On Thursday at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, Philadelphia Soccer CEO Meg Kane, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Reading Mayor Eddie Moran announced that Reading has been selected as one of three “Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zones.”
The press briefing began with mariachi dancers performing for the packed-out crowd ahead of the announcement.
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 coming to the United States this summer, it will be the largest sporting event ever, featuring three host countries, 16 host cities, 48 teams, and 104 matches, uniting an entire continent to showcase a historic new tournament format.
It’s been years in the making, as Moran first set this vision in motion two years ago.
Moran thanked Shapiro, FIFA, Philadelphia Soccer, and the Berks County Tourism Bureau for their partnership and for believing in the city.
Mexican folk dancers perform during a press conference announcing Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zones in Pittsburgh, Reading and Scranton on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 701 Penn St. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
The Fan Zones were created for fans who may not be able to attend matches in person but still want a unique experience, surrounded by thousands of soccer fans from around the world, sharing in the passion for their respective countries.
“Reading is a city built on culture, diversity and community,” Moran said. “We’re a hard-working city with a strong sense of pride, and we know how to come together to celebrate whether it’s for the arts, music or now one of the biggest sporting events in the world.”
On July 3, 4, 18, and 19, the Reading Arena (Santander Arena) will be transformed into a Fan Zone, where fans can watch matches on the big screen and share in the global experience, for free. There also will be Spanish-language broadcasts to ensure everyone can be included.
Other Pennsylvania cities with Fan Zones include Pittsburgh and Scranton, while Lemon Hill in the Fairmount Park section of Philadelphia will serve as the official FIFA Fan Festival from June 11 to July 19.
Reading Mayor Eddie Moran speaks during a press conference announcing Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zones in Pittsburgh, Reading and Scranton on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 701 Penn St. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
Outside the arena, on Penn Street, there will be a block party with a tailgate-style atmosphere, featuring live entertainment, games for kids, local vendors, concerts, and all the great food the city of Reading has to offer.
“I will tell you the matches may be in Philadelphia, but I think the heart and soul of FIFA is going to be all across Pennsylvania, including right here in Reading, and we should get psyched for that,” Shapiro said.
It truly is a cultural moment for the United States, as this event, spanning more than a month this summer, will carry the same hype and excitement as the Super Bowl and the Olympics.
Not only the city of Reading, but the entire country will become a melting pot of cultural diversity, with thousands traveling from around the globe to experience a once-in-a-lifetime shared passion for the sport.
“It’s going to be a welcoming, family friendly experience right in the heart of downtown,” Moran said. “We’re excited to have the city of Reading, Pennsylvania named as an official FIFA Fan Zone. This means more people coming into our city, more support for our small businesses, and more opportunity for our residents. It’s a chance to bring our community together and to invite others to experience the pride and energy Reading has to offer.”
With the World Cup coming to Pennsylvania, the event is expected to bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in tourist revenue, with only 77 days remaining until the opening match.
“Mayor, where’s everybody else in Reading? Because I think they’re all here,” Shapiro asked the mayor in his opening statement to the packed-out crowd. “What a day! This is an exciting day. It’s opening day for the Phillies. There’s optimism in the air. And of course, today we get to celebrate FIFA. We get to celebrate our Commonwealth, and we get to, once again, celebrate USA 250 in the place where it literally all began, right here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
Philadelphia was selected as a host city for six FIFA World Cup matches at Lincoln Financial Field, including a marquee Round of 16 matchup on July 4.
As the days count down to summer, excitement continues to build, and for the city of Reading, the honor of being selected as a Fan Zone city carries special significance for the community.
“Sports have a way of connecting us, of making memories, of bringing people together in really wonderful and special ways. We now get the chance to make those memories here in this Commonwealth, and importantly, we have an opportunity to bring people together in this Commonwealth,” Shapiro said.