Jun 11, 2026, 8:52 PM GMT
WATCH: Chopper 6 over FIFA Fan Festival as matches get underway
Chopper 6 was live over the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill as Mexico takes on South Africa on Thursday.
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World Cup updates: Ivory Coast taking on Ecuador in South Philly
Nine teams are competing in Philly, including Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Brazil, Haiti, France, Iraq, Curacao, Croatia, and Ghana.
Last updated: Monday, June 15, 2026 12:31AM GMT
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The United States and Mexico had a dream start to a World Cup on their home soil.
The Americans put an exclamation point on Friday's action with a 4-1 win over Paraguay in Inglewood, California.
Soccer fans in Philadelphia can catch all the action at the FIFA Fan Festival in Lemon Hill. The first match in the city will feature Ivory Coast taking on Ecuador at 7 p.m. Sunday.
Nine teams are competing in Philadelphia, including Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Brazil, Haiti, France, Iraq, Curacao, Croatia, and Ghana.
All games will be held at Lincoln Financial Field, which has been renamed "Philadelphia Stadium" for the international event.
Follow along for live updates below:
Key Headlines
- Jun 11, 2026, 12:23 AM GMT
- Jun 09, 2026, 8:45 PM GMT
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Here's how the news is developing.
Jun 11, 2026, 5:52 PM GMT
Get a look at World Cup merch at Fan Festival shop
Action News reporter Bryanna Gallagher takes you inside the merch shop at the FIFA Fan Festival in Fairmount Park.
Jun 11, 2026, 5:54 PM GMT
Heat Advisory in effect for Philadelphia
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.
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.
Jun 10, 2026, 11:28 PM GMT
Philadelphia bars still seeking late-night permits
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.
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.
