Private money, as well as meticulous behind-the-scenes preparation have turned Philadelphia into a World Cup host that other cities now envy, writes Jonathan Tannenwald for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

However, while Massachusetts and New Jersey have decided to charge significantly steeper transit fares for fans, Philadelphia will continue to charge just $2.90. Several stadiums have banned tailgating, but the Eagles are welcoming it.

And while many host cities have reduced or added entry fees to World Cup fan fests, Philadelphia will remain open all 39 days of the tournament free of charge.

“We’ve been working on this for a significant amount of time,” said Meg Kane, host city executive of Philadelphia’s local organizing committee. “We have always really put the fan experience at the center of what we wanted to build the FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia around.”

It all started in 2020 during the evaluation of potential host cities. Philadelphia positioned itself as a place where fandom sits at the center. That approach was later supported by private donors who helped reduce both logistical complications and taxpayer costs for the city.

After hosting was confirmed, organizers worked tirelessly from the outset, with more than 60 businesses stepping up as donors to support the effort.

Read more about Philadelphia’s preparations for the World Cup in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on PHILADELPHIA.Today in April 2026.