Philadelphia Celebrates 100 Days Until 2026 FIFA World Cup Kickoff

Eagles star Brandon Graham leads city's pep rally to hype up fans for global soccer tournament

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Philadelphia held a pep rally to celebrate the 100-day countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will feature five group stage games and one Round of 16 match at Lincoln Financial Field. Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham led the crowd in practicing soccer chants and cheers to support the national teams playing in the city. The event also featured the unveiling of the official World Cup poster designed by artists from the three host countries - Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Why it matters

The 2026 World Cup is a major global sporting event that will bring millions of international visitors to the host cities across North America, including Philadelphia. The city is eager to showcase its sports passion, energy, and cultural diversity to the world during the tournament.

The details

At the pep rally, Brandon Graham got the crowd hyped up with Eagles chants and helped them practice soccer cheers like 'Allez, Les Bleus' and 'Olé, Olé, Olé, Olé, Brazil, Brazil.' The event highlighted the five group stage games and one Round of 16 match that will take place at Lincoln Financial Field, featuring teams from soccer powerhouses like France and Brazil. Organizers also unveiled the official 2026 World Cup poster, which was designed collaboratively by artists from the three host countries - Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11, 2026.
  • Philadelphia will host five group stage games starting on June 14, 2026.
  • The city will also host a Round of 16 knockout stage game on July 4, 2026, coinciding with celebrations of the United States' 250th birthday.

The players

Brandon Graham

A defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles who helped lead the pep rally and get the crowd excited for the upcoming World Cup.

Michelle Singer

The co-chair of the group planning Philadelphia's part in hosting the 2026 World Cup.

Meg Kane

Philadelphia's host city executive for the 2026 World Cup.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to show visiting soccer fans our unmistakable passion, our grit, our energy and we're going to make them feel home in Philadelphia.”

— Michelle Singer, Co-chair, Philadelphia 2026 World Cup planning group (billypenn.com)

“When I say there is no better sports city in the United States, and maybe the world, I don't just believe it, I live it every day, and so do you. And that's what we need the world to feel this summer.”

— Meg Kane, Philadelphia Host City Executive (billypenn.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

Philadelphia is eager to showcase its sports passion, cultural diversity, and civic pride to the millions of international visitors expected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will feature several high-profile matches at Lincoln Financial Field.