2026 World Cup Philly Live Updates: Fan Festival to open at Lemon Hill as matches get underway

Action News reporter Bryanna Gallagher takes you inside the merch shop at the FIFA Fan Festival in Fairmount Park.

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A Heat Advisory has been issued for the Philadelphia region for Thursday and Friday, just as the FIFA Fan Festival kicks off for the World Cup.

It went into effect at 11 a.m. Thursday and lasts until 8 p.m. on Friday.

A Heat Advisory has been issued for the Philadelphia region for Thursday and Friday.

The heat and humidity will make the temperature feel like we're in the triple digits both days.

There is also a chance of some storms forming in the evening and nighttime hours on Thursday as well.

Philadelphia's FIFA Fan Festival opens Thursday afternoon at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park.

Fans can visit the site for the ultimate soccer experience throughout the tournament.

Philadelphia's FIFA Fan Festival also opens Thursday at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park.

Of the 11 cities hosting matches, Philadelphia has the largest fan fest site.

The Fan Fest will open at 2 p.m. ahead of the first World Cup match at 3 p.m. in Mexico City.

It is free to attend, but you must register beforehand. Only 15,000 people are allowed into the event space at a time.

With the FIFA World Cup beginning this weekend, Philadelphia's nightlife scene is preparing for extended hours and large crowds as dozens of bars, breweries, and restaurants apply for permits to stay open later than usual.

Business owners say the global tournament presents a rare opportunity to welcome fans from around the world.

"To be hosting the games here and inviting people from all over the world, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We're so pumped to be in the thick of things," said Doug Hager, owner of Brauhaus Schmitz.

With the FIFA World Cup beginning this weekend, Philadelphia's nightlife scene is preparing for extended hours.

The South Street bierhall is transforming into one of the city's World Cup hubs, offering indoor watch parties and five outdoor block parties.

The venue plans to serve German beer, special soccer pretzel bun burgers, and limited-edition soccer-themed half liters from its 34 beers on draft.

A special city permit allows approved restaurants and bars to remain open until 4 a.m. from Thursday through July 20.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board received nearly 70 applications, with six canceled and the remainder still under review.

Mamajuana Café in Fishtown is among the businesses seeking approval.

General manager David Alvarez said the process required training for management and owners.

"We had to go through a training management-wise and owners," he said.

The training emphasized safety and awareness.

"Mainly making us understand that, you know, crowd control is very important, understanding the reading people," Alvarez said.

He added that staff will be prepared to intervene when necessary.

"If a person maybe has had too many drinks. Maybe it's time to, you know, guide them out the door in a right, polite way," he said.

Alvarez said Mamajuana Café plans to stay open late only on select game days, but believes the extended hours will be worthwhile as the city embraces the international event.