A few weeks ago, most people would’ve laughed at those words. But 3½ weeks after James, 41, informed the Lakers that he’d be playing his 24th NBA season elsewhere, it’s a reality. James announced Friday that he’s taking his talents to South Broad, and he’ll sign a two-year deal with the Sixers as he tries to bring an NBA title to Philly.
So how did this happen? How did the Sixers go from an afterthought to the home of one of the league’s all-time greats? Here’s a look at the twists and turns that led LeBron to Philly for the final chapter of his Hall of Fame career:
June 30: LeBron tells the Lakers he’s not coming back
James informed the Lakers he’s leaving Los Angeles and will play next season elsewhere.
BREAKING: LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/zzVk6xUVF1
July 1: The Jaylen Brown trade and the tweet heard ’round the world
A day later, Rich Paul, James’ agent and longtime friend, told Game Over podcast cohost Max Kellerman that between 12 and 14 teams have reached out about his client and says that James’ free agency won’t be about money.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that James was willing to play for the veteran minimum, making him a viable option for the cash-strapped Sixers.
But the biggest news of the day came in the evening, when it broke that the Sixers were acquiring Jaylen Brown from the Celtics for Paul George and draft picks. The move turned the Sixers from an afterthought to a legit option to land James.
A couple hours later, Steve Gansey, the brother of Sixers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey, posted a photo that featured James and Mike as high schoolers.
Charania and fellow ESPN insider Brian Windhorst signaled that the Sixers were seriously in the mix for James for the first time and outlined the team’s potential pitch, led by Tyrese Maxey.
"I'm told the Sixers are also trying to make a pitch to LeBron James… Include the Sixers & maybe 1 or 2 other teams in due time in that mix. The Sixers get Anfernee Simons & they’re obviously trying to continue to add to this team.”
Paul outlined James’ possible landing spots on Game Over and included the Sixers among them, launching a million conspiracy theories and causing Sixers fans to ask, “Why was Maxey the only player with a star next to his name?” and “Why were the Sixers the first team added to the board?” The four other teams listed among the top contenders were the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets.
Notice how the Sixers are the FIRST team they wrote down in the top left corner connected to LeBron…..👀 https://t.co/jo6INCG6S0
James was spotted in Cleveland over Fourth of July weekend with some former high school teammates, including with Cavaliers assistant general manager (and longtime friend) Brandon Weems, whom Paul previously said was “basically LeBron’s brother.”
ESPN reported that the Sixers are one of the top-three teams in the running to land James, along with the Cavaliers and Heat.
July 8: Bob Myers pitches Sixers on Rich Paul’s podcast
Bob Myers, the president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and the man who led the search to replace Daryl Morey (and hire Mike Gansey), was a guest on the Game Over podcast and pitches the Sixers directly to Paul.
“If he was here, I’d say I honestly believe [Philly] is your best chance to win,” Myers said. “… What I would just say is, if it’s about winning, let’s talk about this team. Because you can win here in Philly.”
Windhorst reiterated how impactful Maxey could be in the Sixers’ recruitment of James but said on First Take that other teams “are skeptical” they can compete with Cleveland in the recruiting process.
Meanwhile, two Philly sports stars — including one of the newest Sixers in Jaylen Brown — made public pitches to James. First was Saquon Barkley, who said he’d tell James that he’ll be “remembered forever” if he brings a championship to Philly.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley offered his pitch to LeBron James on Thursday at his youth football camp in Haddonfield: "You'd be remembered forever."
— Philadelphia Inquirer Sports (@phillysport) July 10, 2026
Later, Brown used an appearance with streamer iShowSpeed during the France-Morocco World Cup quarterfinal to have Speed, an Ohio native whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., to recruit James to the Sixers.
July 10: Cleveland starts to fade; Rich Paul drops another podcast
In another episode of Game Over, Paul was asked about Maxey being the main draw in Philly. His response? “First of all, none of these lists [of teams] are accurate, what you’re seeing out there. No one knows what the list looks like.”
While that wasn’t the question — though it certainly was an interesting start to his answer — Paul then outlined some of why Maxey is at the top of the list of reasons his client would want to play for the Sixers. But he also talked about Joel Embiid, the Brown trade, and more.
Max Kellerman & Rich Paul dive into more of the fit & draw of LeBron James to this Philadelphia 76ers team…
Main points are the biggest draw being Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid being the best player alive when healthy & the Jaylen Brown addition…
Later, while attempting to temper Cavaliers fans’ expectations during a radio hit in Cleveland, Windhorst said he “had somebody on the phone with me today that I consider a good source who was swearing it’s a done deal in another city [outside of Cleveland] a couple hours ago.”
And nearly two weeks after James first let it be known that he was entering free agency one last time, Paul was in Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League and joined ESPN to discuss his client’s free agency. In addition to saying there’s no timeline for a decision — “I just tell him take your time, [and] whenever you’re ready, just let me know,” he said — Paul added that his client and longtime friend isn’t “chasing a ring” and is “not worried about nobody’s opinions.”
While their name had been linked to James for weeks, Gansey confirmed the Sixers’ interest. He told The Inquirer that “we’d love to have [James] in Philly. I think he’d really, really help us and add to our group. But he’s making a big decision here. It’s wild [that], at his age, he’s playing at such a high level.
“I have all the respect in the world for him, and he’s smart as heck. He’s going to figure it out and talk to his family, and we’ll be waiting. Whatever he decides, I know he’s going to make the right decision.”
July 15: Sixers players enter the chat
ESPN reported that the Sixers’ three biggest stars had been in touch with James, with Maxey leading the team’s pitch to the superstar.
“As LeBron James’ free agency decision extends into its second week, the Philadelphia 76ers have kept up their pursuit of the four-time NBA champion through three of their players, league sources told ESPN,” Dave McMenamin wrote. “Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown have all been in communication with James. … Sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Tuesday the Sixers remain one of the top potential destinations for James, along with the Cavaliers and the Miami Heat.”
July 16: Appearances at Fanatics fest
James made two appearances at Fanatics Fest in New York and shared his first public comments since his free agency began. While James didn’t say much at either event — first on a live recording of Mind the Game podcast, and then on CNBC’s Boardroom — he did hint that a decision could be coming soon, saying that he “won’t hold you guys up too much longer.” He also hinted that his 24th NBA season may not be his last.
July 17: LeBron wants to ‘trust the process’
James continued appearing at Fanatics Fest, and during one of them — a live recording of The Shop talk show — the future Hall of Famer sent the crowd into a frenzy when he said he wants to play for a team that “trusts the process.”
While “The Process” was both a rebuilding period for the Sixers and Joel Embiid’s nickname, James said he has been using the phrase for his entire career and that it was not a reference to the Sixers or their former motto.
LeBron James said he wants to go to a franchise that “trusts the process.”👀
The crowd absolutely lit up and LeBron responded that he’s been saying “trust the process” since he was drafted in 2003. 😂
After James was spotted meeting Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Sixers managing partner Josh Harris while in New York for Fanatics Fest, it didn’t appear his top three teams had changed. According to Charania, the pitches were all in, and “the choice is LeBron James’ right now.” The Sixers, Cavaliers, and Heat remained the possible landing spots.
The next morning, Paul dropped another podcast and confirmed that the decision was in James’ hands and could come at any time — “It could be 48 seconds [from now]. It could be 48 minutes” — and there was nothing teams could do at that point to sway King James.
July 22: The Heat drop the ball
A member of the Miami Heat’s social media staff posted a link Tuesday night for a July 27 livestream titled “LeBron James Introductory Press Conference.” The post was later deleted and a Heat spokesperson told ESPN that the team was preparing for the possibility of James signing in Miami and accidentally posted the link to the team’s YouTube page. At this point, Miami was also the favorite to land James. Needless to say, the errant post sent the internet into a frenzy.
I thought I was done when the season ended. I wasn't ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game. I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and deicide if I still love
In a series of posts on X, James confirmed that he is headed to Philly. According to ESPN, he agreed to a two-year contract with the Sixers on Friday in one of the more improbable roster additions in Sixers history.
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time,” James wrote on X while confirming the news.
After the blockbuster trade with the Boston Celtics that brought Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia, you might be forgiven for thinking new team president Mike Gansey was done adding stars. But that deal kicked off rumors that one of the game’s all-time greats, LeBron James, could also ply his trade in South Philly.
Despite the initial talk linking him with a return to Cleveland or Miami, “King James” confirmed on June 24 that he’ll be a Sixer. We tracked it all with our initially unscientific Bron-O-Meter. He’s how it all unfolded…
Latest updates
Here's a look back at all that's happened since James informed the Lakers on June 30 that he'd play his 24th NBA season elsewhere, and how each moment impacted the vibes around him potentially joining the Sixers …
news
July 24, 11:43 a.m.
This is not a drill.
In a series of posts on X, LeBron James confirmed that he is bringing his talents to South Broad. According to ESPN, he agreed to a two-year contract with the Sixers on Friday in one of the more improbable roster additions in Sixers history.
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.” said James on X while confirming the news.
Get the latest on the Hall of Famer’s move to Philly in our live blog.
news
July 22, 8:32 a.m.
Talk about a whoopsie. A member of the Miami Heat’s social media staff posted a link Tuesday night for a July 27 livestream titled “LeBron James Introductory Press Conference.” The post was later deleted and a Heat spokesperson told ESPN that the team was preparing for the possibility of James signing in Miami and accidentally posted the link to the team’s YoutTube page.
Needless to say, the errant post sent the internet into a frenzy, but it’s not hard to imagine how it happened. All the teams reported to be finalists for James — and the news organizations that cover them — are similarly preparing just in case he picks their city. It’s just that one of them jumped the gun. The real question is whether it was truly an accident, or if Miami knows something the rest of us don’t.
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podcast
July 21, 11:47 a.m.
Mark J. Terrill
The waiting game continues. Rich Paul, LeBron James’ agent and longtime friend, reiterated that there’s no timetable for a decision from his client.
“We're not going to be rushed,” Paul said on the latest episode of his Game Over podcast with Max Kellerman, which was released Monday evening. “We're not going to be rushed. It's his choice to make and when he makes the choice, he'll make it.”
Paul added that a decision could come at any time — “It could be 48 seconds [from now]. It could be 48 minutes.” — and that there’s nothing teams can do at this point to sway King James.
“There's been several people to call and say, ‘Hey, Rich, is there anything more we should be doing? We could be doing?’” Paul said. “And my answer is, ‘No. We don't need you to go above and beyond about anything. We understand it. It's clear. All the messages have been sent.’”
If people were taking Tyrese Haliburton’s mention of “Year 76” as a possible hint that James is coming to Philly, then those same people might notice Paul twice mentioned the number 48. First seconds … then minutes … next would be hours. The 1982 movie 48 Hours was set in San Francisco. Is it a sign LeBron is headed to the Warriors? If we’re going to read the tea leaves, let’s read all the tea leaves.
report
July 20, 4:24 p.m.
After LeBron was spotted meeting Gov. Josh Shapiro and Sixers owner Josh Harris while in New York City for Fanatics Fest, it doesn't appear the prized free agent’s top three teams have changed. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the pitches are in and "the choice is LeBron James' right now." The Sixers, Cavaliers, and Heat remain the possible landing spots.
"All of the information is in, the teams are set, everyone has made their moves," Charania, who said he spoke with James' agent Rich Paul earlier on Monday, reported on NBA Today. "There is no decision or choice yet. There's no timetable on a choice of a team. … My understanding over the past couple weeks, that the focus has been primarily on the Eastern Conference teams, being Cleveland, Miami and Philadelphia."
podcast
July 17, 1:34 p.m.
LeBron James continued making appearances at Fanatics Fest In New York City Friday, and during one of them — a live recording of The Shop — the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer sent the crowd into a frenzy when he said he wants to play for a team that “trusts the process.”
While “The Process” was both a rebuilding period for the Sixers and Joel Embiid’s nickname, James went on to say that he has been using the phrase for his entire career, and that it was not a reference to the Sixers or their former motto.
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podcast
July 17, 9:58 a.m.
LeBron James made a pair of appearances Thursday at Fanatics Fest, and shared his first public comments since his free agency began. While James didn’t say much at either — first on a live recording of Mind the Game podcast, and then on CNBC’s Boardroom — he did hint that a decision could be coming soon, saying that he “won’t hold you guys up too much longer.” He also hinted that his 24th NBA season may not be his last.
report
July 15, 12:53 p.m.
Chris Szagola / AP
ESPN reported that the Sixers’ three biggest stars have all been in touch with LeBron James, with Tyrese Maxey leading the team’s pitch to the superstar free agent.
“As LeBron James' free agency decision extends into its second week, the Philadelphia 76ers have kept up their pursuit of the four-time NBA champion through three of their players, league sources told ESPN,” Dave McMenamin wrote. “Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown have all been in communication with James, sources told ESPN on Tuesday, with Maxey leading the charge. … Sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday the Sixers remain one of the top potential destinations for James, along with the Cavaliers and the Miami Heat.”
reporting
July 14, 5:29 p.m.
Gansey told the Inquirer that “we’d love to have [LeBron] in Philly. I think he’d really, really help us and add to our group. But he’s making a big decision here. It’s wild [that], at his age, he’s playing at such a high level.”
“I have all the respect in the world for him, and he’s smart as heck. He’s going to figure it out and talk to his family, and we’ll be waiting. Whatever he decides, I know he’s going to make the right decision.”
interview
July 11, 11:34 a.m.
Rich Paul, LeBron James’ agent, is in Las Vegas for NBA Summer League, and joined ESPN Friday night to discuss James’ free agency. In addition to saying there’s no timeline for a decision — "I just tell him take your time, [and] whenever you’re ready, just let me know," he said — Paul added that his client and longtime friend isn’t “chasing a ring” and is “not worried about nobody’s opinions.”
That could be taken a couple of different ways by Sixers fans: a negative, since their team arguably gives him the best fit and best chance to win; or a positive, since some have said that LeBron finishing his career in Philly would be awkward, especially compared to places like Cleveland or Miami.
podcast
July 10, 4:22 p.m.
Rich Paul dropped another episode of his Game Over podcast with Max Kellerman on Friday, and was asked about Tyrese Maxey being the main draw in Philly. His response? “First of all, none of these lists [of teams] are accurate, what you’re seeing out there. No one knows what the list looks like.”
While that wasn’t the question — and was certainly an interesting start to his answer — Paul went on to outline some of the reasons Maxey is at the top of the list of reasons his client would want to play for the Sixers. But he also talked about Joel Embiid, the Jaylen Brown trade, and more.
report
July 10, 2:19 p.m.
While attempting to temper Cavaliers fans' expectations during a radio hit in Cleveland, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said he "had somebody on the phone with me today that I consider a good source who was swearing it's a done deal in another city [outside of Cleveland] a couple hours ago."
"And so, I am being very, very cautious. Right now, it's too scattered," Windhorst said. "I also know how LeBron has operated. They have kept their circle very tight. … I'm hearing rumors all day long, and all of them make some level of sense, and all of them make some level of not sense. So I'm just telling you: Cleveland is not the only place where there are rumors."
social
July 9, 5:26 p.m.
Two Philly sports stars — including one of the newest Sixers — made public pitches to James on Thursday. First up was Saquon Barkley, who said he’d tell LeBron that he’ll be “remembered forever” if he brings a championship to Philly.
Later in the day, Jaylen Brown used an appearance with streamer iShowSpeed during the France-Morocco World Cup quarterfinal to have Speed, an Ohio native whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., to court James to the Sixers.
report
July 9, 8:06 a.m.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst reiterated how impactful Tyrese Maxey could be in the Sixers' recruitment of James, but also said on First Take that other teams “are skeptical” they can compete with Cleveland in the recruiting process. He did, however, point out another reason the Sixers are a compelling option:
"What I suspect is going to be important to him is he is going to get through the regular season without having to go to extraordinary measures. Without having to play 38 minutes per game, take 25 shots. I think Philly can make a compelling case that they would not tax him too much, that he could save up his body for the postseason. … But so can Cleveland. Cleveland has a buildout just as strong as Philly and they are home. That's what everybody out there is worried about. Can anybody make a more compelling case on the roster than Cleveland and more compelling on the home front than Cleveland? The teams out there that I've talked to are skeptical. They don't know for sure, but they're skeptical."
opinion
July 9, 5:01 a.m.
Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayesisn't buying the hype, and outlined all the reasons why he believes James doesn't actually want to be in Philly, adding that "LeBron’s representatives are using this (feigned) interest as leverage to land the King elsewhere."
"I don’t think he wants to be in Philadelphia, which is a much tougher city than anywhere else he’s played. I don’t think he wants to deal with an organization with anabsentee owner and afirst-time top executive. I don’t think he wants to be associated or represent one of the most dysfunctional organizations in major league sports over the past 14 years, and with the NFL’s Jets, Raiders, and Browns in that mix, that’s quite an accomplishment. I don’t think he wants to play for the NBA veteran minimum, which is all he’d get at this point."
While not ruling the Sixers out, Brian Windhorst reported Tuesday thatthere is a "vibe" suggesting the Cavaliers are the most likely destination for James. He also added some more teams — the Warriors, Nuggets, and Timberwolves — back into the mix.
“While there is a ‘vibe’ pointing toward the Cavs, coming off their best non-LeBron season in more than 30 years and signing Donovan Mitchell to a four-year maximum contract extension, other teams are not counting themselves out,” Windhorstwrote. “The Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Philadelphia 76ers each believe they have a compelling case, per sources."
He doubled down on Wednesday:
podcast
July 8, 9:00 a.m.
Bob Myers, the president of sports for HBSE and the man who led the search to replace Daryl Morey (and hire Mike Gansey), was a guest on the Game Over podcast andpitches the Sixers directly to LeBron's agent and longtime friend, Rich Paul.
“If he was here, I’d say I honestly believe [Philly] is your best chance to win,” Myers said. “… What I would just say is, if it’s about winning, let’s talk about this team. Because you can win here in Philly.”
report
July 7, 6:24 p.m.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Sixers are one of the top-three teams in the running to land James, along with the Cavaliers and Heat.
analysis
July 7, 5:01 a.m.
Gina Mizellbroke down some backup options for the Sixers if their pursuit of James comes up empty. Obviously none are as impactful as the four-time MVP, but there are still some quality veterans — and familiar faces — available on the free-agent market.
opinion
July 6, 5:01 a.m.
Inquirer columnist David Murphy outlinedwhy you can't rule out LeBron to Philly: "The Sixers do offer James a chance to do something novel. You can’t say that about many of his potential landing spots."
social
July 4, 10:21 p.m.
James was spotted in Cleveland over July Fourth weekend with some former high school teammates, including with Cavaliers assistant GM (and longtime friend) Brandon Weems, whom Paul previous said was "basically LeBron's brother."
podcast
July 3, 6:00 a.m.
Paul outlined James' possible landing spots on Game Over, and included the Sixers among them,launching a million consipiracy theories and causing Sixers fans to ask, "Why was Maxey the only player with a star next to his name?" and, "Why were the Sixers the first team added to the board?" The four other teams listed among the top contenders were the Cavaliers, Heat, Timberwolves, and Nuggets.
report
July 2, 3:30 p.m.
ESPN's Shams Charania and Brian Windhorstboth signal the Sixers are seriously in the mix for James and outline their potential pitch.
social
July 1, 8:11 p.m.
Steven Gansey, the younger brother of new Sixers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey,posted a photo on X of his sibling alongside James during their time as high school basketball players in Ohio.
news
July 1, 6:33 p.m.
The Inquirer confirmed that the Sixersacquired Jaylen Brown from the Celtics in exchange for Paul George and four draft picks.
report
July 1, 11:04 a.m.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that James is willing to play for a veteran minimum.
podcast
July 1, 6:00 a.m.
Paul told Game Over podcast cohost Max Kellerman thatbetween 12 and 14 teams have reached out about his client, and says that it's not about money.
report
June 30, 1:07 p.m.
The Cavaliers, Heat and Warriorsemerged as the initial suitors for James, according to NBA insiders Chris Haynes (NBA on Prime), Jake Fischer (SteinLine), and Brian Windhorst (ESPN).
report
June 30, 12:03 p.m.
James informed the Lakers he's leaving Los Angeles and will play his 24th NBA season elsewhere.
Staff Contributors
Design and Development: Sam Morris
Reporting: Matt Mullin
Editing: Matt Mullin, Sam Morris, and DeAntae Prince
Photography: AP
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Lincoln Financial Field has been renamed “Philadelphia Stadium” for the duration of the event. In addition to five group stage games, the city will host a Round of 16 game on July 4.
On Friday night, the U.S. national team got its World Cup started with a bang: a 4-1 win over Paraguay on home soil.
// Timestamp 06/14/26 10:15pm
Philadelphia was the star in its World Cup debut
Ecuadorian fans react at a missed scoring chance against Ivory Coast during Sunday’s World Cup match. David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
It took 96 years, but the most sacred version of the beautiful game came to Philadelphia.
Both the city and the match met the moment.
Extra public transportation, hydration stations, and modest traffic framed an evening of graceful and powerful football, the kind every other nation reveres except ours.
Amid the spectacle of team jerseys, flags, and team benches covered by vibrant roofs identifying the sides in national colors, the grass was the star. The stadium’s normal turf is a ragged Bermuda thatched with 5% plastic to withstand the cleated NFL rhinoceroses who usually play there.
For the World Cup, it was transformed into a flawless pitch, golf-course quality ryegrass and bluegrass, the sort of surface you could imagine Jason Kelce lying on his back and making snow angels.
Viewed through an international lens, even a soccer game this insignificant still was the most significant sporting event in the history of the city. A town that has seen two World Series titles and a Stanley Cup won within its borders has never hosted anything that riveted folks on six of the continents.
What comes close? Maybe Rocky Marciano, when he knocked out Jersey Joe Walcott in 1952, and won the heavyweight championship. Maybe not.
Long wait at NRG Station following Philly World Cup match
Soccer fans wait to enter NRG Station outside Lincoln Financial Field following Sunday night’s World Cup match.Michelle
Hundreds of soccer fans waited outside NRG station, a bottleneck at the turnstiles not appearing to break apart anytime soon. Fans chatted in Spanish, sat on plantersm and leaned against yellow gates waiting for entry into the train station.
A SEPTA worker who asked not to be identify said there were already almost 1,500 fans in the platform, so people had to weight until it clears out.
Meanwhile, Ubers to City Hall were ranging between $70 to $78 a ride. On a normal night, they’d run about $15.
Fans hurry to their cars, trains, and buses as storms move into Philly
Fans wait outside SEPTA’s NRG Station near the stadium following Ivory Coast’s victory over Ecuador Sunday night.Michelle Myers
Fans hustle to their cars in South Philly as lighting can be seen in the distance.
For subway riders trying to move closer to the station, the wait might be lengthy, as hundreds of of Ecuadorian fans await by the doors for their turn to get it.
The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Philadelphia and the surrounding counties Sunday evening that will remain in effect until 1 a.m. Monday morning.
Along with lightning and rain, forecasters say wind guts up to 60 miles per hour are possible, as is quarter-sized hail and potentially a tornado.
Over at FIFA’s Fan Festival at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park,, crowds walked along Girard Avenue and Kelly Drive up to Fairmount to access rideshare pickup zones and the Philly PHLASH.
Crowds are funneled to these roads to stay on main thoroughfares, where many impromptu street vendors awaited to sell water and snacks and merchandise. Ice cream trucks also took this as a hint to set up shop.
At Pennsylvania and Fairmount, SEPTA had additional 32 and 48 Busses waiting as additional transportation and were waiting to fill up in order to take the maximum amount of passengers. A total of 4 buses were at the intersection waiting to take passengers at one point.
Police were stationed at various exits and intersections near the festival.
Ivory Coast defeats Ecuador in first-ever Philly World Cup match
Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo is congratulated by teammates after scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 victory over Ecuador Sunday in Philly.Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer
Amad Diallo will go down in the annals of Philadelphia sports history as the first goalscorer in a World Cup hosted in the City of Brotherly Love. More importantly, his first-time shot in the 90th minute sealed three points in Ivory Coast’s Group E opener against Ecuador on a beautiful night for soccer inside Lincoln Financial Field.
He broke the hearts of a pro-Ecuadorian crowd of 68,274 who sang, cheered and for some even cried to take part in a game that is arguably the biggest sporting event the venue has ever held.
Next up for Ivory Coast, a trip to Toronto to face Germany on Saturday (4 p.m., Fox29), before making their return to Philadelphia to take on World Cup first-timers Curacao on June 25 (4 p.m., FS1).
Ecuador is also back in action this Saturday against Curacao in Kansas City (8 p.m., FS1)
Thousands of cheering fans bathed in stadium lights at Lincoln Financial Field could been seen through a gap between stadium walls from across the street at Stateside Live!
Inside the food court a sea of yellow shirts populated the tables and bars. As Ivory Coast scored, a small but rowdy crew cheered loudly, pumped fists in the air and slapped each other as Ecuador fans sighed.
“Ivory Coast! Ivory Coast! Ivory Coast!” the crew chanted inside, through the doors and out on the patio. They passed two people dressed in green and orange, the two groups screamed excitedly at each other, and the original chanters went on their way through the patio.
Fans also celebrated Ivory Coast’s 1-0 victory outside FIFA’s Fan Festival at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park.
With the final whistle, thousands of people – some cheering after an Ivory Coast win, others with their heads hung low after the Ecuadorian loss – walked in calm crowds to the exit.
Within half an hour, crowds walked back to their cars, rideshare pickup zones, and SEPTA and PHLASH bus stops with no issue.
As opposing teams fans walked by each other they shook hands, laughed, and went about their night. Just an hour before, Lemon Hill was shaking with horns blasting and fans screaming.
Now the neighborhood is returning to a calm quiet, before the party eventually picks up again during the next World Cup match.
A resounding “No” echoed through the stadium as Ecuadorian fans covered their faces in disbelieve as Ivory Coast took a 1-0 lead in their World Cup matchup in South Philly.
Ivory Coast fans, scattered across the stadium amid a sea of yellow, screamied with emotion after Amad Diallo’s strike.
Ecuador and Ivory Coast remain scoreless, but fans remain confident
Ahmadou Dia holds the Ivory Coast flag above him at FIFA Fan Festival on Sunday, June 14, 2026.Henry Savage
With the score still 0-0, Ecuador and Ivory Coast fans at FIFA Fan Festival were just as confident as they started the match.
“The first half was 50-50 in terms of possession. It was a great first half,” said Ivory Coast-born Philadelphian Ahmadou Dia. “But the second half, we will for sure beat them.”
At halftime, crowds at Fan Festival flocked to the bathrooms, food vendors, and interactive exhibits to pass the time as DJs on the main stage kept the remaining crowd jumping.
Martin Alfaro, who has Honduran heritage, said he’s cheering for Ecuador, as Honduras doesn’t usually qualify for the World Cup. While Ecuador didn’t seal the deal in the first half, he’s optimistic they’ll score in the second. But, if they do, he’s preparing for the entire Ecuadorian fan section to “lose their minds.”
“I love that it’s 0-0 still, and I think, we’re hoping for a goal, but I’m afraid that if Ecuador does score, everyone’s going to lose their minds celebrating,” Alfaro said.
Ecuador fans also flood famed German beer hall in Philly
Soccer fans watch Ecuador take on the Ivory Coast at Brauhaus Schmitz on South Street Sunday.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
With the score still zero-zero the Caddick family eagerly watched the screen and rang red, black and yellow cowbells at Brauhaus Schmitz on South Street when Ecuador closed in on the net.
Karina Caddick, a 56-year-old Horsham resident, was born in Ecuador, just outside Guayaquil, a port city and the country’s largest metropolis. She moved when she was only one year old, but her family instilled in her the importance of soccer to the national culture.
To watch her native country’s team compete on her home country’s soil is quite special, she said.
“It’s unbelievable that we’re able to watch here,” Caddick said. “To be in Philadelphia and see all the yellow shirts, it’s incredible.”
Seeing all the Ecuador fans on the train into the city on Sunday and exploring the tourist attractions around Center City and Old City was especially inspiring, she said.
“It’s cool. It’s like what are the odds that Ecuador is playing in the city that we live,” said 23-year-old Kayla Caddick, a recent Temple graduate and Old City resident.
Not everyone gets the hype.
“Why does everyone like soccer so much,” one young man asked his friend as he walked down South Street outside Brauhaus.
For those with familial attachments to one of the participating countries outside the U.S., the answer is obvious.
“Soccer is everything to Ecuador. It is the main sport. It’s their spirit. It’s what calls them,” said Karina Caddick.
At the World Cup, picking $20 beer over $20 chicken tenders
The price of concessions at Lincoln Financial Field for Sunday’s World Cup match.Michelle My
With fries and beer in the $20 range, fans are having to pick between eating or drinking at the stadium.
For Ecuadorian resident Sebastian Muller, 49, the idea of spending $19.49 on chicken tenders feels ridiculous, and paying almost $7 for a water that will cost him less than a dollar back home, even more.
Beer on the other hand, he couldn’t do without.
He put aside his hunger and bought a $20.85 craft beer.
“Prices are really high, but I still had to buy the beer,” Muller said. “It’s tradition, you can’t watch a match without the beer.”
The sentiment resonated with Jared Chiliquinga, 31, and his brother Rommel, 41.
They came from New Jersey and are used to the MetLife Stadium food prices, they said.
“I usually pay $10 for a can,” Jared said. “But what we can’t watch the game without beer, even if we have to pay more than $50 for two cans,” Rommel added.
The siblings opted for no water or food so they don’t miss out on the beer.
Cynthia Argueta, 29, was not into following their steps, but also didn’t want to give up on the beer.
The New Jersey resident spent nearly $40 to buy herself a hot dog, a bottle of water, and a beer.
“The hot dog tastes very basic,” Argueta said. “but I am starving so I have to eat, and they don’t let you bring water so I have to buy it here.”
Philadelphia finally gets its big World Cup moment, and looks amazing
Soccer fans cheer at Lincoln Financial Field with the Philly skyline in the background. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer
IRVINE, Calif. – As the minutes ticked down toward kickoff, I was sitting in my hotel room while on the road covering the U.S. team. Then a moment came that I’ve been waiting years to see.
Soccer fans cheer during the national anthems before the World Cup match between Ecuador and Ivory Coast.Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer
I still remember the day 15 years ago when FIFA punched the U.S. in the gut and gave the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. Though it didn’t take long to learn how much alleged bribery and corruption there was, that specific moment is still vivid in my mind, especially for those of us who’d gathered at Tir na Nóg in Center City to watch the announcement.
It would be another eight years before the combined bid of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico finally prevailed to bring the 2026 tournament here, in 2018. And Philadelphia wasn’t picked as a host city until four years after that, in 2022.
Now, another four years later still, the culmination has finally arrived.
Ecuador takes the field ahead of their World Cup match against Ivory Coast in Philadelphia. David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
I know not everything has gone perfectly, including the last few days for residents around the Fan Fest site. But I could tell in recent months that on the whole, the city was really embracing this moment on the global stage that’s unlike any there’s been before.
I could tell that despite all the challenges posed by brutal visa rules for visitors and exorbitant ticket prices for everyone, Philadelphians were ready to open their arms and welcome the world to town.
Now the world is finally here, and the party is only just beginning.
Referee Francois Letexier gives Ivory Coast’s Seko Fofana (6) a yellow card during Sunday’s game against Ecuador. Matt Rourke
The referee for this game, François Letexier of France, is one of the sport’s top officials. He has done lots of big games in his career, including in the French league, the Champions League, the Olympics, last year’s Club World Cup, and the 2024 European Champions League final.
But he wasn’t supposed to be doing this game.
It was originally signed to England’s Michael Oliver, who would also know plenty of Ecuador and Ivory Coast’s players from his years in the Premier League. But FIFA announced on Friday that Oliver is injured.
The announcement said it’s a minor injury, and Oliver won’t be sidelined for long. But it’s still a reminder that the referee has to run just as much in the heat and humidity as the players do.
Letexier has a notable side job away from soccer: he’s a court officer in the French city of Rennes, where he lives. (Maybe he’ll find South Philadelphia a little familiar in a certain way.)
FIFA selected 52 referees, 88 assistant referees, and 30 video officials from around the world for this World Cup. Eight are from the U.S., with Philadelphia’s Kathryn Nesbitt among the assistants.
And as you may have heard, Somalia’s Omar Artan had to withdraw from the tournament after the U.S. government barred him from entering the country. Though FIFA notably did not reassign him to games in Canada or Mexico, it announced Sunday that he’ll get his full tournament pay.
At the FIFA Fan Festival, an Ecuadorian singer and good vibes
Ecuadorian fans watch Sunday night’s World Cup match at the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill Park.Henry Savage / Staff
Ecuadorian singer Johann Vera commanded center stage at FIFA Fan Festival on Sunday, performing directly before the 7 p.m. kick off between Ecuador and Côte d’Ivoire at Lincoln Financial Field in South Philadelphia.
In Lemon Hill, Vera roared to the crowd, “¿Listos?” and received resounding cheers of joy in return from the crowd. Fans blared horns across the sea of thousands of yellow jerseys, showing an exceptional turnout for Ecuadorian fans. Small pockets of bright orange jerseys signaling Côte d’Ivoire fans made their presence known among the crowd.
“I thought there were more Ivorians in Philadelphia but I guess not,” said Swann Nemin, a Temple University student from Côte d’Ivoire, visiting Fan Festival with her two Ivorian friends Ornella Kouame and Naïke M. and their friend, Phoebe Mattes, who they joke isn’t from Côte d’Ivoire but is “Ivorian by preference.”
The World Cup brought the friend group together to dance and celebrate in a festival of people from all over the world. “I feel like it’s not only people from Ecuador but also people from South America that are cheering for Ecuador, in the same way that people from all over Africa are repping Côte d’Ivoire,” Nemin said.
“We’re just really happy to be out here celebrating,” Kouame said. “Even if we don’t win, honestly, we’re just here to dance.”
Aleyda Alvarado, a Fishtown resident originally from Mexico, said that while Mexico isn’t playing tonight and she admits she isn’t the biggest soccer fan, the World Cup gets her and her friends out to celebrate the heart of soccer.
“Everyone is here from different countries, but during the World Cup, we’re all just fans,” Alvarado said before kick-off. “That’s how soccer bring people together, and what makes me love it.”
After the 5 p.m. SEPTA Orange Line express was taken out of service at Race-Vine because a door wouldn’t close, the 5:15 local train was inundated with Ecuador enthusiasts when it hit the City Hall.
The cars were full to bursting by the time they hit Walnut-Locust, yellow jerseys shoulder to shoulder and chest to chest, men and women alike. As the train pulled out a song arose, full throat and deafening in the hot, cramped subway car:
“¡Vamos, vamos ecuatorianos, esta noche tenemos que ganar!”
Or:
“Let’s go, let’s go Ecuadorians, tonight we have to win!”
As the throng exited up the stairs of NRG Station, their hearts and voices swelled again.
Giant Lincoln Financial Field signs on stadium’s roof also covered
Normally there are two giant Lincoln Financial Field signs facing skyward on the roof of the Linc. As Fox's cameras show, they had to be covered for the World Cup, along with everything else. pic.twitter.com/eNCitublcd
At the Linc, issues with expensive tickets purchased on resale websites
Jayden Quezada, 17, and his parents came to Philadelphia from Bensalem hoping for an Ecuadorian victory. But they were turned away at the door.
“They said there were problems with our tickets because they weren’t on the FIFA app,” Quezada said. “We have been trying to fix it for the last four hours.”
Last night, the trio spend $4,350 to get three tickets through the TickPick app. But, by the time they arrived to the stadium at 1 p.m., the tickets were yet to be transferred to their FIFA app.
As his mom passed on the phone, trying to reach a TickPick representative, Quezada fears his parents won’t be able to see their national team.
“They have been the biggest fans since before I was born and they don’t get to go back often because of work,” Quezada said. “We are probably going to try to get a refund but missing the game would be really sad because we were looking forward to feeling the Ecuadorian pride.”
The Quezada’s weren’t the only ones struggling. In a line of over 50 people, fans waited for help with their failed tickets.
Spanish speakers Monica Rojas, 22, and her friend Jose Avil, were concussed on what to do after the ticket office explained the problem with their ticket in English.
The pair drove two hours from New York, after buying a pair of tickets on Stubhub for $2,000 including parking.
After a FIFA volunteer interpreter intervine, the pair found out their tickets had been refunded, despite having a fifa confirmation email.
“I don’t know what we are doing to do,” Avil said. “It feels defeating, now all we have is the tickets and the desire to watch them.”
‘I’m actually an Eagles fan’: World Cup fans hit the tailgating lots in Philly
Three months from now, the South Philadelphia Sports Complex will be covered in Eagles green as fans hit the tailgating lots to prepare for their home opener in September. But, for now, the lots surrounding the temporarily renamed Philadelphia Stadium were engulfed with fans from Ecuador getting ready for Philly’s first World Cup match.
Although the environment looked a little different from Philly’s typical football Sundays, the tailgating culture was still alive and well on a more international level.
“I’m actually an Eagles fan,” said 18-year-old Ecuador native Natalia Vegas. “I’ve been here a couple times to watch the football games. I’ve tailgated once. It’s also crazy. Everybody is so prideful to be Eagles fans. So it’s kind of the same thing, being prideful as an Ecuador fan.”
With Ecuador facing off against the Ivory Coast for the first of six matches in Philly, both international and local soccer fans came in hordes to witness the historic sporting event making its way to the city.
“It’s been amazing,” said Ivory Coast native Abdoul Ouattra. “Everybody has been really nice to me. I’ve seen a bunch of Ecuadorians. I thought I was going to be intimidated but they were quite welcoming and said whatever happens, we’re friends. So, I love that.”
There is no length Ecuadorian native Pacho Flores wouldn’t go for his national team.
Despite living in New York City, Flores, 62, and his family of eight paid $650 dollars each to watch “La tri” play in Philly.
“It’s the most beautiful thing in the world,” Flores said. “We have to follow the team to every game. It’s a blessing to have them play so close.”
Despite the 90 degree weather, Flores and his son, Alex, danced wearing a thickly knit Diablo Uma masks — an indigenous protective spiritual figure from the highlands of Ecuador— to represent his native town of Cañar.
“It’s not that hot inside the mask, and it’s worth it because we have to win, at least 3 to 0,” Alex said wiping sweat of his for head. “Either way, we will still live the team,” Flores added.
No matter the score, the family won’t have too much time to celebrate. They leave New York City tomorrow morning to pack for the next Ecuadorian game in Kansas City Saturday against Curaçao.
Out front of Stateside Live, a group of Ecuador fans dressed in regional traditional clothing held their own mini flash mob ahead of the first World Cup match in Philly.
Among the dancers was 22-year-old Juliana Padilla, who stepped in last minute to join the flash mob from New York. After days of practicing, Padilla was excited to finally show off Ecuador’s culture ahead of the team’s World Cup match.
“We wanted to represent Latin America,” Padilla said. “We’re wearing the regional, traditional gear. We wanted to bring it to the people here to feel connected with their roots.”
Four hours ahead of tonight’s Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador match at a rebranded Linc, Ecuadorian fans arrive at NRG station chanting: “Let’s go Ecuadorians for we must win tonight.”
Four hours ahead of the Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador match, Ecuadorian fans arrive at NRG station chanting: “Let's go Ecuadorians for we must win tonight.” Via @PhillyInquirerpic.twitter.com/ls3vuiKdKs
Thunderstorms in Philly could interrupt tonight’s World Cup match
Ecuadorian fans flood Lincoln Financial Field Sunday night for the city’s first-ever World Cup match. David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
Severe thunderstorms could make their way through the Philadelphia region later this evening, potentially catching the tail end of tonight’s World Cup match between Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Philadelphia and the surrounding counties Sunday evening that will remain in effect until 1 a.m. Monday morning.
The most organized swath of thunderstorms are expected to move through the area between 9 p.m. and midnight, potentially bringing severe gusty winds and heavy rain, according to Jessica Storm, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Mt. Holly office.
A tornado is also possible, as it isolated hail up to the size of a quarter.
FIFA will pause play if there is a lightning strike within eight miles of the stadium. The match will remain paused for 30 minutes, with any subsequent lightning strikes resetting the clock.
The FIFA Fan Fest at Lemon Hill Park in Fairmount would also be forced to close if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius. Fans would need to exit the grounds and move to a safe location, FIFA said in a statement, and could re-enter after 30 minutes if no additional lightning is detected.
IRVINE, Calif. — Since the game ended at 2 in the morning Philadelphia time, you might have been asleep when Australia’s win over Turkey ended.
Then again, if you’re enough of a soccer diehard, you might well have stayed up to be sure you watched all four of Saturday’s games live.
Regardless, the Socceroos’ 2-0 upset in Vancouver blows the United States’ group wide open. Now those two teams have three points each, with the U.S. in first place on goal difference by +3 to +2. (That’s what made Gio Reyna’s late strike in the 4-1 win over Paraguay actually important, not just a cherry on top.)
It also makes Friday’s U.S.-Australia game in Seattle an even bigger deal than it already was. American fans have been waiting ever since the draw to watch their team in one of the nation’s best soccer cities, and now the game has huge stakes.
The winner will be in the driver’s seat to take first place. And if the U.S. prevails, it will only need a draw against Turkey in the June 25 finale back in Los Angeles to win the group.
Curacao players celebrate after scoring during the World Cup Group E soccer match between Germany and Curacao in Houston, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)Eric Gay / AP
If you just saw Curaçao score a tying goal against Germany, you need to understand just how wild it was.
CURAÇAO SCORES ITS FIRST-EVER FIFA WORLD CUP GOAL 🇨🇼
The island nation, a former Netherlands territory, is the smallest country ever to qualify for a World Cup by both population (just over 150,000 people) and land mass (171 square miles).
Germany, by contrast, is a four-time World Cup champion and three-time European champion.
Curaçao’s squad is built mainly of players in global diasporas who have family roots on the island. None of the 26 men play in the world’s five best domestic leagues: the top divisions in England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France. They pulled off an upset in qualifying too, with a scoreless tie at Jamaica (including Union goalkeeper Andre Blake) on the last day that clinched their World Cup ticket.
Germany, by contrast, has 25 of its 26 players in those circuits — and the other one plays for a bit team in Turkey after many years in the League and Bundesliga.
As I was writing this post, watching the game on TV while on the road covering the U.S. team, Germany just retook the lead. But I promise, those big sections of Blue Sharks fans at the stadium in Houston are having the time of their lives. And everyone around North and Central America who appreciates Curaçao’s underdog story is rooting for them.
What to know if you’re going to the FIFA Fan Festival
Soccer fans gather to watch Mexico play South Africa on a giant screen during the opening day of the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill on Thursday, June 11, 2026, in Philadelphia.Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer
A crowd packed with thousands of cheering fans, the 60-foot-wide screen playing the latest fiery matchup, and dozens upon dozens of food vendors await the FIFA Fan Festival, the cheapest and most immersive way to enjoy the 2026 World Cup in Philadelphia.
The Fan Festival is open daily to 15,000 fans, for free, to roam the million square feet of festival grounds that have transformed quaint Lemon Hill into an almost unrecognizable extravaganza of global soccer.
The main spectacle is the 60-foot screen that takes over the main stage in Lemon Hill, where the majority of fans will congregate to watch the match. But, throughout the festival are multiple smaller screens playing the game, so fans don’t miss a moment when they roam for food, fun, or the bathroom.
“Even if you’re not a soccer fan, you can still come out and have a great time,” said Michael DelBene, executive producer of FIFA Fan Festival for Philadelphia Soccer 2026. “You can come and listen to music or eat delicious food, or shop.”
The festival is intended for fans of all ages and promises to be kid and family friendly.
An active Union player finally played in a World Cup game
Scotland’s Lawrence Shankland (20), and Haiti’s Danley Jean Jacques (17) battle for the ball during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Haiti and Scotland in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Saturday, June 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)Martin Meissner
Halfway through the Union’s 17th season, midfielder Danley Jean Jacques became the first active player from the club to play in a World Cup.
Jean Jacques started for Haiti on Saturday night against Scotland in Foxborough, Mass., in what was also Haiti’s first men’s World Cup game since 1974 and Scotland’s first since 1998.
Haiti lost the game, 1-0, but played well, outshooting Scotland 15-9 and holding a majority of the possession. Jean Jacques was often at the center of the action, with four tackles, two clearances, one interception, eight duels won in 12 contested, and 44-of-53 passing.
The 26-year-old from the small coastal town of Petit-Goâve is in his third season with the Union. He has been a regular with Les Grenadiers since 2023, earning his 31st cap for the country in this game.
Jean Jacques is the third active Union player to be on a World Cup team. The first was right back Olivier Mbaizo, who made Cameroon’s squad four years ago but did not play.
Members of the Ivory Coast national football team react while watching the Sixers Stixers drum line perform following their practice at Subaru Park in Chester, Pa. on Friday, June 12, 2026Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
The waterfronts of Chester and Wilmington are roughly 5,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean from Abidjan, the Ivory Coast’s largest city. But, for at least three weeks during the FIFA World Cup, the Ivorian men’s national team will call the banks of the Delaware River home.
Les Éléphants hosted an open training session at Subaru Park on Friday evening, two days before they begins their World Cup campaign with a match against Ecuador at Philadelphia Stadium (aka Lincoln Financial Field) on Sunday (7 p.m., FS1).
Ivory Coast is the only nation scheduled to play at the Linc twice during the World Cup’s group stage, and it is the only team that will stay and train in the Delaware Valley during the tournament.
The team has set up its base camp at Hotel Du Pont in Wilmington and will train at Subaru Park in Chester.
Ivory Coast’s open training session Friday evening was the second free event it has staged for the Philadelphia community. Les Éléphants beat Union II, 2-0, in a tuneup friendly on Monday that was open to the public.
Ecuador fans take over the Art Museum steps before World Cup kickoff
Ecuadorian soccer fans show support for their national team ahead of Sunday’s game against Ivory Coast.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
After decades living in New Jersey, Ecuadorian native Magaly Moreira, 60, said she had never seen such a display of her country’s people.
“It fills me with happiness, pride, and so much joy,” Moreira said, Ecuadorian flags painted on her face. “It’s our opportunity for us and the players to represent Ecuador.”
She was one of thousands of Ecuadorians attending “El banderazo Ecuatoriano” outside the Art Museum. An event organized by group +593 (the country’s international calling code) that made fans put aside the traditional “Ecuadorian hour” to show up more than on time to support their team.
“Ecuador, Ecuador, Ecuador, vamos Ecuador,” resounded through the Rocky steps as the fans chanted, many sporting the Ecuadorian soccer jersey.
Defeating the heat, a crowd of all ages — from newborns to seniors — cheered and danced to the traditional highland dance “Zapateando Juyayay,” showcasing pride for their country, waving flags, and hugging each other with hope.
With a broken leg and dragging a wheelchair, Darío Galarza and his friend Marco Gallardo flew in from Ecuador two days ago to support their home team. They did not expect to see such an outpouring for their national team.
“The U.S. is accessible for us because we share the same currency and it isn’t far, but we didn’t expect to see so many people,” Gallardo said.
For Galarza, skipping the World Cup wasn’t an option. After undergoing surgery for his leg last month, he made it a point to be as recovered as possible to fly to Philadelphia.
“I guess it’s true, you will always find an Ecuadorian in every corner of the world,” Galarza said. “At least I knew it was going to be me because I wasn’t missing this for the world.”
As a man inside a guinea pig costume began a conga line around the Rocky statue, 77-year-old Ecuadorian Francisco Castellanos couldn’t help but reflect on the wonder of seeing so many Ecuadorians together and the weight of representation.
“There are so many of us here that now we must win,” Castellanos said. “Whatever it takes,” he added, as the crowd erupted chanting the Ecuadorian national anthem.
Everything you need to know about the World Cup in Philly
The first World Cup game in Philadelphia is Sunday night.
Nine nations will compete in five group stage matches over the next two weeks, plus two more in a knockout game on July 4. Here’s what you need to know about those countries — and what those fans need to know about Philly …
Former Union announcer JP Dellacamera will call Philadelphia’s first World Cup game.Fox Sports
The first of six World Cup matches will take place Sunday night in Philadelphia, with Ivory Coast taking on Ecuador (7 pm., FS1) in Group E action.
Group E also includes Germany, which most experts predict will make it out of the group stage. So tonight’s match could be an early look at who finishes in second place (no offense to Curacao, the smallest country to ever qualify for the World Cup, edging out Iceland).
It seems like Ivory Coast will be the natural team for fans in the Delaware Valley to root for, outside the U.S. It’s the only country scheduled to play two matches in Philadelphia (they’ll take on Curacao on June 25), has made Hotel Du Pont in Wilmington it’s home away from home, and is training at Subaru Park in Chester.
Roses are red, violets are blue, today is the Eagles parade — and Valentine’s Day too. Express your true love with our Eagles Valentine card maker.
A Valentine's Day photo collage of Eagles players Cam Jurgens, Jalen Hurts, and Zack BaunJulia Duarte / Staff Illustration, Photography by The Inquirer
There’s no passion quite like that of the Eagles’ fan base, and with the Birds’ Super Bowl championship victory parade coinciding with Valentine’s Day on Friday, love — brotherly and otherwise — is most certainly in the Philadelphia air.
So, whether you love the Birds or are just a lovebird, take this quiz to find the perfect Super Bowl champ valentine for you.
How long have you been with your valentine?
Where can you and your valentine be found on game day?
Which Eagle reminds you of your valentine?
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A Jalen Hurts Valentine
An Eagles themed valentineJulia Duarte / Staff Illustration, Photography by Yong Kim, for the I
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AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Zack Baun Valentines
An Eagles themed valentineJulia Duarte / Staff Illustration, Photography by Steven M. Falk, forAn Eagles themed valentineJulia Duarte / Staff Illustration, Photography by APAn Eagles themed valentineJulia Duarte / Staff Illustration, Photography by Monica Herndon, for the Inquirer
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An Eagles themed valentineJulia Duarte / Staff Illustration, Photography by Yong Kim, for the InquirerAn Eagles themed valentineJulia Duarte / Staff Illustration, Photography by David Maialetti
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An Eagles themed valentineJulia Duarte / Staff Illustration, Photography by Jessica Griffin, for the Inquirer An Eagles themed Valentine's Day cardJulia Duarte / Staff Illustration, Photography by Monica Herndon
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