Philadelphia Soccer 2026 announces Host City Supporters for FIFA World Cup 2026™

Cencora, Comcast Corporation, Independence Blue Cross, PECO, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia Eagles, Visit PA, and William Penn Foundation unite to support the largest sporting event in Pennsylvania history

Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the 501c3 non-profit organization that serves as the Local Host Committee charged with planning and executing FIFA World Cup 2026™ in coordination with the City of Philadelphia, today announced eight Host City Supporters. As leaders in Pennsylvania's business and civic ecosystem, these organizations will play a vital role in ensuring the success of the tournament while creating a powerful and lasting legacy of this generational event for the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

FIFA World Cup 26 Philadelphia™ Host City Supporters include:

• Cencora
• Comcast Corporation
• Independence Blue Cross
• PECO
• Penn Medicine
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Visit PA
• William Penn Foundation

"From the start of our bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in 2017, our regional and statewide business community has displayed an unwavering support that set Philadelphia apart from other competing cities," said Daniel J. Hilferty, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comcast Spectacor and Co-Chair of Philadelphia Soccer 2026. "This tournament represents an extraordinary economic opportunity, and we are both proud and grateful that these organizations have answered the call to help us deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We look forward to working alongside Cencora, Comcast Corporation, Independence Blue Cross, Visit PA, PECO, Penn Medicine, the Philadelphia Eagles, and William Penn Foundation to make history together this year."

Through their investment and partnership, these Host City Supporters will help Philadelphia Soccer 2026 provide a world-class tournament for residents and visitors alike, while advancing community-driven legacy initiatives, including the revitalization of East Fairmount Park's Lemon Hill, the site of Philadelphia's FIFA Fan Festival™, and a collaboration with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to activate 26 soccer-focused projects across the Commonwealth, expanding access to the game and its lifelong values.

"Pennsylvania is excited to welcome fans from all over the world to our Commonwealth for the 2026 FIFA World Cup," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "All eyes will be on Pennsylvania this year as we celebrate our country's 250th Anniversary - and we look forward to showing the world what Philadelphia sports culture is all about. Hosting one of the biggest sporting events in the world is an incredible opportunity for our businesses, our communities, and our people - and these investments show Philly will be ready to meet this moment."

Host City Supporters receive the opportunity to associate their brand with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Philadelphia Host City as it brings the world's largest and most popular sporting event to town. Partners receive co-branding rights, the option to activate at the FIFA Fan Festival™ in Philadelphia, exclusive hospitality and ticketing opportunities, and visibility through local marketing and promotional campaigns.

"As we look forward to welcoming the world this summer, I want to take a moment to celebrate the unwavering dedication of our local business community-a true testament to Philadelphia's spirit of unity and teamwork," said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "Our businesses are the backbone of this great city, driving economic opportunity and enriching our neighborhoods and commercial corridors. Thanks to the exceptional leadership of the Host City Supporters, we are not only poised to deliver an unforgettable experience for our fans but also to create a lasting legacy that will uplift and inspire generations to come."

FIFA World Cup 2026™ is projected to draw more than 500,000 visitors to Pennsylvania and generate an estimated $770 million economic impact - greater than any sporting event, convention, or celebration ever before held in Philadelphia or Pennsylvania. Projections include the creation of 6,615 direct and indirect jobs, $305 million in direct tourism spending, $314 million in employee compensation, and $51 million in tax revenue.

Quotes from Philadelphia leaders

Independence Blue Cross
"Independence Blue Cross is proud to serve as an Official Philadelphia World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter and help bring the electricity of this global celebration to our region. Welcoming the world to Philadelphia for this event is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase everything that makes our city extraordinary, from our award-winning culinary scene and vibrant arts and culture to our world-class parks, and community focused programs like Indego bike share. The months ahead will be historic, and we invite our members and neighbors to start planning now to experience the excitement this summer," said Kelly Munson, president and chief executive officer of Independence Blue Cross.

Cencora
"As a purpose-driven company dedicated to creating healthier futures, Cencora is proud to partner with Philadelphia Soccer 2026 to advance health and well-being across Greater Philadelphia, strengthening the communities where we live and work," said Bob Mauch, chief executive officer of Cencora.

Comcast Corporation
"Philadelphia has always been a city that shows up for moments that matter and with the World Cup and America's 250th converging here, our hometown will be on a global stage in a way that's incredibly special. Comcast was founded in Philadelphia more than 60 years ago, and it's a privilege to help bring people from all over the world to this city and to share the energy of these historic events with fans across the country on NBC, Telemundo, and Peacock," said Brian L. Roberts, chairman of the Comcast Corporation.

PECO
"As Philadelphia prepares to welcome the world in 2026, PECO is proud to help power this global moment for our hometown. We're committed to supporting the communities we serve and delivering the energy to ensure this historic event shines across the entire region," said David Vahos, president and chief executive officer of PECO.

Penn Medicine
"We're all extremely excited to see the World Cup come to Philadelphia. Being the Official Medical Services Provider for the Philadelphia World Cup 2026 host city, in what will be the largest sporting event Pennsylvania has ever seen, is a great responsibility that we're ready and excited for," said Patrick J. Brennan, MD, chief medical officer of the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

Philadelphia Eagles
"When we opened Lincoln Financial Field more than 20 years ago, we made a promise to deliver world-class attractions and entertainment for the City of Philadelphia. FIFA World Cup 2026 will serve as another opportunity to showcase our great city and Lincoln Financial Field on the world's biggest stage. It is a privilege to be recognized as a Host City Supporter and contribute to the Local Host Committee's ongoing work. We look forward to collaborating with our fellow partners as we prepare to welcome the international soccer community to Philadelphia this summer," said Don Smolenski, president of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Visit PA
"The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Pennsylvania-and we're ready for it. With a projected $770 million economic impact, this moment will power local businesses, create jobs, and shine a global spotlight on communities across the Commonwealth. As an Official Philadelphia World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter, we're making sure the excitement doesn't stop at the stadium - Pennsylvanians everywhere will feel the energy. In 2026, millions will visit, billions will watch, and Pennsylvania will be America's stage," said Anne Ryan, deputy secretary of Tourism Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

William Penn Foundation
"The William Penn Foundation is interested in helping to ensure that this global moment delivers meaningful, lasting benefits for Philadelphians. We've focused our investment on strengthening community soccer programs and facilities, as well as improving Lemon Hill so that it can serve as a vital park space for residents and visitors to the city for years to come. These investments strongly align with our commitment to improve public spaces for the people of Philadelphia," said Shawn McCaney, executive director of the William Penn Foundation.

Media Contact:
Kathleen Conlon
267-918-8057
[email protected]