SEPTA Expands Service for FIFA World Cup Matches

SEPTA receives $8 million in federal funding to expand transit for six World Cup matches

Headline

SEPTA Adds Service for FIFA World Cup Matches

Paragraph 1

Philadelphia's SEPTA will expand transit service for six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at Lincoln Financial Field between June 14 and July 4, transit officials said. The agency received more than $8 million in federal funding through the Federal Transit Administration's World Cup Public Transportation Formula, announced by Congressman Brendan Boyle on March 4. The city's expecting over 500,000 visitors for the tournament, including a Round of 16 knockout match on July 4 that coincides with America's 250th birthday celebration.

Paragraph 2

The funding will expand transit capacity and improve operations for the tournament, which runs from mid-June through mid-July. Philadelphia's hosting five Group Stage matches and one knockout match at the 69,000-capacity stadium, temporarily renamed Philadelphia Stadium for the event. The city's the only U.S. World Cup host to offer an official FIFA Fan Festival for the entire tournament duration, running 39 days from June 11 to July 19 at Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park. The free festival expects 15,000-25,000 attendees daily on match days.

Paragraph 3

SEPTA's providing increased trips and adding a new Fairmount Park stop on the Philly Flash transit program to handle the surge in ridership. The Orange Broad Street Line subway's recommended as the quickest route to the stadium, with riders exiting at AT&T Station. Officials said the $8 million in federal funding will support expanded service levels throughout the tournament period. The Fan Festival will feature giant screens for live broadcasts, food trucks, entertainment, and cultural events, with free admission requiring advance online registration.

Paragraph 4

The service expansion takes effect June 11, when the Fan Festival opens, and continues through July 19. FIFA announced that remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public on April 1 at 11 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. The FIFA World Cup Original Trophy Tour will visit Philadelphia on May 21, offering free admission with required tickets.

Paragraph 5

Riders heading to matches or the Fan Festival should plan extra travel time due to expected crowds throughout the tournament. SEPTA officials said the expanded service will accommodate the surge in ridership for both stadium matches and the Fan Festival. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for SEPTA routes serving Lincoln Financial Field and Fairmount Park.