Nine teams are competing in Philly, including Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Brazil, Haiti, France, Iraq, Curacao, Croatia, and Ghana.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The United States men's national team's opponent for the first World Cup knockout round has been confirmed, with Bosnia-Herzegovina lying in wait for the co-hosts in Santa Clara, California, on Wednesday.
In Philadelphia, fans have been gathering at the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill to watch the global competition.
Five matches have already been played in the city.
The next game in Philadelphia will be held on Saturday, July 4, in a Round of 16 match.
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:
The FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill will stay open until midnight Thursday for the visitors rooting on the U.S. men's national team when they play Türkiye at 10 p.m.
More than 250 thousand people have visited the grounds in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park since it opened.
Philadelphia is hosting another World Cup game Thursday as Curacao faces off against Ivory Coast.
Curacao is seeking its first win in the tournament. It will be Ivory Coast's second appearance in the City of Brotherly Love after winning a match in Philadelphia on June 14.
Thursday's match starts at 4 p.m.
Action News caught up with some fans from Curacao, which is a Caribbean island nation, at Independence Hall.
They are excited since this is the first time in history the team has qualified to play for the World Cup.
Fans of Curacao gathered at the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill on Wednesday ahead of their team's matchup against Ivory Coast.
For Ivory Coast, the appearance marks the nation's fourth World Cup. But for Curacao, the moment is historic - the country is making its first World Cup appearance and is believed to be the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament.
"It's a feeling you cannot describe when they call our team onto the field. It's amazing, unbelievable," said Erin Neuman, a Curacao, supporter.
Ivory Coast fans are also eager for the matchup.
"Ivory Coast! I've been following both teams and their matches - and Brazil too," said Randi Lane of Drexel Hill.
The game is set to kick off on Thursday at 4 p.m.
Fan Fest is free for all 39 days of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Entry will be managed through an online registration platform to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.
As World Cup excitement builds in Philadelphia, the spotlight is not only on the upcoming match between Ivory Coast and Curacao, but also on the cultural connections each country has in the region.
For former Temple University pitcher Arshwin Asjes, baseball has been central to his journey from Curacao to the United States.
"Baseball is a very important part of my life," he said. Asjes, a Curacao native, has played professionally and internationally. "I played in an independent league, professional, then I played for the Netherlands national team for seven years."
Curacao's strong baseball tradition is well known. The small Caribbean island has produced more Major League Baseball players per capita than any other country, but soccer is now gaining momentum there, as Curacao has reached the World Cup for the first time.
"For us, it's one word we've been saying over the past week: euphoric," said Muryad de Bruin, managing director of the Curacao Tourist Board, describing the excitement surrounding the team's appearance.
Curacao will face Ivory Coast, whose team has drawn large crowds since arriving in the Delaware Valley. The region is also home to a strong Ivorian community, with organizations like Ivorians of the Delaware Valley helping people stay connected.
"It is very important to me that we, as Africans, specifically Ivorians, we get together to help each other," said Ibrahima Bamba, the group's president.
The countries' cultural identities extend beyond sports. Ivory Coast is the world's largest cocoa producer, contributing to its reputation for chocolate, and is also known for fresh cuisine.
"We eat a lot of rice and plantain. With the plantain, we make fufu," Bamba said.
Curacao's cuisine reflects its Caribbean roots.
"I like the fresh fish, the corn meal, it's called funche," Asjes said.
Language further highlights cultural diversity. French is the official language of Ivory Coast, while in Curacao, the most widely spoken language is Papiamentu.
"Popumento is a mix of Creole, Spanish, Portuguese," Asjes said.
Asjes has friends and family coming to town for the game. He said he is looking forward to seeing support for his home country in Philadelphia, adding, "I think this is the team that's going to surprise the world!"
Ivory Coast fans are equally confident.
"No country is gonna do better than us! Our people gonna get that cup!" said Siahou Soumahoro, an Ivorian native.
Fans from both countries are planning celebrations and watch parties ahead of the match, set for 4 p.m. Thursday in Philadelphia, as each side hopes for a World Cup victory.
