Philadelphia Soccer 2026 to Host Final Draw Watch Party at Stateside Live! Ahead of FIFA World Cup 26™
Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the nonprofit Local Host Committee responsible for planning and executing FIFA World Cup 26™ in partnership with the City of Philadelphia, will celebrate one of the most important milestones on the road to the tournament with a community watch party for the FIFA World Cup 26™ Final Draw. The event will take place on December 5, at Stateside Live! in the heart of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex.
The family-friendly celebration, hosted by legendary sports broadcaster Anthony “the Cuz” Gargano, will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Doors open at 9 a.m., and admission is free.
The Final Draw is the pivotal ceremony during which FIFA assigns all teams to their World Cup groups, determining matchups and setting the competitive landscape for the tournament. For Host Cities like Philadelphia, the draw signals the true kickoff to World Cup excitement — when fans begin to imagine who might take the field at Lincoln Financial Field next summer.
“The Final Draw marks the moment that the countdown to the World Cup truly begins — when the dream becomes real and the tournament landscape starts to take shape,” said Meg Kane, Host City Executive/CEO of Philadelphia Soccer 2026. “Given Philadelphia’s rich diversity, we wanted to host an event that unites and celebrates our community. Ahead of the tournament, the Final Draw offers us an important moment to come together, share our pride, and show the world the heart and hospitality that make Philadelphia so special.”
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Live broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 26™ Final Draw
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Special appearances by Philadelphia mascots and local athletes
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Giveaways and fan contests
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Soccer-themed activities and photo opportunities
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Food and beverages available for purchase
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Free parking in Xfinity Mobile Arena Lots S and G
As one of 16 Host Cities across North America, Philadelphia will host six FIFA World Cup 26™ matches:
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Five Group Stage matches: June 14, 19, 22, 25, and 27
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One Round of 16 match: July 4 — coinciding with America’s 250th birthday
Teams from Groups C, E, I, and L will play in Philadelphia, with the full match allocation per venue set to be confirmed by FIFA after the draw.
The official Final Draw takes place the same day in Washington, D.C., at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where FIFA officials, team delegates, ambassadors, and media will gather to finalize the first major competitive element of the 2026 tournament.
