The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially in full swing, and the excitement is palpable from coast to coast. With Philadelphia and Santa Clara both ramping up preparations for their roles as host cities, and FIFA unveiling fresh details about mascots and kits, the anticipation for the world’s biggest sporting event has never felt more electric.
In Philadelphia, the city’s passion for soccer is translating into tangible support for the next generation of players. On September 24, 2025, the School District of Philadelphia announced a sweeping initiative aimed at empowering student athletes ahead of the global tournament. The effort is anchored by a generous $405,000 donation from the host committee and the USA World Soccer Foundation, earmarked for soccer programming, professional development, new equipment, and beautification projects across 21 schools.
“We have the host committee and the USA World Soccer Foundation donating $405,000 to soccer programming, professional development, new soccer equipment, beautification projects – amazing investments in our young people,” said Ayana Lewis, executive director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships for the district. The mood was nothing short of celebratory as students gathered at the South Philly Super Site, just a stone’s throw from Lincoln Financial Field—the very venue set to host World Cup matches next summer.
For students like Angel Oburu, an 11th grader at Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, the World Cup’s arrival is more than just a sporting event. “I think all of us collectively, we’re just really excited for the World Cup, really excited to see the teams we support play together,” Oburu shared. Ninth grader Fatiamh Iprahiam echoed the sentiment, adding, “I’m so excited for the World Cup, and I’m so excited to hopefully meet my favorite player. I hope so.”
One of the most tangible signs of the city’s commitment is the construction of new soccer fields at Science Leadership Academy at Beeber and Olney High School. “It’s beneficial for me because we get a field to train on, so we can win more games,” said Sally Doumbia, a 10th grader at SLA Beeber. Oburu chimed in again, “I definitely feel like when we get the field, it’s going to improve all of our stamina, our speed, how fast we are on the field, how we play—because getting on SEPTA is a really hard issue.”
The investment doesn’t stop at facilities. After-school and youth development programs are being expanded, focusing on soccer skills, teamwork, and motivation—core values that Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington believes will have a lasting impact. “Joy is one of the core values in our five-year aggressive strategic plan entitled Accelerate Philly,” Watlington noted. “And we expect to have lots of joy over the next year.” With the World Cup on the horizon, students still have time to join teams, attend practice, and showcase their skills—perhaps dreaming of one day playing on the world’s stage themselves.
Meanwhile, on the West Coast, Santa Clara is gearing up for a sports year unlike any other. On September 24, 2025, city officials, residents, and business owners gathered for Mayor Lisa Gillmor’s State of the City Address, focusing squarely on preparations for 2026. Santa Clara is set to make history as the first city to host both the Super Bowl and the World Cup in the same year, with Super Bowl LX and six FIFA World Cup matches scheduled to take place at Levi’s Stadium.
The city council recently approved a $6.4 million deal to cover Super Bowl costs, with the Bay Area Host Committee stepping in to reimburse the city. Mayor Gillmor, though initially hesitant about the financial safeguards, expressed her excitement for the upcoming events: “I wanted certain security, like a letter of credit or something so I didn’t feel that we had enough security in the documents to support that. I hope I’m wrong, I hope it works out right I hope we get paid back because I’m so excited about the event.”
It’s not just about the games themselves—Santa Clara is going all out to ensure international visitors have a seamless experience. Campbell’s Mayor Sergio Lopez, who also serves as Chair of the Valley Transportation Authority, highlighted the city’s efforts to bolster public transit. “Many international visitors who are used to taking public transit to get everywhere they need to, so we’re making sure that we’re staffed up, that we have the technology in place, that we’re putting in additional services. We’re even bringing in additional buses and vehicles from neighboring counties so it’s all hands on deck we’re doing everything we can to get ready,” Lopez explained.
Levi’s Stadium will be buzzing not just with matches, but with tailgates, watch parties, and a flurry of hotel activity. And with speculation swirling over the halftime performer—Mayor Gillmor herself joked, “I want to see if I have my Taylor Swift bracelet on my friendship bracelet. I don’t have it on right now, but yeah I’m voting for Taylor”—the city’s anticipation is only growing.
On the global stage, FIFA is keeping fans on their toes with the announcement of the three official mascots for the 2026 World Cup: Maple for Canada, Clutch for the USA, and Zayu for Mexico. The mascots, revealed via a series of social media teasers on September 24, 2025, are expected to be animal-based, continuing a long tradition of playful and symbolic World Cup characters. While their full appearances remain under wraps, the buzz is building as fans await more details.
The 2026 tournament itself is set to be the largest yet, with 48 teams competing. The action kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City and will culminate in New York/New Jersey on July 19, when a new champion will be crowned. With matches scheduled across North America—including key fixtures in both Philadelphia and Santa Clara—the world’s eyes will be on the United States, Canada, and Mexico for a summer of unforgettable soccer.
Adding to the mounting excitement, Italy’s away kit for the 2026 World Cup has been leaked, giving fans a glimpse of what the Azzurri will be wearing on their travels. The Adidas-designed jersey features an icy blue main color, officially called Aero Blue, and draws inspiration from Roman columns—a nod to Italy’s rich heritage. Navy and gold accents complement the look, mirroring the golden hues of ancient columns and matching the home kit’s details. The shirt will be available for purchase starting in March 2026, and if early reactions are any indication, it’s poised to be a fan favorite.
As preparations intensify and anticipation mounts, both cities—and indeed the world—are readying themselves for a summer of sport, spectacle, and, above all, unity. From grassroots investment in Philadelphia to grand logistical undertakings in Santa Clara, every detail is coming together for an event that promises to make history. With mascots waiting in the wings, new kits ready to dazzle, and cities rolling out the red carpet, the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be a journey as thrilling as the destination itself.
With less than a year to go, the pieces are falling into place. Whether you’re a young player dreaming big in Philly, a Bay Area resident bracing for a global spotlight, or a fan waiting to see which mascot steals the show, one thing’s for sure—the world will be watching, and the excitement is only just beginning.
