Mayor Cherelle Parker joined youth soccer players, coaches and community leaders Tuesday at the Hunting Park Recreation Center to announce a FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket opportunity for 100 Philadelphia youth athletes and coaches.
Participants from the Kensington Soccer Club and the Starfinder Foundation will attend two World Cup matches at Philadelphia Stadium: Curaçao vs. Côte d’Ivoire on June 25 and Croatia vs. Ghana on June 27.
The tickets were provided through Philly Soccer 2026, the local host committee for the tournament, as part of efforts to expand access to World Cup events for local residents.
"Standing with these young soccer players today reminded me of all the dreams that begin on fields like this one," said Parker. "As someone who grew up competing in sports here in Philadelphia, I know those experiences can shape a lifetime."
Melissa Piccoli, chief external affairs officer for Philadelphia Soccer 2026, said the initiative is intended to connect neighborhoods across the city to the global event.
"Bringing the FIFA World Cup to Philadelphia is about more than the matches on the pitch—it's about making sure this moment belongs to every neighborhood in our city," she said. "We're connecting the world's biggest stage directly to the kids who live and breathe this game."
City officials said Kensington Soccer Club and the Starfinder Foundation were selected because of their long-standing youth development work through soccer, mentoring and education programs.
For 16 years, Kensington Soccer Club has used soccer to build community, create opportunities, and connect young people to positive pathways for success, officials noted. And for more than two decades, Starfinder Foundation has combined soccer, mentoring, and education to help young people grow as students, leaders, and teammates.
"Soccer is having a moment in Philadelphia, and our young people are at the center of it," said Parks & Recreation commissioner Susan Slawson. "Every day, Parks & Recreation sees how the game builds confidence, leadership, teamwork, and community."
"The World Cup belongs to every Philadelphian, and one of our goals has been making sure this moment reaches every neighborhood," said Jazelle Jones, city representative and director of special events. "These youth soccer players represent the future of our city, and we're proud to help connect them to an experience they'll never forget.”
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