World Cup updates: Excitement building ahead of Brazil-Haiti match in Philadelphia

Nine teams are competing in Philly, including Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Brazil, Haiti, France, Iraq, Curacao, Croatia, and Ghana.

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Last updated: Friday, June 19, 2026 3:25AM GMT
Brazil fans gather in Center City ahead of Friday's match

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The United States and Mexico had a dream start to a World Cup on their home soil.

The Americans defeated Paraguay 4-1 in Inglewood, California. The team's next game is 3 p.m. Friday against Australia.

In Philadelphia, fans have been gathering at the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill to watch the global tournament.

The first World Cup match played in the city took place on Sunday, with Ivory Coast defeating Ecuador 1-0.

Brazil and Haiti are scheduled to play next in Philadelphia, with kickoff set for Friday at 8:30 p.m.

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

Here's how the news is developing.
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3 hours and 29 minutes ago

U.S. tries for encore performance against talented Australia

The Americans are looking for a suitable encore after one of the country's best performances on a World Cup stage. Folarin Balogun scored two goals while Gio Reyna added another in a 4-1 win over Paraguay that exceeded most fans' expectations.

Pulisic was often the catalyst while the U.S. scored three goals in the first half, but he came off at halftime after feeling stiffness from a calf injury incurred in training. The Milan winger joined his U.S. teammates for a pre-warmup huddle Thursday while wearing a compression sleeve on his calf, then went inside to do individual work in the gym.

Midfielder Weston McKennie said he did not know much about Pulisic's recovery, but that he hopes he will be able to play.

"I know he really wants to be in, and he's doing everything that he can, and the staff is doing everything that they can as well," McKennie said. "But, that's also another question that's better to ask him than me."

Australia also has momentum after its impressive 2-0 win over Turkey. Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scored for the Socceroos, who are playing in their sixth straight World Cup and seventh overall.

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Jun 18, 2026, 10:00 PM GMT

FIFA Fan Festival closing early Thursday due to winds

The FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill will be closing for the remainder of the day on Thursday due to winds, according to officials.

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Jun 18, 2026, 8:08 PM GMT

FIFA World Cup watch parties pop up across Philadelphia

The FIFA World Cup has taken over Philadelphia with six matches taking place in the city and watch parties popping up throughout area over the course of the 39-day tournament.

We've rounded up a few spots where soccer fans and those looking to experience the energy can catch a game in the city.

World Cup excitement continued to surge through Philadelphia on Monday as fans arrived at the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill on its fifth day.

RELATED: Philadelphia releases parking, transit and security info for FIFA Fan Festival and World Cup

The FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill is the official viewing party of the city. The festival is free for the public, but you do need to pre-register online for a ticket to enter.

FIFA Fan Festival | Facebook | Instagram
1 Lemon Hill Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Brauhaus Schmitz in Center City is know for its German beer and cuisine, but they welcome all soccer fans for the World Cup.

They are having viewing parties for every match at the German beer hall on South Street. For five select dates, they are moving the party outside for a block party. It's also the perfect spot to watch the championship match on July 19.

To enter the venue, go to the secured entry point at the corner of Kelly and Sedgely drives near Boathouse Row.

Brauhaus Schmitz | Facebook | Instagram
718 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Mamajuana Café in Fishtown is hosting World Cup watch parties with a special soccer-themed menu that includes sushi made in the national team colors of Brazil, Argentina, USA and more.

There are cocktails based around the event and a giant screen for viewing. The restaurant also got a special exemption from the city to stay open until 4 a.m. on select nights to keep the party rolling after the game.

Mamajuana Café Philadelphia | Facebook | Instagram
1000 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125

In the shadow of Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Union are hosting weekend watch parties at Union Yards.

The indoor and outdoor venue provides a family atmosphere.

The food will feature the culture of the teams playing and there will be performances that highlight the nation's involved.

Enjoy games for the kids, live music and lots of screens to watch all the action. The event is free, but requires a pre-registration ticket.

Parking is available in lots G and H.

Philadelphia Union Soccer Celebration | Facebook | Instagram
12 Reaney Street, Chester, PA 19013

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Jun 18, 2026, 11:50 AM GMT

Philadelphia Mint strikes commemorative coins for 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now being immortalized with its own set of commemorative coins.

Workers at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia are inspecting the coins before their official release.

The Mint says the limited edition half-dollar, silver dollar, and $5 gold coins will only be available this year.

Authorized by Congress, each coin is crafted to be rich in symbolic history and cultural significance, according to U.S. Mint.

Designs feature a soccer player making a kick, as well as the official World Cup emblem and trophy.

The Mint says the limited-edition half-dollar, silver dollar, and $5 gold coins will only be available this year.

Sales from the coins will go toward supporting youth soccer programs across the country.

You can preorder the limited-edition coins on the Mint website.