Inquirer.com – Zurich DR

Blog

  • Inside a whimsical Merion Station home | Inquirer Lower Merion

    Inside a whimsical Merion Station home | Inquirer Lower Merion

    Hi, Lower Merion! 👋

    Think your home is colorful? This Merion Station couple takes things up a notch or two. Also this week, shoppers remember longtime Ardmore staple Past Present Future ahead of its closure, a popular Villanova University bar under investigation says it’s being targeted, plus thousands of Main Line Health patients insured by UnitedHealthcare risk going out of network amid contract negotiations.

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    Inside a couple’s colorful and whimsical Merion Station home

    Noel and Lindsay Carota at their home, where they have lived since 1990. Allie Ippolito / For The Inquirer

    When Lindsay and Noel Carota moved into their five-bedroom Georgian revival Merion Station home in 1990, they set about making it their own.

    Today, the house is a riot of colors and textures and full of whimsical touches that start at the entrance. There, visitors are greeted by a brass-frog knocker on a purple door. Inside, there are plenty more frogs — something Lindsay began collecting at 21.

    Rooms are painted in watercolor hues of blues, pinks, greens, yellows, and purples, including the dining room, which has swirls of pink on its ceiling and floral fabric wallpaper with matching drapes.

    Take a peek at their one-of-a-kind decor.

    Remembering the past and looking to the future

    Sherry Tillman has operated Past Present Future for 50 years. Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    After 50 years in business, the last 30 or so in Ardmore, Sherry Tillman is getting ready to retire and will soon close beloved shop Past Present Future.

    Located at 15 Lancaster Ave., the store became a popular spot to shop for an array of goods, from trinket boxes to figurines to tarot cards. While she hasn’t set an official closing date, Tillman has begun discounting her inventory as she winds down, with plans to later sell the building itself.

    The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner caught up with Tillman about how the shop evolved and how she helped spur the local art community.

    💡 Community News

    • Popular Villanova University student watering hole Kelly’s Taproom is being investigated by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement for alleged violations including noise, open containers, and disorderly conduct. But the owners say it’s the latest development in a decades-long battle with local officials and residents. The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner has the details.
    • Some 32,000 Main Line Health patients insured by UnitedHealthcare could face service interruptions and providers going out of network if the insurer and the health system, which owns Bryn Mawr Hospital and Lankenau Medical Center, don’t reach a deal by June 30. The two organizations are currently in negotiations.
    • The community is mourning the death of Wynnewood native and local public relations maven Nina G. Zucker, who died last week at the age of 69. A Lower Merion High School alum, Zucker was the founder and president of her eponymous firm, Nina Zucker Associates, where she worked on public relations and marketing campaigns for clients ranging from musicians, actors, artists, and athletes to governments and nonprofits.
    • The township is hosting a public meeting on Tuesday along with Amtrak about the railroad’s plans to upgrade the power systems on the Bryn Mawr to Paoli segment of its Harrisburg line. The meeting will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the township building. You can also attend virtually.
    • The latest edition of Inquirer series “How I Bought This House” takes us just over the township border to Wynnefield, where a 38-year-old accountant purchased a new-construction townhouse for $499,000. Heather Ong prioritized a move-in ready spot that was quiet and had outdoor space for her dog, Lilly, landing on a neighborhood that gave her “a bigger bang” for her buck.
    • A Wynnewood family got a surprise visit from the Phillie Phanatic and a makeover for their yard earlier this week when the team partnered with swing set company King Swings. The gift, which included a garden upgrade and a new doghouse, comes in the wake of the family losing their father to a rare disease. (6abc)

    🏫 Schools Briefing

    • Lower Merion School District is considering a policy that would help reduce screen time for its youngest learners, including no longer assigning laptops and iPads to kindergartners, first graders, and second graders. There would also be changes to how technology is used for third- through sixth-grade students. The Inquirer’s Maddie Hanna lays out the details and explains why some parents still don’t think the policy goes far enough.
    • Lower Merion’s school board is slated to meet Monday to approve its final budget for the 2026-27 school year, which calls for a 3.5% property tax hike. There’s also a facilities and purchasing committee meeting this morning.
    • The class of 2026 graduated last week in ceremonies at Villanova University’s Finneran Pavilion. Lower Merion High School graduated 415 seniors and Harriton High School graduated 300 seniors.
    • Final exams begin today for high school students. There are a number of end-of-year events, including Cynwyd Elementary’s fourth grade “glow up” party this evening, Black Rock’s “Royal Jubilee” tomorrow, and eighth-grade promotion ceremonies on Monday and Tuesday. There are also fourth-grade promotion ceremonies on Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday is the last day of classes for this school year. See the district’s full calendar here.

    🍽️ On our Plate

    🎳 Things to Do

    🎶 Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts: Folk and blues singer Tom Rush headlines this week’s show. ⏰ Friday, June 12, 7 p.m. 💵 $25.88, free for kids 12 and under 📍 Bryn Mawr Gazebo

    💃 The Rock and Roll Playhouse: The kid-friendly outfit will perform Taylor Swift tunes. ⏰ Saturday, June 13, 11:45 a.m. 💵 $20.44, free for kids under 1 📍 Ardmore Music Hall

    🎵 Music in the Park: The summer concert series kicks off with a performance by local party band The Percolators. ⏰ Wednesday, June 17, 7 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Narberth Park gazebo

    ☀️ Summer Solstice: Ahead of the longest day of the year, celebrate the season with a wine garden, kids activities, food, music, and a bonfire. ⏰ Thursday, June 18, 6:30-9 p.m. 💵 $35 per family 📍 Riverbend Environmental Education Center

    🏡 On the Market

    A classic stone Colonial with a pool

    An aerial view of the property, which has a pool and back garden.Patrick Steven Boyhan II/Alcove Media | Courtesy of Adam Ferst/Compass

    Built in 1943, this Penn Valley home exudes Old World charm from its stone exterior to the intricate moldings inside. The Colonial has both living and family rooms, both with their own fireplaces, an updated kitchen, and five bedrooms, in addition to a rec room. It also features a patio that opens onto a pool and a circular garden that branches off to a shed. There’s an open house Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

    See more photos of the property here.

    Price: $1.455M | Size: 5,142 SF | Acreage: 1.05

    🗞️ What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • Bilal’s shake-up won’t fix what ails the sheriff’s office | Editorial

    Bilal’s shake-up won’t fix what ails the sheriff’s office | Editorial

    After insisting for months that all is well in her office, Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal has finally acknowledged that it isn’t.

    Bilal’s announcement of a shake-up in her department — which has been widely criticized for failing to properly execute some of its core duties, such as handling property auctions and providing courtroom security — was an important step forward for some long-overdue systemic changes.

    Her proposed restructuring, however, still falls short of what the city really needs: the abolition of the office itself.

    After all, troubles at the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office are not new. The office has been plagued by a history of misconduct stretching back nearly 170 years.

    Once the city established a full-time police department in 1854, the sheriff’s office became a vestigial organ in the vast anatomy of Philadelphia municipal agencies. And, not unlike the evolutionary leftovers in the human body, such as an appendix or wisdom teeth, it’s mostly noticed these days for the discomfort it can cause.

    There’s good reason to doubt Bilal’s proposed restructuring will meaningfully improve outcomes. We’ve heard these promises from her before. When Bilal first ran for sheriff in 2019, she pledged to reform the office.

    Nevertheless, her critics say, she has spent her tenure engaged in the same tactics as her predecessors (she even hosted a “going to prison” party for one of them, former Sheriff John Green).

    Good government advocates say she’s used departmental revenue as a slush fund, struggled to collect firearms from accused domestic abusers, failed to process deeds in a timely fashion, left court officials exposed to dangerous conditions, lost dozens of guns under departmental control, fired whistleblowers, and has been admonished by the courts.

    All the while, she has insisted that complaints are unfounded and unfair.

    As Lauren Cristella, president and CEO of the Committee of Seventy, a municipal watchdog organization, said in a statement, the reorganization plan “should have been in place long ago.”

    Given that Bilal has been in power for six years, that is a legitimate complaint. Especially since the sheriff has insisted sales and deeds were being processed at “full blast” just weeks ago during budget hearings, only to be disproven by Inquirer reporting and reprimanded by the city’s courts.

    Bilal, for her part, responded by saying that changing an ancient office can’t happen overnight, and that she is operating with limited resources. Considering her time in office and penchant for, shall we say, unconventional spending, that argument is dubious.

    Bilal’s plan is also thin on some key details. While Tariq El-Shabazz, who has faced his own share of scrutiny in his role as Bilal’s deputy, is set to retire, Bilal has not confirmed the identity of a new undersheriff, or any of the other new staff positions that have been created to implement the plan.

    Additionally, there does not seem to be a written outline of her proposals. A request from this board to Bilal’s spokesperson for a copy of the plan had gone unanswered by Wednesday afternoon.

    One thing is clear: The courts must continue to press Bilal for improvements to her agency. It may still be necessary, for example, to appoint a court official to oversee deed issuance, particularly given the lack of transparency about how well those processes are functioning.

    Ultimately, the sheriff’s office overhaul the city should undertake is one that will eliminate the department altogether, alongside the similarly mismanaged and unnecessary Register of Wills. Until then, the bad news will keep on coming, restructuring plan or not.

  • Swarthmore 9 ask DA to drop ‘absurd’ charges | Inquirer Greater Media

    Swarthmore 9 ask DA to drop ‘absurd’ charges | Inquirer Greater Media

    Hi, Greater Media! 👋

    A group of pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at Swarthmore College last year asked the Delaware County district attorney to drop the “absurd” trespassing charges this week. Here’s what to know ahead of the potential trial. In other local news, fans of HBO’s Task can buy items used on the show, an area medical logistics company is shutting down, plus additional teacher layoffs could hit Wallingford-Swarthmore School District.

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    Delco DA moving ahead with ‘Swarthmore 9’ trespassing charges

    Swarthmore College student Jace Boland, one of nine protesters facing charges, speaks at a news conference Tuesday outside the Delaware County Courthouse. Alejandro A. Alvarez / Staff Photographer

    The Delaware County district attorney plans to maintain charges brought against nine pro-Palestinian protesters arrested last spring on Swarthmore College’s campus.

    The protesters, mostly unaffiliated with the school save for a current and former student, called the charges “absurd” at a press conference earlier this week, asking the DA to drop the charges.

    District Attorney Tanner Rouse said the group had been offered the chance to plead to a lesser, summary offense, which they refused.

    A lawyer for the protesters has filed for a motion to dismiss, which will be argued on June 22, ahead of what could be their trial if it moves forward.

    The Inquirer’s Vinny Vella explains why the DA pressed charges and why the protesters didn’t agree to a plea.

    💡 Community News

    • Fans of the Delaware County-set HBO crime drama Task can now own a small piece of the show thanks to Thrift & Thrive. The Drexel Hill shop, previously known as Nana’s Attic, received a truckload of items last week including furniture and apparel used on set.
    • Upper Providence Township-based healthcare and life sciences on-demand delivery company American Expediting Logistics is laying off all 86 of its employees after ceasing operations last week. The company cited reduced spending in the industry and “ongoing pressures across the transportation sector.”
    • Swarthmore is hiring for an assistant borough manager. It also continues hiring a full-time manager after the previous one was terminated in March.
    • Some 32,000 Main Line Health patients insured by UnitedHealthcare could face service interruptions and providers going out of network if the insurer and the health system, which owns Riddle Hospital in Middletown Township, don’t reach a deal by June 30. The two organizations are currently in negotiations.
    • Delaware County launched a new mobile health initiative last week known as Wellness on Wheels. The 33-foot-long RV will offer healthcare services such as vaccines, blood pressure readings, and prostate cancer screenings at county health events. Organizations will also be able to request it for other community events.
    • Heads up for drivers: Aqua Pennsylvania is scheduled to begin monthslong construction on a $1.2 million water main project Tuesday on North Orange Street between Kirk Lane and West 5th Street in Media and Upper Providence Township. Work will take place weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the project slated for completion in November.
    • Speaking of road closures, the Media 5 Mile Race returns tomorrow and will cause closures on impacted roads from about 4 to 9 p.m., including parking restrictions. The sold-out race kicks off at 7 p.m.
    • Sunday is the last day for Pepper Lee Boutique and Gina the Jewelry Lady at their Glen Mills location at 818 Baltimore Pike. The stores will reopen above the Country Deli at 1176 N. Middletown Rd. in Media on July 2.

    🏫 Schools Briefing

    • Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is weighing additional layoffs amid its budget crunch, in addition to reevaluating class sizes, Superintendent Russell Johnston said Tuesday at a school board finance committee meeting. The Inquirer’s Maddie Hanna has the latest on WSSD’s financial woes.
    • Also in WSSD, tomorrow is the last day of school. There’s an eighth-grade bridge crossing this morning and a school board meeting Monday evening. See the district’s full calendar here.
    • In Rose Tree Media School District, today is the last day of afternoon kindergarten for Media Elementary. It’s also the eighth-grade recognition ceremony at Springton Lake. Tomorrow is the last day of school, when there will be early dismissals and fifth-grade clap-outs. There’s a school board meeting this evening. See the district’s full calendar here.
    • Tomorrow is the deadline for RTMSD families to complete the 2026-27 transportation survey, letting the district know what students will or won’t ride the bus next school year.

    🍽️ On our Plate

    • Looking for a place to dine with your pup this summer? White Dog Cafe and Terrain Cafe, both in Glen Mills, offer dog-friendly dining. (Main Line Today)

    🎳 Things to Do

    🍦 Ice Cream Social: Grab a scoop of ice cream and a bite to eat from food trucks in celebration of the last day of school. There will also be live music and face painting. ⏰ Thursday, June 11, 5-9 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Swarthmore town center

    🎶 Rose Tree Summer Concert Festival: This year’s concert series kicks off with a performance by the Delaware County Symphony on Wednesday, followed by the Fabulous Greaseband next Thursday, Philly Gumbo next Friday, the Rose Tree Pops next Saturday, and the Jersey Beach Boys next Sunday. ⏰ Wednesday, June 17-Sunday, June 21, 7:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Rose Tree Park, Media

    🏡 On the Market

    A stately five-bedroom Media home with beautiful grounds

    The home was built in 1904 and spans just over 4,000 square feet.Radiq Corporation | Courtesy of Gary Scheivert/BHHS Fox & Roach-Media

    Built in the early 20th century, this stately Colonial in Upper Providence Township blends historic and modern elements like a stone exterior and portico that harken to the past, while a renovated kitchen is thoroughly 21st century. It features quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances and looks onto a family room with rounded windows and a fireplace. The home has five bedrooms, with the third floor dedicated to the primary suite, complete with a walk-in closet and dressing room. Outside, there are multiple slate patios as well as a meandering water feature that ends in a small pond. There’s an open house Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.

    See more photos of the property here.

    Price: $1.65M | Size: 4,020 SF | Acreage: 0.9

    🗞️ What other Greater Media residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • Want to invest in SpaceX? Here’s what to know before its IPO

    Want to invest in SpaceX? Here’s what to know before its IPO

    SpaceX, Elon Musk’s rocket ship company, plans to sell shares publicly for the first time ever this week. It’s an unusual event in several ways.

    The company’s initial public offering would earn it the title of the world’s largest IPO. SpaceX is also giving everyday investors a much larger slice of its shares than is typical for a public offering. And the IPO could create the world’s first trillionaire by increasing the net worth of the company’s CEO, Musk.

    Here’s what you need to know before SpaceX’s first day of trading Friday.

    What is an IPO?

    An initial public offering, or IPO, is a company’s debut in the stock market. It’s the first time the general public can buy a piece of the company. Firms do this to tap into a bigger pool of capital to help them expand their business.

    When a company decides to go public, it works with an investment bank to figure out how much the company is worth and the price at which it should sell its shares.

    SpaceX has set its price at $135 a share, which would value the company at $1.77 trillion. Since last week, SpaceX’s bankers have been discussing with prospective investors how many shares they are willing to buy at that price. On Thursday night, all orders for shares will become final, and the offering process will close.

    On Friday, the shares will start trading publicly on Nasdaq. After trading starts, the stock price is likely to fluctuate as the shares change hands on the open market. Bankers generally try to price an IPO so that it has room to rise once its shares are public. Some analysts question how much more the value of SpaceX may rise, given its already lofty valuation.

    Why does the SpaceX IPO matter?

    Hundreds of companies introduce their stock on the market every year. But what makes SpaceX stand out is its size.

    At a $1.77 trillion valuation, it would dethrone Saudi Aramco — Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company, which debuted in 2019 with a valuation of $1.7 trillion — as the largest IPO ever.

    “It’s a big deal because it’s literally a big deal,” said Matt Kennedy, senior strategist at Renaissance Capital.

    If SpaceX’s IPO flops, it could send a shudder through a market that has been riding a wave of optimism related to artificial intelligence and other technology. The outcomes could include a chilled IPO market or a broader market sell-off.

    “If SpaceX does poorly and the rest of the market goes down with it, we’ll all be pointing to that as the sign that the market peaked,” Kennedy said.

    Still, it’s possible investors will stick with the company for reasons beyond the “Elon Musk factor” or AI-related exposure, he added.

    Who makes money from the IPO?

    The immediate beneficiaries of the IPO are those who already own private shares of SpaceX. They include Musk, who owns a majority of the company’s shares and could see his net worth rise to over $1 trillion.

    Others include SpaceX employees who have been compensated in company stock, and investors, including venture capital funds. The banks helping SpaceX go public will make money, too, earning a fee of more than $500 million, the largest payout ever.

    The banks are also using the IPO as an opportunity to woo clients in their wealth management businesses, giving them access to SpaceX’s initial offering shares.

    If shares of the company pop, investors who buy Thursday evening can sell those shares and make a profit.

    Over the long term, SpaceX’s stock performance may depend on whether Musk can deliver on his promises to install tens of thousands of new satellites in orbit and develop a viable AI model.

    How can I buy SpaceX stock?

    It’s possible for everyday investors to buy shares of the company at its $135 price, though not guaranteed.

    When firms go public, they usually reserve a small sliver of their stock for individuals, with the bulk going to giant investors like asset managers and hedge funds.

    SpaceX, however, is seeking commitments from individuals for up to 30% of its shares, much larger than a typical offering.

    Some of those shares set aside for individual investors will be available under the SPCX ticker on online brokerage platforms like Robinhood, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and SoFi.

    For anyone looking to buy SpaceX shares, the brokerages have said investors may not get the total number that they request, given a limited supply of stock at the initial offering price.

    “Here, you ask for 1,000 shares — maybe you’ll get 300; maybe you’ll get 50,” said Jay Ritter, an IPO expert at the University of Florida.

    Individuals may find themselves owning SpaceX shares even if they didn’t actively choose to invest.

    The Nasdaq-100, a popular index that tracks the top 100 nonfinancial companies listed on that exchange, recently relaxed its rules to make it easier and faster for SpaceX to be included. That will force funds that track the index to invest in SpaceX practically overnight.

    How much could investors make from the IPO?

    Nearly 16 years ago, investors piled onto the IPO of Musk’s electric vehicle company, Tesla, which proved lucrative for those who held on. Someone who bought $1,000 of Tesla shares in 2010 would have seen their value soar to around $400,000 today.

    SpaceX is the biggest company in the space industry by a wide margin, which makes it a defining stock to own for those interested in that sector. It has also been around for over two decades and has hosted several funding rounds since then.

    “The time for being an early investor in SpaceX has sort of passed,” Kennedy said.

    This article originally appeared in the New York Times.

  • ⚽ Meet the team | Sports Daily Newsletter

    ⚽ Meet the team | Sports Daily Newsletter

    The U.S. men’s national soccer team is about to embark on one of the rarest privileges in sports — playing a World Cup on native soil.

    We’ve written extensively about many of them, particularly the ones with ties to the region. Now, the time has come. The World Cup kicks off today with two Group A games, and the U.S.’s Group D opener is against Paraguay on Friday (9 p.m., Fox29).

    We’ve known for a few weeks who was on the team. But now’s your chance to really get to know the 26 players suiting up for their country in our detailed breakdown and analysis of each member of the World Cup roster.

    One of the most important members of that squad is Chris Richards, who says he’s good to go after an ankle injury in May — though he knows it’s not fully his call.

    Looking for somewhere to keep the World Cup party going into the wee hours in the morning? Your options might be limited — less than 20 bars have been approved to stay open until 4 a.m.

    — Maria McIlwain, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    ❓How far do you think the USMNT will go in the World Cup? Why? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

    Hurtin’ for answers

    Eagles quarterbacks Andy Dalton (14) and Jalen Hurts work out during mandatory minicamp on Wednesday at the Jefferson Health Training Complex.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    OK, so remember back in April when ESPN published a report detailing friction between Jalen Hurts and the Eagles? The quarterback felt no need to set the record straight, saying, “so just let it live and go do my job.”

    How about that “four verticals” play that sealed the wild-card loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Did he ask for that? Another no.

    Hurts is embarking on another season of change as he adjusts to yet another play-caller in Sean Mannion. He’s also adjusting to life without top wide receiver A.J. Brown. That may seem like a lot of change, but Hurts says he’s maintaining focus.

    The guys protecting Hurts have been through it, injury-wise, in recent seasons. But his center, Cam Jurgens, finally had a (somewhat) normal offseason and is eagerly learning Mannion’s new offense.

    Hurts and the Eagles offense were able to strike back at Vic Fangio’s defense during the final minicamp session. On defense though, Riq Woolen continues to shine this spring, Jeff McLane writes in his practice takeaways.

    Next: That’s it from Jefferson Health Training Complex (wow, what a mouthful) until late July, when the Birds report for training camp.

    Jumping on Scherzer

    Max Scherzer, the Blue Jays’ ace, was making his first start since April 27 on Wednesday, and the Phillies made him pay. Homers from Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm chased Scherzer out of the game after 3⅓ innings in the Phillies’ 7-4 win over Toronto.

    Meanwhile, Johan Rojas, who was serving an 80-game PED suspension, won’t play for the season after imaging revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, which will require surgery.

    Next: After an off day on Thursday, the Phillies return to the States to open a road series vs. the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers on Friday (7:40 p.m., NBCSP). Phillies rookie Andrew Painter (1-7, 6.21 ERA) will oppose Jacob Misiorowski (7-2, 1.50).

    ‘I ran the draft’

    Mike Gansey is ready to get to work as the Sixers’ president of basketball operations.Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer

    You’ll have to forgive Mike Gansey for being kind of over his introductory press conference.

    You see, the NBA draft is about two weeks away. And it’s kind of his thing.

    Gansey, the Sixers’ new president of basketball operations, brings his draft expertise from Cleveland and is working to blend it with the preparations already underway on the Sixers’ end. They’ll draft 22nd, which isn’t nearly as flashy as last season, but there’s still a sense of urgency.

    Next: Gansey’s first draft as the Sixers’ top executive is June 23-24.

    Center of it all

    General manager Danny Brière is gearing up for his fourth draft with the Flyers.Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    The NHL draft is fast approaching, and Flyers general manager Danny Brière and Co. It’ll be Brière’s fourth with the team for which he played six seasons, and we had questions.

    Brière and our Jackie Spiegel sat down to discuss strategy for the June 26-27 draft, particularly in light of this season’s postseason appearance, the ever-present need at center, and more in Part 2 of our Q&A with the GM.

    Next: After the draft, Flyers of the present and future will be back on the ice locally on June 29, when development camp opens.

    Sports snapshot

    What you’re saying about the best Birds

    We asked: Who is the “best” to ever play for the Eagles in your opinion?

    The Bests. Let’s start off with the best player — Reggie White. The best one single game — Nick Foles. The best disrupters — tie between T.O. & A.J. — Ronald R.

    26 Eagles in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and of those Reggie White and Brian Dawkins were the two best and absolutely dominant in their performance. And one of the dumbest decisions in Eagles history was letting Reggie White go to the Packers for want of a few bucks. — Everett S.

    A.J. really thought highly of himself. Best to ever play here????? NOT … — Bill M.

    This will be a generational response. Though I was born in 1959, I would have to nominate Chuck Bedbarik, for leading the Eagles to the 1960 NFL Championship, and Vince Lombardi’s only playoff loss. A 21st century pick would by Donovan McNabb for leading the Eagles to 5 NFC title games and one Super Bowl appearance. He had a sustained Eagles career of excellence. — Bob C.

    Chuck Bednarik — Joe R.

    Dawkins best ever. Owens best receiver. Bye A.J. You can quit your routes for NE now. — Brian C.

    So many players, so many choices but the one player that encompasses everything the “best” Eagle should have — talent, grit, determination, brashness,perseverance,will to win — is Chuck Bednarik. “The Hit” and the stop on Jim Taylor say it all. — Joseph W.

    We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jonathan Tannenwald, Henry Savage, Beatrice Forman, Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Jeff McLane, Lochlahn March, Gina Mizell, Jackie Spiegel, Ariel Simpson, Mia Messina, and Ethan Kopelman.

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    Thanks for reading along! Bella will be back tomorrow to close out the week. — Maria

  • Meet the 26 players on the 2026 U.S. men’s soccer World Cup team

    Meet the 26 players on the 2026 U.S. men’s soccer World Cup team

    IRVINE, Calif. — The first men’s soccer World Cup on U.S. soil in 32 years kicks off this week, with great anticipation in Philadelphia and nationwide. That’s true for the 26 players of the U.S. team, too, as they seek to make a lasting mark on the tournament and the sport.

    Here’s what to know about each of the players whom manager Mauricio Pochettino picked for his squad. They’re listed by position, then in alphabetical order.

    U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino.Jonathan Tannenwald

    Goalkeepers

    Chris Brady

    Jersey number: 26 Age: 22 Club: Chicago Fire Hometown: Naperville, Ill. Height and weight: 6-foot-3, 170 pounds Senior national team games (Caps): 1

    A clear and understandable third on the depth chart, he was picked to gain experience for what should be more trips to World Cups in the future.

    Chris Brady (left) is on the team to get experience for the future.Jonathan Tannenwald

    Matt Freese

    Number: 24 Age: 27 Club: New York City FC Hometown: Wayne, Pa. Height and weight: 6-3, 194 Caps: 15

    His rise through Harvard, the Union, New York FC, and now the national team might be the most underappreciated story of this U.S. squad. Freese made his senior U.S. debut last summer and immediately became Pochettino’s No. 1 netminder. Now, he seems on the cusp of starting at the World Cup, though the manager has repeatedly not committed to naming the starter in advance.

    The USMNT World Cup roster has its strongest Philly accent in over 90 years
    Matt Freese in the U.S. net when the Americans played Paraguay at Subaru Park last November.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Matt Turner

    Number: 1 Age: 31 Club: New England Revolution Hometown: Park Ridge, N.J. Height/weight: 6-3, 185 Caps: 54

    The starter from the last World Cup until the start of last summer, when the last of a few subpar performances cost him his spot. He’s been better than Freese statistically in MLS this year, but wasn’t as good with the national team in March.

    Matt Freese vs. Matt Turner: The USMNT starting goalkeeper duel could go down to the wire
    Matt Turner hopes to regain the U.S. starting job.Jonathan Tannenwald

    Centerbacks

    Alex Freeman

    Number: 16 Age: 21 Club: Villarreal, Spain Hometown: Plantation, Fla. Height/weight: 6-2, 174 Caps: 17

    Until a few days ago, we’d have listed him as an outside back who can also play centerback. But he did very well in a more central spot in the two pre-World Cup warmup games. Now, he might take the role again, especially early in the group stage as Chris Richards finishes rehabbing an injury.

    Why U.S. Soccer’s new national training center will matter long after the World Cup
    Alex Freeman is the son of former Eagles and Packers wide receiver Antonio Freeman.Jonathan Tannenwald

    Mark McKenzie

    Number: 22 Age: 27 Club: Toulouse, France Hometown: Bear, Del. (though born in the Bronx, N.Y.) Height/weight: 6-0, 183 Caps: 29

    Talented, charismatic, humble, and owner of one of the best resumes of any U.S. defender. His path from the Union to Belgium’s Genk to a stalwart of France’s Ligue 1 is the ideal path for a player to follow. Though he’s prone to occasional big mistakes, he also does a lot to make up for them.

    Former Union sporting director Earnie Stewart takes pride in helping build the USMNT’s World Cup team
    Mark McKenzie (center) is one of the best-performing U.S. defenders in Europe.Jonathan Tannenwald

    Tim Ream

    Number: 13 Age: 38 Club: Charlotte FC Hometown: St. Louis Height/weight: 6-1, 176 Caps: 82

    He’s been the captain almost since the start of Pochettino’s tenure in late 2024. Age is catching up to him, but his role in the locker room is unquestioned. If Pochettino sticks with a 3-4-2-1 tactical formation, that will give Ream some cover for having slowed down.

    Tim Ream will captain the USMNT at the World Cup, with Mauricio Pochettino’s strong backin
    Tim Ream’s experience made him manager Mauricio Pochettino’s choice for captain.Jonathan Tannenwald

    Chris Richards

    Number: 3 Age: 26 Club: Crystal Palace, England Hometown: Birmingham, Ala. Height/weight: 6-2, 192 Caps: 36

    The most irreplaceable player on the back line, his absence from the warmup games due to torn ankle ligaments was crystal clear. He seems close to returning to action, but until he’s officially on the field, U.S. fans will be understandably worried.

    ‘I’m ready,’ USMNT star centerback Chris Richards says as he finishes his comeback from injury
    Chris Richards’ injury status was the biggest story during the U.S. team’s pre-tournament training camp.Jonathan Tannenwald

    Miles Robinson

    Number: 12 Age: 29 Hometown: Arlington, Mass. Club: FC Cincinnati Height/weight: 6-2, 185 Caps: 40

    It may be impolite to say he’s last on the depth chart at this position, but it’s true — and his performances in the warmup games didn’t help his case to change that. Facing Kai Havertz and Nicolas Jackson is a different level from MLS. If Robinson was picked as insurance against Richards having to withdraw, that’s understandable, but he was Pochettino’s most-criticized choice.

    For Mauricio Pochettino, picking the World Cup team was ‘painful’ — and unlike anything in his career
    Miles Robinson (right) in action against Senegal, where he was partly responsible for one of the goals the U.S. conceded.Scott Kinser

    Auston Trusty

    Number: 6 Age: 27 Club: Celtic, Scotland Hometown: Media, Pa. Height/weight: 6-3, 172 Caps: 8

    Eleven years ago, he was a fast-rising prospect in the Union and U.S. youth ranks. Only now, though, all this time and five clubs later, has he finally made it to the biggest stage. He still cherishes his Philly area roots, serving on the Union academy’s board.

    Auston Trusty has come full circle with the USMNT, and still keeps close ties to the Union
    Auston Trusty seized his chance when he got back into the national team last fall.Jonathan Tannenawld

    Outside backs

    Max Arfsten

    Number: 18 Age: 25 Club: Columbus Crew Hometown: Fresno, Calif. Height/weight: 6-1, 172 Caps: 20

    He’s better as a left wingback in a 3-4-2-1 than as a left back in a 4-2-3-1, especially on defense. Other than that, he was an easy choice to be Antonee Robinson’s backup on that side of the field.

    Explaining why the USMNT’s tactical shift to a three-centerback setup matters so much
    Max Arfsten’s dynamism makes him a useful backup on the U.S. squad.Jonathan Tannenwald

    Sergiño Dest

    Number: 2 Age: 25 Club: PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands Hometown: Almere, Netherlands Height/weight: 5-8, 137 Caps: 39

    Simply put, a special talent. He’s a havoc-wreaking talent on the right flank, and can pitch in on the left if needed. Dest has also improved his defensive game lately. The 3-4-2-1 setup is perfect for unleashing him.

    Sergiño Dest is finally fulfilling his potential with the USMNT, right in time for the World Cup
    Sergiño Dest (left) is a dynamic force for the U.S. on the flank.Scott Kinser

    Antonee Robinson

    Number: 5 Age: 28 Club: Fulham, England Hometown: Liverpool, England Height/weight: 6-0, 152 Caps: 54

    Not far from Richards on the irreplaceable ranking. Left back has long been the toughest position for the U.S. to find talent at, but Robinson has had it locked down for five years — at least when he’s healthy. He’s a big presence in the locker room, too.

    The USMNT has momentum going into the World Cup, even after a loss to Germany in its last tuneup game
    Antonee Robinson is a key player on the field and in the locker room for the U.S.Jonathan Tannenwald

    Joe Scally

    Number: 23 Age: 23 Club: Borussia Mönchengladbach, Germany Hometown: Lake Grove, N.Y. Height/weight: 6-0, 174 Caps: 26

    For a while, it seemed he wouldn’t make the cut, with Dest and Freeman ahead of him at right wingback. Then he did enough at club level down the stretch of the Bundesliga season to earn the call. It also helps that he can also step in at centerback or defensive midfielder if needed.

    Inside Lincoln Financial Field’s transformation into ‘Philadelphia Stadium’ for the World Cup
    Joe Scally (left) cracking a smile at a recent practice.Jonathan Tannenwald

    Tim Weah

    Number: 21 Age: 26 Club: Olympique Marseille, France Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y. Height/weight: 6-0, 146 Caps: 51

    He’s officially listed on the roster as a forward, but could play attacking midfield or wingback — and he’s done all three over time. The last of them feels likely in a 3-4-2-1 setup, so that’s why he’s listed here for now. If Pochettino switches to a 4-2-3-1, Weah’s best fit is as a winger instead of an isolated right back. But while that’s for arguing over, his talent, creativity, and pedigree are unquestioned.

    Philly’s path to the World Cup was paved at Newt’s, where playing on cinder was a ‘badge of honor’
    Tim Weah (left) is the son of Liberian soccer legend George Weah, but has now carved out his own career in the world’s game.Jonathan Tannenwald

    Central/defensive midfielders

    Tyler Adams

    Number: 4 Age: 27 Club: Bournemouth, England Hometown: Wappingers Falls, N.Y. Height/weight: 5-9, 159 Caps: 54

    No longer the official captain, but the unofficial one for years. On the field, on camera, and in the locker room, the U.S. doesn’t have a better leader. Unfortunately, as we’re about to get into, a lack of depth at this position puts him in a tricky spot. Can he avoid yellow cards in the first two games so he isn’t suspended for the big finale against Turkey’s stars?

    Tyler Adams isn’t as worried as fans are about the USMNT’s lack of defensive midfield depth
    Although Tyler Adams (left) isn’t officially the U.S. captain anymore, he remains one of the team’s biggest leaders.Jonathan Tannenwald

    Sebastian Berhalter

    Number: 14 Age: 25 Club: Vancouver Whitecaps Hometown: Columbus, Ohio (born in London, England) Height/weight: 5-9, 154 Caps: 13

    He’s another unlikely success story, but the son of former U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter earned his spot. Sebastian helped the Vancouver Whitecaps reach last year’s MLS Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup finals, and with the national team combines hard work with great skill at set pieces. In fact, he might be the best at them on the roster. Could that earn him a starting spot next to Adams?

    Sebastian Berhalter had the burden of being a coach’s kid, but he earned his USMNT World Cup ticket
    Sebastian Berhalter didn’t earn his first U.S. national team cap until last June.Jonathan Tannenwald

    Cristian Roldan

    Number: 15 Age: 31 Club: Seattle Sounders Hometown: Pico Rivera, Calif. Height/weight: 5-8, 165 Caps: 47

    The veteran was so far out of Pochettino’s picture that he went on vacation at the start of the September FIFA window. Then the manager suddenly needed him, and Roldan answered the call. It immediately felt like he’d never left, and he hasn’t left since then.

    It isn’t his fault that this is the end of the depth chart. Will Pochettino regret not bringing Tanner Tessmann or Aidan Morris, both of whose talents merited inclusion? World Cups have a habit of nailing managers on the biggest risk they take. Jürgen Klinsmann learned it the hard way by leaving Landon Donovan home in 2014, and Gregg Berhalter bet a lot on benching Gio Reyna in 2022.

    Lapstone & Hammer represents Philly as part of World Cup collaboration with U.S. Soccer
    Cristian Roldan (center) has been a familiar face to U.S. fans for years.Jonathan Tannenwald

    Attacking midfielders

    Brenden Aaronson

    Number: 11 Age: 25 Club: Leeds United, England Hometown: Medford, N.J. Height/weight: 5-10, 150 Caps: 58

    Making his second straight World Cup team makes him the standard-bearer for Philadelphia on soccer’s global stage. So does earning a stalwart role at one of England’s most historic clubs, even if the first priority has been just staying in the Premier League. He’s happy to embrace being a role model for everyone back home, and now has the added emotional boost of a new wedding ring.

    Brenden Aaronson’s Jersey Shore wedding was just one stop in a wild pre-World Cup schedule
    Brenden Aaronson (right) has made his second straight U.S. World Cup team.Jonathan Tannenwald

    Weston McKennie

    Number: 8 Age: 27 Club: Juventus, Italy Hometown: Little Elm, Texas Height/weight: 6-1, 185 Caps: 66

    He’s a near-lock as a starter, but where will he play? The obvious answer of on the field can’t be enough. Will he be an attacking midfielder, the role he probably fits best, but potentially exposing the lack of depth behind him? Or will Pochettino slot McKennie next to Adams to try to get another playmaker on the field, and hope it doesn’t unbalance things?

    A former high school soccer player could be a World Cup breakout star in Philadelphia with Ivory Coast
    Weston McKennie (left) is coming off a terrific season with Juventus.Jonathan Tannenwald

    Christian Pulisic

    Number: 10 Age: 27 Club: AC Milan, Italy Hometown: Hershey, Pa. Height/weight: 5-10, 161 Caps: 86

    He isn’t officially Captain America, but he knows better than anyone that that’s his unofficial designation. It took much of his decade-long national team career to become comfortable in that spotlight, and it still doesn’t always fit him easily. But he also knows better than anyone that if he delivers when it counts at the World Cup, he can carry his country to greatness.

    Ten years into life as a star, Christian Pulisic arrives at the World Cup he has long dreamed of
    Christian Pulisic remains the biggest star on the U.S. men’s team.Jonathan Tannenwald

    Gio Reyna

    Number: 7 Age: 23 Club: Borussia Mönchengladbach, Germany Hometown: Bedford, N.Y. (born in Sunderland, England) Height/weight: 6-1, 174 Caps: 38

    For all his talent — and it’s up there with Pulisic — he only just did enough for club and country to make this squad. If he comes off the bench as expected, he might not have much time in games to make an impact. There will be real pressure to deliver.

    Duke Lacroix’s soccer career has taken him from Penn to Haiti’s World Cup team
    For all he has been through in his career, Gio Reyna is still only 23 years old.Jonathan Tannenawld

    Malik Tillman

    Number: 17 Age: 24 Club: Bayer Leverkusen, Germany Hometown: Fürth, Germany Height/weight: 6-2, 190 Caps: 30 lbs.

    His raw talent isn’t in question. Whether he can show it at a World Cup might be. Pochettino clearly likes Tillman, giving him lots of playing time. But things don’t always work right when he and McKennie are on the field. If Berhalter goes next to Adams and McKennie starts, Tillman might be relegated to a supersub — and have to compete with all the other candidates for minutes.

    Philadelphia native CJ dos Santos has taken an unusual road to the World Cup with Cape Verde
    Malik Tillman has a lot of skill, but we’ll see how he shows it in the World Cup.Jonathan Tannenwald

    Alejandro Zendejas

    Number: 26 Age: 28 Club: Club América, Mexico Hometown: Juárez, Mexico and El Paso, Texas Height/weight: 5-6, 146 Caps: 14

    He gets two hometowns because he grew up on both sides of the border, carrying the dreams of being a child of immigrants. The world’s game opened doors, and he charged through them from FC Dallas’ youth academy to Mexico’s Club America. Add a mix of skill and graft on the field, and you get a popular pick for this team.

    Alejandro Zendejas wears his emotions on his sleeve, including the joy of going to the World Cup
    Alejandro Zendejas autographing a fan’s American flag during the U.S. team’s open practice a few days ago.Jonathan Tannenawld

    Forwards

    Folarin Balogun

    Number: 20 Age: 24 Club: AS Monaco, France Hometown: London, England Height/weight: 5-10, 161 Caps: 27

    He was recruited in 2023 with all the pomp of a college football team chasing a star quarterback. Though injuries since then limited his appearances, he has shown overall why U.S. Soccer was right to push for him. Now the biggest payoff moment of all has arrived.

    Folarin Balogun has delivered on his promise with the USMNT. Now a long-awaited World Cup is here.
    Folarin Balogun chose to play for the U.S. over Nigeria, where his parents were born; and England, where he grew up.Jonathan Tannenwald

    Ricardo Pepi

    Number: 9 Age: 23 Club: PSV Eindhoven Hometown: El Paso, Texas Height/weight: 6-1, 161 Caps: 37

    The last and most controversial cut from the 2022 World Cup team, he has finally made it four years later. He put in a terrific amount of work in that time, including having to overcome a move from FC Dallas to Germany’s Augsburg that didn’t work out. But he was always strong with the national team, scoring big goals and hustling all over the field. Like Zendejas, a lot of U.S. fans will root for him in particular.

    FIFA has gone to great lengths to appeal to American soccer fans. But they got us all wrong. | Kerith Gabriel
    Ricardo Pepi (right) and Folarin Balogun (left) running together during a U.S. practice.Jonathan Tannenawld

    Haji Wright

    Number: 19 Age: 28 Club: Coventry City, England Hometown: Los Angeles Height/weight: 6-3, 174 Caps: 20

    The last player to score a goal for the U.S. men at a World Cup, and the first formally listed as a striker to do so in 20 years. At club level, he was a key player for Coventry this season to help the Sky Blues earn promotion back to the Premier League after 25 years in lower leagues. Though he’s third on this U.S. depth chart, his size and speed should ensure he gets on the field.

    How Philadelphia’s World Cup setup became the envy of fans in New York, Boston, and beyond
  • Philly encouraged neighborhood parties this summer, but is denying permits during key weeks

    Philly encouraged neighborhood parties this summer, but is denying permits during key weeks

    Philadelphia is slated to have an abundance of block parties and street festivals this summer after the city encouraged neighborhoods to join celebrations of the nation’s 250th with their own events, even offering financial support for hosting through various grants.

    But some organizers who responded to the calls are learning there is a limit on so-called festival street closure permits for events between June 11 and July 18: essentially, the duration of World Cup, July Fourth, and MLB All-Star Game events.

    Katie Hanford, executive director of the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District, learned of the change in May. The group submitted three festival street closure applications, two for World Cup watch parties and one for 250th festivities, and the Philadelphia Office of Special Events denied them “due to City resource constraints.”

    “The city government, in this case the Commerce Department, is literally trying to give communities money to host events and yet the city is also, on the other hand, denying the ability to host events,” said Hanford, who applied for the 2026 Neighborhood Celebration Grants Fund, which had $1 million for such events.

    Pride on Passyunk, an event put on by businesses last year, was also denied a “festival street closure” permit for June 14 because it fell during what the special events office called a several-week “blackout” period in an email regarding the application. June 14 is the first World Cup game in Philadelphia, among other high-profile events.

    The city, however, did not publicly announce any limits on event permits, nor did the Philadelphia Office of Special Events address the blackout dates when The Inquirer asked.

    Though these events plan to move forward as “sidewalk activations” that organizers say will be no less fun, frustration remains over an already complicated permitting process, made more difficult by what organizers argue has been confusing messaging from the city.

    First, there is the city’s classification of neighborhood block parties, for which permit applications are submitted to the Philadelphia Streets Department and reviewed by the police department. These permits are filed by residents aiming to throw a birthday party or other small celebration.

    But if the event is hosted by businesses or located in a commercial corridor, even if it spans only a block, organizers must file festival street closure applications, which the Philadelphia Office of Special Events reviews.

    So even though the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District planned to throw block parties, organizers say the city directed them to apply for a festival street closure, only to receive a denial.

    Randi Kampen and Lex Fanelli, organizers of Pride on Passyunk, said their event permit was approved, but they never officially heard back about the separate street closure application. A Philadelphia Office of Special Events email obtained by The Inquirer told the business improvement district the Pride event would be denied because of issues with the date.

    “Please understand, we have denied other events that fall within these blacked out dates too,” the email said, encouraging the group to apply for a date later in the summer or fall.

    The message was of little comfort to Kampen and Fanelli.

    “The blackout dates are because the city is not prepared for the FIFA stuff happening, and that’s not our fault,” Kampen said.

    Just last week, the Philadelphia City Controller’s Office published a report that found that rising police patrol costs and a difficult permitting process have made it hard for organizers to host the more than 1,400 special events the city approves each year. In some cases, as previously reported by The Inquirer, organizers have downsized, canceled, or moved outside the city.

    The 2026 summer festivities have only added another consideration to the process.

    Even so, people like Hanford say if city resources were going to be strained for the several-week span, they wish they had been alerted sooner instead of encouraged to put on events.

    Number of events affected remains unclear

    The city special events office did not immediately say how many festival street closure applications were denied for June 11 through July 18.

    Still, the city is slated to host plenty of block parties during that window.

    The Philadelphia Police Department has received 241 applications for block parties between June 11 and July 20, and recommended approval for 219, according to Sgt. Eric Gripp. The denial recommendations were unrelated to major city events, he said.

    But the police department flagged four dates to the special events office where World Cup games and 250th festivities would create staffing constraints for additional events requiring festival street closure permits — June 19, June 27, July 3, and July 4.

    “As Philadelphia prepares to host several major events this summer, including FIFA World Cup-related activities and other large-scale celebrations, the police department will continue balancing those public safety responsibilities while supporting community events whenever operationally feasible,” Gripp said.

    Separately, the special events office said June 14 was “a heavy commitment of resources” for public safety partners because of a slew of events, including the first World Cup match in Philly, the FIFA fan festival, Odunde Festival, Flag Day, events at Independence National Historical Park, and events at Franklin Square Park. The city said it also has to consider and prepare for any potential protests.

    For now, Pride on Passyunk is moving forward, as are the three events planned by the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District.

    Hanford said the business improvement district has been working with Councilmember Mark Squilla to potentially appeal the permit decisions, but time is running out.

    A June 19 event aimed to air the Brazil-Haiti match on the Juneteenth holiday and a June 27 block party was to show Croatia vs. Ghana. Those events call for screen setups and barricades that require coordination with third parties.

    Squilla’s office brokered a meeting between the business improvement district and the special events office on Wednesday, and is optimistic a compromise would lead to at least some permits being approved, according to Squilla’s chief of staff, Anne Kelly King.

    “Hopefully we’ll come to a resolution that’ll work for everybody. We don’t want to compromise safety, and that’s really center to it,” she said.

    Hanford said regardless of the outcome, East Passyunk would still host World Cup block parties.

    “The sidewalks will be lined with activations, food and drink specials, and places to watch the game,” she said. “We will be out here celebrating how South Philly always does — with joy in the streets, supporting small businesses, and going hard for sports.”

  • The World Cup arrives in Philly. Here’s everything to know, either as a hardcore fan or just curious.

    The World Cup arrives in Philly. Here’s everything to know, either as a hardcore fan or just curious.

    It’s been 32 years since the men’s edition of the FIFA World Cup was played on U.S. soil. The long wait culminates this week with Thursday’s tournament kickoff in Mexico City.

    On Sunday, Philadelphia will host its first of six scheduled matches between June 14 and a knockout round finale on July 4 at Lincoln Financial Field, which was renamed “Philadelphia Stadium” by FIFA for the duration of the matches here in Philly.

    Here’s everything you need to know …

    The big picture

    According to Visit Philadelphia, the city’s tourism arm, expect an influx of 500,000 visitors flocking into city bars, restaurants, hotels, and businesses throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. However, we’re hearing there are plenty of good Airbnb options to choose from.

    But not all of those people have tickets or can afford to attend, with this being the most expensive World Cup ever. FIFA enacted dynamic pricing for the first time, which sent initial ticket prices soaring. And yes, that’s even for games that don’t feature nations that are favorites to win.

    Your complete Philly guide to the 2026 World Cup

    Good news for those people: there are a ton of events happening over the course of Philly’s time in the tournament. From bars to beer gardens, watch parties to pickup games, here’s a cheat sheet of what to do around town, whether you’re a native or you just dropped in for a match.

    In the case of the latter … “Yo. Welcome to Philly.”

    Lincoln Financial Field, known as “Philadelphia Stadium” is all set ahead of the start of Sunday’s World Cup opener in Philadelphia between the Ivory Coast and Ecuador.Kerith Gabriel

    So you have a ticket. Congrats.

    First thing you should know is that you’re going to find very few people calling Lincoln Financial Field (or the “Linc” as it’s known around here) by FIFA’s official name for the South Philly venue.

    There are a host of different ways to get there, but the most efficient and direct path is jumping on SEPTA’s Broad Street Line (Orange Line) and taking it to the last stop, NRG Station. From there, FIFA has signs all over the South Philly sports complex and will have volunteers outside the turnstiles, directing you where to go. Subway trains should be running just fine — a miracle, considering SEPTA workers used World Cup traffic as leverage to potentially go on strike.

    It’s going to be hot, so you can bring water (aka “wooder”) into the stadium, a new decision by FIFA after it flipped its policy for the third time in a month. Now, 20-ounce water bottles are now allowed, down from the originally proposed and subsequently banned one-liter.

    Once inside, you’ll see a colorful stadium retrofitted to support large crowds and a field designed with expert care.

    Here’s hoping you got your tickets a bit cheaper than the initial asking price. Match prices in Philly and elsewhere have been astronomical.

    Crew members make final preparations, including work on a 60-foot-wide screen, for a FIFA Fan Fest at Lemon Hill in Philadelphia on Tuesday, June 10, 2026.Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    Don’t have a ticket? All good.

    This section is for those who love the sport but just can’t fathom paying those prices — and affording rent this month. Not to worry, the same passion will be on display in Philly’s Brewerytown neighborhood thanks to the FIFA Fan Festival, the sprawling party taking over Lemon Hill Park. The festival is free to enter and opens June 11, and will last all 39 days of the tournament.

    Thinking about checking it out? Here’s a quick guide that includes:

    • How to register — entry is free but you need to sign up first
    • What you can bring and what you should leave at home.
    • When the event will be open each day.
    • How to get there, and get out.
    • And what locals are saying about the event.

    The festival is a great way to get into the World Cup mood without spending hundreds on a ticket.

    Fans are expected to pack the city’s bars and restaurants for the 39 days of the World Cup. Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    But if you’re looking to get a feel for the city’s soccer pulse without all the crowds, then we have a selection of bars and restaurants that are hosting watch parties, with some electing to stay open as late as 4 a.m. to accommodate soccer fans — so long as the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board permits.

    Not a night owl? Here’s a list of a few watch parties, some you can even consider bringing the kids to. And if you’re just looking for things to do in between matches, go out to eat. You’ve chosen to be in one of America’s best food cities with scores of award-winning chefs within a 20-mile radius of each other.

    To get a real sense of Philly’s swag, you need to taste the essentials: Our best cheesesteaks, our best hoagies (aka subs), and our best water ice and gelati, regional summertime treats that are totally not the same as Italian ice and soft serve.

    And if you’re looking to get past the basics while celebrating America’s 250th birthday, foodies can consider trying Philly’s 76 most iconic dishes or most essential restaurants. We dare you to try to catch them all like Pokémon.

    Going to be in Center City? Check out the mini-soccer pitch in front of City Hall’s Dilworth Park.Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    Who is playing in Philly and when?

    Nine teams are coming through Philly, and one, Ivory Coast, has set up its World Cup headquarters just outside the city in Wilmington. The Ivorians are training at the new WSFS Sportsplex, which opened late last year in Chester, and on Monday, their fans brought quite the party.

    Here’s the full schedule of the group stage matches in Philly, with guides for all the nations playing here, including what to know about each, how they qualified, and for some, their unique footprint in the city:

    • Sunday, June 14: Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador in Group E (7 p.m., FS1)
    • Friday, June 19: Brazil vs. Haiti in Group C (9 p.m., Fox29)
    • Monday, June 22: France vs. Iraq in Group I (5 p.m., Fox29)
    • Thursday, June 25: Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast in Group E (4 p.m., FS1)
    • Saturday, June 27: Croatia vs. Ghana in Group L (5 p.m., FS1)

    How much do you know about the teams headed to Philly? Test your soccer knowledge with our World Cup quiz.

    On July 4 at 5 p.m., Philly will host one final match, a round of 16 knockout game that has a very slim chance of including the U.S. men’s national team.

    Walter Bahr, one of the most celebrated United States soccer players to emerge from Philly, competed on the cinder fields at Newt’s playground in Fishtown on his rise to Team USA fame.Pat Little / AP

    Philly’s rich soccer scene and history

    Chester is the city that hosts Philly’s professional soccer team, the Philadelphia Union. This club went from being one of the league’s best last season to the bottom of the standings heading into a seven-week break for the World Cup.

    However, over the last several weeks, the team has cleaned house in preparation for the return of games on July 22, after:

    In the meantime, the team is focused on the World Cup and plans to host a series of watch parties at Union Yards, its beer garden across from the stadium.

    Philly also has a unique soccer history that extends far beyond the Union, from coal-like cinder fields played on by future World Cup legends like Walter Bahr, to a former executive with a well-known last name that brought the city this close to hosting the event in 1994.

    Electronic traffic information sign at Spring Garden and N. 21st Street informing people in town for World Cup on where to find information, Tuesday, June 9, 2026.Alejandro A. Alvarez / Staff Photographer

    Storylines and controversies abound

    Also, know that you can follow the Inquirer’s coverage of all things “football,” “futbol,” “futebol,“ “voetbal,” or soccer right here.

  • The Anderson Monarchs are going global in soccer: ‘It’s just going to open their eyes’

    The Anderson Monarchs are going global in soccer: ‘It’s just going to open their eyes’

    While some of the world’s best soccer players will be coming to Philadelphia for the World Cup this summer, some of Philadelphia’s young soccer standouts will be leaving the country for an international tournament of their own.

    The Anderson Monarchs’ team of 10- and 11-year-old girls punched its ticket to the Gothia Cup, which is July 12-18 in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Gothia Cup is the largest youth soccer tournament in the world.

    The Monarchs pulled off a 2-1 shootout win — their first-ever shootout — over North Philly United in a Montgomery County-based “Meet the World” tournament sponsored by manufacturing firm SKF on April 18. This secured the Monarchs’ position as one of the 16 teams SKF would be sponsoring for the Gothia Cup.

    The Anderson Monarchs were created to provide experiences for children “that normally wouldn’t get those opportunities,” coach Steve Bandura said. He added that these opportunities allow the players to grow socially and academically, and he expects an opportunity like this to have a lasting effect on the athletes.

    “This is going to be an amazing experience for our girls to get out of South Philly,” he said. “It’s just going to open their eyes and change their perspective on the world, really. And we’re meeting girls from all over on common ground, on the soccer pitch, and I think it’s going to be an incredible experience for them.”

    Mo’ne Davis joins the Savannah Bananas tour on a new team coached by a former Phillies star

    With the sponsorship from SKF, the Monarchs’ entire trip is taken care of. SKF has headquarters in Gothenburg and has been the main sponsor of the Gothia Cup since 2007. Over the years, SKF has brought over 5,000 players to the Gothia Cup, and the qualifying Meet the World tournaments remain their largest corporate social responsibility project, said SKF communications manager Jackie Rahmer.

    “It’s more than just a sponsorship for us. It’s an opportunity to celebrate soccer and have kids come together and build friendships across borders,” Rahmer said. “We just think that’s something that’s very special.”

    One of the Sweden-bound players, Rosanna Olsen, said she and her teammates are taking advantage of their opportunity by preparing as best as they can. Olsen, Mya Davis-Taylor, and some of their other teammates are using YouTube to learn basic Swedish phrases for the occasion.

    And while phrases like “hello” and “goodbye” are harder to learn than Davis-Taylor, a midfielder and goalkeeper, expected, all 30,000 athletes participating in the tournament share one common language, no matter whether they call it soccer or football.

    Olsen, a forward, believes that interacting with some members of these 1,900 teams from 75 countries can help with her own knowledge of the game.

    “I think I’ll learn new ways of playing, and how their mindset is when they’re playing, and their techniques on shooting the ball and passing the ball and other things like that,” Olsen said.

    For players like Olsen, Davis-Taylor, and Aasiyah Ellison, who’s also a goalkeeper and midfielder, this will be their first time leaving the country. And while Davis-Taylor said she’s eager to be on a plane and see the view from the airport, meeting new people and playing soccer is most exciting.

    “We get to stay in the same rooms [as our teammates], we get to meet new people, and then instead of just staying with our teammates, we can make new friends with the other people that are there, too,” Davis-Taylor said.

    Scott Bandura returns to Rickwood Field ‘grateful to be included’ in MLB’s Negro Leagues celebration

    She’ll also get to connect on a deeper level with her own teammates.

    Bandura said there’s a natural sense of camaraderie that comes from playing three sports together year-round, but this tournament will create “bonds that are going to be pretty tough to break.”

    “You’re in a strange environment, but you’re there together,” Bandura said. “I might be 100 years old when we get back from a whole week with the 13 11-year-old girls, but it’s so worth it. There’s so many benefits to this for them, and I think it’s going to draw them even tighter together as a family long-term, like lifelong.”

    The Anderson Monarchs will compete in the Gothia Cup, which runs from July 12-18 in Sweden.Braithwaite Communications

    Cali Nichols, the Monarchs’ striker, is looking forward to seeing how her team will connect on the pitch in Sweden and has been preparing for the adrenaline rush of the tournament. But she’s also looking forward to the downtime and exploring a new place.

    Femi Awodesu, a former member of the Monarchs’ program, now plays for Helsingborgs IF in Sweden, so Bandura hopes a visit with him is on the agenda.

    And for Nichols, seeing all the history of the country is on her personal agenda.

    “Just driving around and seeing all of the monuments that Sweden has, and all of its history, as well as the food,” Nichols said.

    Bandura compared the Monarchs’ opportunity to a rabbit in its hole that looks beyond to see the rest of the world. He hopes that similarly, this opportunity will expand his team’s perception.

    “I want to explore and see what the whole world looks like,” Ellison said.

  • Mike Gansey ran the Cavaliers’ draft. Now, he must infuse that expertise with the Sixers.

    Mike Gansey ran the Cavaliers’ draft. Now, he must infuse that expertise with the Sixers.

    When asked about his strengths as a leader, new 76ers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey mostly provided generic examples during Monday’s introductory news conference.

    He called himself a “connector” who can build relationships with players, agents, and staffers at all levels of the organization. He said he managed the Cleveland Cavaliers’ day-to-day front office operations as the general manager under that team’s president of basketball operations, Koby Altman. Gansey added that he believed in creating “alignment” throughout the whole Sixers’ facility, along with a positive work environment.

    Perhaps the one tangible responsibility Gansey revealed about his time in Cleveland?

    “I ran the draft,” he said.

    Jameer Nelson wants to be ‘part of the solution’ for the Sixers. His promotion provides an opportunity to do that ‘at home.’

    Consider it fortuitous timing that this is Gansey’s first roster-building checkpoint with the Sixers. They have the 22nd overall pick on June 23, which was acquired in the controversial Jared McCain trade executed by former lead executive Daryl Morey. Now, Gansey will aim to blend in with a group of front-office executives who have already done significant prospect evaluation — and “drafted really, really well” in past years, he said — while infusing his own expertise.

    “I’m excited to learn from them,” Gansey said, “and, obviously, put my vision and put my imprint on the draft. … We’re going to dive into that the next two weeks, and try to get the best person and player for the Sixers.”

    This year’s draft is not as high-profile as when the Sixers selected VJ Edgecombe, who instantly became a standout rookie, third overall last summer. Still, there is a sense of urgency less than two weeks before this selection.

    Gansey’s first task, according to Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment president Bob Myers, is getting his bearings with a Sixers front office that still features continuity even with former general manager Elton Brand expected to transition into a new role and title. Jameer Nelson was elevated to executive vice president of basketball operations, while vice president of player personnel Prosper Karangwa agreed to a contract extension, The Inquirer confirmed. Gansey also mentioned assistant general managers Ned Cohen and Fan-Hal Kuong and Blue Coats general manager Ariana Andonian by name during his introductory news conference.

    Mike Gansey made his first appearance as Sixers president of basketball operations during a news conference on Monday.Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer

    Myers said Gansey must learn nuances such as how much the Sixers lean on analytics in prospect evaluation in comparison to his 15 years working his way up with the Cavaliers, or how much input scouts and coach Nick Nurse will have. And though Myers added that the Sixers will explore possible trades for the pick, “usually you end up drafting, [that’s] the truth,” he said.

    “It’s really getting an understanding,” Myers said of Gansey’s approach, “of, ‘OK, we did it this way in Cleveland. How do you guys do it?’ And working together to this group.”

    The Sixers’ draft picks in recent years include McCain at 16th overall and Adem Bona in the second round in 2024. Recently anointed All-NBA third-teamer Tyrese Maxey went 21st in a bizarre, COVID-impacted 2020 draft, a pick Nelson on Monday acknowledged that, “We got lucky with the person. We got lucky with the player.” When the Sixers had the 23rd pick in 2022, they traded it for DeAnthony Melton, a successful two-way role player when healthy for two seasons.

    “At 22, you want to get a combination of best player available and fit with our roster,” Gansey said when asked about his overall draft philosophy.

    The Mike Gansey era has begun. Where do the Sixers go from here?

    Gansey’s Cleveland draft successes include using the No. 20 pick in 2024 on Jaylon Tyson, who started 42 games this past season and was a tenacious defender against Maxey. The Cavaliers used a second-round pick last year on Tyrese Proctor, a veteran guard on the Cooper Flagg-Kon Knueppel Duke team who then played in 50 games as a rookie for Cleveland. The Cavaliers also signed Dean Wade as an undrafted free agent in 2019, then developed him into a rotation player.

    Since Gansey was preparing to select 29th with the Cavaliers prior to landing the Sixers job, Myers assured that, “It’s not like he’s sitting there going, ‘I don’t know who any of these guys are.’” The new-look front office’s decision that night will then lead into how it approaches free agency, which opens June 30.

    So it was understandable why Gansey was ready to move past the hubbub of Monday’s formal introduction in Philly.

    Because his roster-building specialty awaits.

    “I’m ready to kind of get today over with and go for the draft,” Gansey said, “because we’re two weeks away.”