Delaware to Host Ivory Coast Team for 2026 FIFA World Cup

The African soccer powerhouse will use Wilmington as its headquarters during the tournament in Philadelphia.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Delaware has been selected as the headquarters for the Ivory Coast national soccer team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in part by Philadelphia. The Ivory Coast team, nicknamed "Les Éléphants", will lodge in Wilmington and use the Philadelphia Union's Subaru Park stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania as their training site. Delaware is also hosting an official watch party for the Ivory Coast's match against Germany on June 20.

Why it matters

This is a major coup for Delaware, which does not have a professional soccer team. Hosting a World Cup team will bring significant attention and tourism to the state. The Ivory Coast is considered a world-class soccer team, having won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which further enhances the prestige of Delaware's involvement.

The details

The Ivory Coast team will be part of Group E in the 2026 World Cup, playing matches at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Delaware is hosting an official watch party for the Ivory Coast vs Germany match on June 20 at Hudson Fields in Milton, with an expected attendance of 5,000 people.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place this summer.
  • The Ivory Coast will play its opening match on June 14 in Philadelphia.
  • The Ivory Coast vs Germany match that Delaware is hosting a watch party for will be on June 20.

The players

Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

The Ivory Coast national soccer team, nicknamed "Les Éléphants", is the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations champion and is considered a world-class team.

Philadelphia Soccer 2026

A nonprofit organization and operational host committee tasked with planning and bringing the 2026 FIFA World Cup to Philadelphia.

Matt Meyer

The Governor of Delaware, who expressed excitement about the state hosting the Ivory Coast team during the World Cup.

Meg Kane

The host city executive/CEO for Philadelphia Soccer 2026, who praised the Ivory Coast team as a "team to be reckoned with" in the 2026 World Cup.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Côte d'Ivoire was one of two unbeaten group winners that did not concede a goal in its 10 outings during qualifying. This is a team to be reckoned with in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and Philadelphia, Chester, and our entire region love a team to be reckoned with.”

— Meg Kane, host city executive/CEO for Philadelphia Soccer 2026 (delawareonline.com)

“There's never been a [Delaware] governor who can stand up and say that the World Cup is coming here. We're very excited about that, bringing ... a place of the world's best here to Delaware.”

— Matt Meyer, Governor of Delaware (delawareonline.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Hosting a World Cup team is a major opportunity for Delaware to showcase itself on the global stage, even though the state does not have a professional soccer team. This highlights Delaware's ability to attract high-profile sporting events and the state's appeal as a destination for international travelers.