FIFA World Cup Volunteer Center Opens in Fashion District

Philadelphia has opened a new volunteer center in the Fashion District of Philadelphia at 901 Market St. The center will serve as the central hub for recruitment, training, and volunteer coordination for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

FIFA World Cup 26 will take place in June and July next year. It is anticipated to be the largest sporting event ever, involving three host countries and 16 host cities, including Philadelphia.

Located strategically near the Pennsylvania Convention Center and with access to public transportation, the center aims to create volunteer and visitor access during the FIFA World Cup matches in 2026. The two-story, 18,000-square-foot facility features displays of soccer history, TV screens, recreational areas, and an in-house FIFA museum to educate visitors about the World Cup's history and Philadelphia's role in hosting it.

“This space is one of the first physical touchpoints for the tournament in Philadelphia, and it's ready to welcome, train, and inspire thousands of volunteers. It's a special space for the people who will help bring the World Cup to life and show the world what makes our city so special,” said Alison Grove, senior director of strategy, operations, and partnerships/volunteer lead for Philadelphia Soccer 2026, in a statement shared with NBC10 Philadelphia.

Aubrey Walton, FIFA's executive director of host cities, said that Philadelphia was one of the first volunteer centers to be fully operational across all 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“Philly continually sets the bar for other host cities because you understand something fundamental,” she said in a statement shared with WHYY. “Volunteers aren't just helping run the tournament. They are the tournament.”

FIFA World Cup 26 expects to have approximately 3,000 volunteers from diverse communities within Philadelphia next year. A core team of volunteers has already been selected to assist with Volunteer Team Tryouts later this month.

The World Cup begins in Mexico City on June 11 and ends on July 19 at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium. Philly's Linc will hold six of the tournament's 104 games, including a round-of-16 match on July 4 that will dovetail with the semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) celebration of the United States of America. Overall, FIFA expects 6.5 million fans to travel worldwide to participate in FIFA World Cup events.