Whether it’s about our food, our history, or our sports teams, Philadelphia is a city of passionate fans, and right now, it’s an exciting time to be a soccer fan.
Here are four reasons why Philly’s soccer fans have a lot to celebrate:
1. The Philadelphia International Unity Cup is back for its fourth year!
August 2 marks the beginning of the fourth annual Philadelphia International Unity Cup. The Unity Cup is a soccer competition featuring club teams representing 52 countries—spanning five continents—that come to Philly to play soccer and celebrate our diverse immigrant communities.
The kickoff event on August 2 will have food, music, activities for kids, and a season opener match between Jamaica and Italy. Join us for the August 2 kickoff!
2. More soccer pitches are coming to neighborhoods across the city.
As part of the City’s Rebuild Initiative, Mayor Kenney, in partnership with the Philadelphia Union Foundation and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, recently announced a $3.5 million program to build 15 mini-pitches and two signature soccer fields in Philadelphia parks over the next five years. Learn more about this exciting project.
3. The U.S. Women’s Soccer team will be playing in Philadelphia on their victory tour.
The U.S. Women’s National team—and World Champions—will be coming to Philadelphia! As part of their World Cup Victory Tour, they will compete against Portugal at Lincoln Financial Field. The game is set for August 29.
4. Philadelphia placed a bid to be a 2026 World Cup host city.
America, Mexico, and Canada were selected last year to host the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, and Philadelphia is one of 23 prospective host cities! This is such an exciting opportunity, and coincides with America’s 250th birthday. Philadelphia, America’s birthplace, would be the perfect place to host these international games. Help us tell the world we’re ready to host the 2026 World Cup!
Bonus: The Philadelphia Union are having a great season!
Our city’s own Philadelphia Union are currently ranked first in the Eastern Conference standings. With great fans, great players, and great homegrown talent, there is a lot to cheer about with this team!
