For Pittsburghers who haven’t had a chance to snag tickets to the FIFA World Cup soccer matches coming to Philadelphia this summer, the Steel City will be one of three areas having free public watch parties.
Gov. Josh Shapiro and Visit PA, in partnership with the nonprofit local host committee Philadelphia Soccer 2026, announced three Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zones on Thursday.
Alongside the Pittsburgh Fan Zone, which will be located inside Acrisure Stadium, the other two fan zones will be in Reading (Santander Arena) and Scranton (Lackawanna County Courthouse Square, an outdoor park in the heart of downtown).
Spanning from July 3-19, fan zone events will take place during the World Cup’s knockout rounds. In Pittsburgh, fans will be able to gather on the field itself inside Acrisure Stadium to watch the matches on the stadium’s 28-by-96-foot screen, according to the announcement.
“Pennsylvania is excited to host some of the best games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and 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,” Shapiro said in the announcement. “Hosting one of the biggest sporting events in the world is an incredible opportunity for our businesses, our communities and our people.”
The fan zones will amplify and complement Philadelphia’s 39-day FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill Park, the announcement said. Each fan zone will have the match broadcasts, live entertainment, interactive soccer fan experiences, food and beverages — all free of charge.
Hours of operation for the Pittsburgh Fan Zone in Acrisure Stadium on the North Shore will be as follows:
• Saturday, July 4, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — 1 p.m. Round of 16 Knockout Match and 5 p.m. Round of 16 Knockout Match
• Sunday, July 5, 2-9 p.m. — 4 p.m. Round of 16 Knockout Match and 8 p.m. Round of 16 Knockout Match
• Thursday, July 9, 2-7 p.m. — 4 p.m. Quarterfinal Match
• Sunday, July 19, 2-6 p.m. — 3 p.m. World Cup Final
“We are thrilled to welcome our very own Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone to the City of Pittsburgh,” Mayor Corey O’Connor said in the announcement. “This is another big moment for the city of champions and an incredible opportunity to highlight our sports fans on the international stage with our partners at Philadelphia Soccer and the Steelers.
“In the coming months, we look forward to sharing more about how our community can not only watch but be a part of these fan experiences and get in the game.”