as early as noon or as late as midnight.
People can bring their lawn chairs and appetites to the SteelStacks. The event is free to the public.
Mosel said ArtsQuest has an exhibit about Bethlehem Steel’s soccer team from 100 years ago. He said Bethlehem Steel had one of the most successful professional teams in the history of soccer in the U.S. It won 11 championships in about a 17-year period.
People can head to ArtsQuest.org for more information.
ArtsQuest released a schedule for this week’s activities, which include the following:
June 11
Opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Ceremonies with performances from Katy Perry, Shakira, Burna Boy, Future, LISA, and Jessie Reyez
Mexico vs. South Africa watch party at 3:00 p.m.
Mojoflo concert performance at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks as part of a free series presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health at 7:30 p.m.
Kicks & Flicks: A Soccer on Film Series at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas with a 20th anniversary screening of “She’s the Man” at 7:30 PM
Hot glass experience to make soccer-themed glass keepsakes at the ArtsQuest Glass Tent
June 12
Opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Ceremonies with performances from Katy Perry, Shakira, Burna Boy, Future, LISA, and Jessie Reyez
U.S. vs. Paraguay watch party at 9:00 p.m.
Scythian concert performance at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks as part of a free series presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health at 7:00 p.m.
Hot glass experience to make soccer-themed glass keepsakes at the ArtsQuest Glass Tent
June 13
Brazil vs. Morocco watch party at 6:00 p.m.
Kelly Bell Band concert performance at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks as part of a free series presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health at 7:30 p.m.
Youth 3v3 tournaments
Hot glass experience to make soccer-themed glass keepsakes at the ArtsQuest Glass Tent
June 14
The Ginvitational at 12:00 p.m. in Musikfest Cafe
Germany vs. Curacao watch party at 1:00 p.m.
Netherlands vs. Japan watch party at 4:00 p.m.
Youth 3v3 tournaments
Hot glass experience to make soccer-themed glass keepsakes at the ArtsQuest Glass Tent