Excitement Builds as Pennsylvania Prepares for World Cup Fan Zones
This summer, the excitement of the World Cup will reach beyond the stadiums, bringing fans together in unique venues across Pennsylvania. While Philadelphia will proudly host six matches, soccer enthusiasts in Northeast Pennsylvania have their own celebration destination at Scranton’s Courthouse Square.
Recently announced by Governor Josh Shapiro, Scranton’s Courthouse Square will serve as one of the three designated World Cup Fan Zones in Pennsylvania. Positioned on Washington Avenue, this location will feature a large LED screen, ready to accommodate up to 5,000 fans eager to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
The tournament is set to take place from June 11 to July 19, offering fans numerous opportunities to engage with the sport. Gov. Shapiro expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Pennsylvania is excited to host some of the best games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zones will bring the action directly to Pennsylvanians all across our Commonwealth with free events where fans can watch the games, gather with friends, and enjoy food, drinks, and live entertainment.”
Philadelphia will not only host the matches at Lincoln Financial Field but is also spearheading efforts to extend the World Cup experience to broader regions. Philadelphia Soccer 2026 Co-Chair Daniel J. Hilferty emphasized the importance of this reach, noting, “To have these Fan Zones across the Commonwealth … will fulfill our vision for hosting this event. To unite the Commonwealth in sharing our rich history, heritage and passion for sports with the world.”
In addition to Scranton, the cities of Reading and Pittsburgh will also host Fan Zones, as confirmed by Visit PA. These zones aim to bring communities together, providing a festive atmosphere where fans can immerse themselves in the global sporting event.
