The official match schedule for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been released. As a result, a second look is being taken to analyze the economic impact the games will have on Philadelphia, writes Justin Udo for KYW Newsradio.

Lincoln Financial Field in South Philadelphia will host six FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, each game expected to draw droves of fans to the city.

The region is expected to see a great deal of money come into the city as a result. 

“I think all of the cities are looking at various costs north of 100 million,” said Meg Kane, the host city executive with Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the organization working to welcome FIFA to town.

Big payoffs are expected, and Kane notes that the entire experience is an investment for Philadelphia to be on a global stage.

A 2020 preliminary economic impact study showed that Philly stands to make a lot more money than it will spend. 

“Our expectation from that initial was that this would be north of just about a half a billion dollars in economic impact to the region,” said Kane.

This stretches into job creation, direct spending from tourists and residents, and food and beverage.

Read more about the economic impact the 2026 FIFA World Cup could bring to Philadelphia in KYW Newsradio.

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