Dear Philly,
This city’s passion for soccer showed FIFA that the 2026 World Cup belongs here. First you brought a MLS club to Philadelphia, and now you — the city and the fans of this sport — helped win our bid to bring the biggest sporting event on Earth to a truly world-class city. When the world arrives in Philadelphia exactly 250 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall, it will be a historic moment for the City of Brotherly Love, and a transformational moment for soccer in the United States.
To everyone in Philly and the Tri-state area that supported our city’s FIFA 2026 World Cup bid: Thank you. So many people and companies came together to make this happen, including Chairman Dan Hilferty, David L. Cohen, Mayor Jim Kenney, the Philadelphia Eagles, Comcast, PHL Sports and PHLCVB, and the honorary bid co-chairs, one of whom is our incredible Philadelphia Union captain Alejandro Bedoya. All of us have been united in the belief that this city belonged on the world stage, and now that belief will become reality in 2026.
We are the City of Brotherly Love because we all Fight For Philly together. The success of this bid shows how strong we are when we unite with purpose, passion, and a love of the beautiful game.
The Philadelphia Union’s club philosophy is focused on developing the next generation of American players into World Class talents that can shine on the biggest stages. In four years, we look forward to welcoming all of the world’s best players to Philly so they can see the city where American dreams begin!
Jay Sugarman, Philadelphia Union Principal Owner
Richard Leibovitch, Philadelphia Union Vice Chairman
Tim McDermott, Philadelphia Union President
