Mini soccer pitch opens at Dilworth Park as Philadelphia prepares for 2026 FIFA World Cup

The new 7,000 square foot mini pitch will host activities and games all summer long.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:52pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the new mini soccer pitch at Dilworth Park in Philadelphia, with the surrounding cityscape broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes of color.The new mini soccer pitch at Dilworth Park in Philadelphia offers a vibrant public space for the community to play and prepare for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.Philadelphia Today

A new 7,000 square foot mini soccer pitch has opened at Dilworth Park in downtown Philadelphia, part of the city's preparations for hosting several matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The pitch replaces former pickleball courts and will feature activities, games, and free public access through October.

Why it matters

Philadelphia is one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the new mini pitch at Dilworth Park is an effort to engage the community and build excitement ahead of the global soccer tournament. The pitch provides a space for locals and visitors to play and enjoy the sport in the heart of the city.

The details

The mini pitch was a year-long project led by NRG, a local energy company, in partnership with the Center City District. It features 7,000 square feet of turf and will host a variety of activities and games throughout the summer, including cornhole, giant lawn games, and soccer matches. The pitch is free and open to the public through October.

  • The mini pitch officially opened on April 3, 2026.
  • The pitch will remain open to the public through October 2026.

The players

Keri Murschell

Director of sponsorship and community marketing at NRG, the company that led the project to build the mini pitch.

Adam Robinson

A local resident who brought his 5-year-old son Sam to test out the new mini pitch.

Josie Weckel

A 4-year-old who came to the park with her twin brother George and their mother Maddie to play on the new soccer pitch.

Amy Genda

Vice president of strategy and design for the Center City District, which partnered with NRG on the mini pitch project.

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What they’re saying

“We've been working on this project for a year, and we're so excited that today is the day of the official launch of the Vivant NRG pitch.”

— Keri Murschell, Director of sponsorship and community marketing at NRG

“There are already so many people here on a Friday morning. Think what it's going to be when it comes to the weekend, when it comes to the summer, when it comes to the World Cup.”

— Adam Robinson, Local resident

“Playing soccer”

— Josie Weckel, 4-year-old

“Dilworth Park is at the heart of Center City and Philadelphia.”

— Amy Genda, Vice president of strategy and design for Center City District

What’s next

The mini pitch will remain open to the public through October 2026, providing a space for soccer activities and games leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Philadelphia.

The takeaway

The new mini soccer pitch at Dilworth Park is an exciting addition to Philadelphia's preparations for hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. By providing a free, public space for the community to play and enjoy the sport, the city is building excitement and engagement ahead of the global tournament.