The day concluded with a vibrant dance performance, leaving everyone excited for the many opportunities this summer to showcase Philadelphia’s rich diversity in the spotlight.
City officials joined leaders from Philadelphia Soccer 2026 on Tuesday afternoon to mark a major milestone: 100 days until the start of the FIFA World Cup 26. The nonprofit organization, which serves as the tournament’s Local Host Committee in Philadelphia, is responsible for planning and executing the global event in the City of Brotherly Love. The countdown leads to the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11.
The event, which was held at the Comcast Technology Center and featured Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl champion Brandon Graham, was the launch of a new campaign called “How do You Phan?”, designed to make Philadelphia one of the most passionate cities during the World Cup by encouraging local residents to learn about and “adopt” one of the national teams competing in the city of Philadelphia during this summer’s tournament.
There’s no shortage of reasons one would choose to “adopt” a nation competing here in Philadelphia this summer, with ties to family heritage, sharing the pride represented by neighbors in your community, supporting one of your favorite players on the biggest stage, connections to local establishments and cultural institutions, or simply having an interest in a team’s culture.
Whatever the reason may be, local fans are encouraged to learn and get involved in the passion surrounding this summer’s World Cup, and can get started by downloading the “Fan Kits” of each team playing in Philadelphia available on phillyfwc26.com/how-do-you-phan
With this campaign, not only will local residents feel more involved in the matches taking place in Philadelphia, but fans traveling to the city from competing countries will have a much more welcoming stay with planned touchpoints featuring multilingual messaging and curated international fan experiences that highlight the city’s renowned hospitality and cultural diversity.
“Philadelphians love a rooting interest and with 100 days until FIFA World Cup 26 kicks off, this campaign provides a way for everyone to be part of the action,” said Meg Kane, CEO/Host City Executive, Philadelphia Soccer 2026. “We are proud to be among the best fans in the world, and we are excited to learn from the extraordinary passion of World Cup supporters joining us here this summer. From team traditions and chants to cultural insights and fan rituals, Philadelphia is ready to embrace its moment on the world’s stage and cheer its collective heart out.”
Attendees of the “How Do You Phan?” pep rally had the opportunity to pick up free swag, cookies, mini flags of the nations playing in Philadelphia this summer, and an exclusive mini print by local artist Fabiola Lara.
The day concluded with a vibrant dance performance, leaving everyone excited for the many opportunities this summer to showcase Philadelphia’s rich diversity in the spotlight.
The “How Do You Phan?” campaign will also help promote the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill, where fans will gather to enjoy matches, celebrations, cultural programming, food, music, and nonstop energy for 39 straight days here in the City of Philadelphia.
There are 95 days left until kickoff. Are you ready, Philly?
