Philadelphia’s final World Cup match Saturday will be played amid dangerously hot temperatures.
At 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, France will face Paraguay at the Lincoln Financial Field, also known as the Philadelphia Stadium.
To mark Independence Day and the nation’s 250th anniversary, FIFA will celebrate the holiday with special pre-game programming at Saturday’s game.
Philadelphia Stadium pre-match highlights will include the following:
US national-anthem performance by Tony Award winner Idina Menzel
Special rendition of America the Beautiful by the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale
Musical performance by The Roots, the multiple Grammy Award-winning hip-hop band founded in Philadelphia
Ceremonial moment featuring Miss Pennsylvania, Stephanie Skinner
Tifo card display for audience members
Flyover by the VFA-11 and VFA-81 squadrons from the Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach
Additional ceremonial elements, including a field cover, pyrotechnics and themed video-board signage
The action in Philadelphia will also feature half-time entertainment from another Grammy Award winner, DJ Jazzy Jeff.
In a release, FIFA said it is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff through a tiered heat mitigation model. In collaboration with the City of Philadelphia, medical experts and emergency authorities, FIFA shared the following steps it is taking to protect everyone amid the intense heat:
Misting fans will be available on 11th Street as fans approach the stadium. Additionally, cooling tents with will be available to fans within the stadium footprint at the Stadium Fan Experience.
All fans will be allowed to bring in one, soft, plastic, 20 ounces (590ml), factory-sealed disposable water bottle into Philadelphia Stadium (or any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the US and Canada).
Water fountains at Philadelphia Stadium are found on the concourse behind Sections 103, 118, 122, C3, C19, C24, C38, 204 and 222.
FIFA also reminded fans heading to the stadium or any of the other matches, to not fall for fake tickets. Generally, tickets are not paper tickets.FIFA.com/tickets is the only official resale platform.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early. Gates open at 2 p.m.
Due to the weather conditions, the FIFA Fan Fest at Lemon Hill will be closing its doors after the Canada vs. Morocco game at 4 p.m. Therefore, it will not be showing the France vs. Paraguay match.