When the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches come to North America this summer, fans will flock to host cities to catch the action and take part in the highly anticipated fan festivals. This year, FIFA is taking heat from its fans at the announcement that several of the 16 host cities for this summer’s tournament will charge admission to its fan festivals.
“Since our selection as a host city in 2022, Philadelphia Soccer 2026 has remained committed to making sure every fan can share in the excitement, culture, and community of this generational sporting event,” Meg Kane, host city executive of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, said to The Philadelphia Inquirer on Wednesday, Jan. 7. “Essential to that commitment, we made the decision to offer free general admission to the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment where fans from all backgrounds can come together to celebrate the world’s game.”
While general admission will remain free, “optional VIP experiences,” including expedited entry into the festival grounds, are expected to be sold at a later date.
Philadelphia joins Kansas City and Vancouver in keeping general admission to the fan festivals free for attendees.
A FIFA spokesperson told The Inquirer that adding a fee to the fan festivals was not mandated by FIFA; instead, that decision is left to host city committees.
Philly is sure to see plenty of fans descend on the City of Brotherly Love this summer. Five group matches and a massive round of 16 game on July 4 are expected to bring tens of thousands of national and international visitors to the city for the event.