CUYS Helps Bring 2026 World Cup to Philly

Wawa's "Stadium Store" grand opening served as a platform for Comcast's David Cohen and the Union's Alejandro Bedoya to generate community support for Philadelphia to earn the opportunity to host FIFA World Cup games in 2026.

They, along with women's national team phenoms Julie Ertz and Carli Lloyd, favorite Philadelphia Eagle Zach Ertz and Coatesville native turned international pro goalkeeper Zack Steffen, are helping to make the case that Philadelphia would be a fantastic host city.

All soccer fans should feel inspired to learn more and sign the petition at
https://phlworldcup.discoverphl.com/

CUYS Executive Director Jeannine Fallon Anckaitis was at Wawa's "Stadium Store" grand opening to represent the soccer players and fans of Chester, Upland and Eddystone. In her brief conversation with Bedoya, she was able to share CUYS' love of the game and invite him to pop in at any of the organizations' summer soccer events when he's not too busy helping the Union win as many games as possible.

Earlier this year, Anckaitis was interviewed by the team producing the bid so that they could learn and share more details about the community's connections to soccer.

Competing host cities are expected to be informed of their selection by the end of December 2021.

No less exciting for soccer fans: the Philadelphia Soccer 2026 Pitch at Independence Visitors Center will be open June 29 through October 31. According to their website: “'The Pitch' is a place for fans of all ages and skill levels to show their love for the game with soccer challenges and interactives, learn more about Philadelphia’s bid to host matches, and refuel."

The Pitch opens in conjunction with the extensive Wawa Welcome America festival, Philadelphia's premiere Juneteenth and July 4th celebration.