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Philadelphia Soccer 2026 Partners with U.S. Soccer Foundation on FIFA World Cup 26™ Legacy Program
Partnership will activate soccer-related projects designed to create more equitable access across Pennsylvania
PHILADELPHIA (April 14, 2025) – Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the 501c3 non-profit organization that serves as the operational Host Committee charged with planning and executing FIFA World Cup 26™ for the City of Philadelphia, today announced that the U.S. Soccer Foundation will serve as its Soccer Legacy Implementation Partner leading up to and after FIFA World Cup 26™. In support of the partnership, Philadelphia Soccer 2026 will invest $2 million in youth soccer initiatives.
As part of a shared commitment to growing the game, the organizations intend to activate 26 soccer-related projects throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania—ranging from creating new safe places to play to expanding existing programming. Leveraging the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s 30 years of experience in driving community impact in under-resourced communities, the partnership will allow Philadelphia Soccer 2026 to make meaningful strides toward increasing equitable access and opportunities for youth across Pennsylvania, ensuring that the legacy of the tournament is felt long after the final whistle blows.
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a profound opportunity to make the beautiful game more accessible to all,” said Meg Kane, Host City Executive/CEO, Philadelphia Soccer 2026. “Partnering with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, which is itself a legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, allows us to nurture the growth of the world’s most popular sport and foster the next generation of athletes right here in Pennsylvania. Further, this partnership and ultimately, the 26 projects that will be funded, will allow us to be responsive to the needs of our soccer community, which are varied state-wide.”
Through the partnership, Philadelphia Soccer 2026 and the U.S. Soccer Foundation will:
- Identify and build new mini-pitches in under-resourced communities
- Support core U.S. Soccer Foundation programming initiatives that develop physical, social, and emotional well-being skills and increase access to the sport
- Such programming will include but is not limited to Soccer for Success and Coach-Mentor Training
- Establish an endowment for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer (EPYS) and PA West Soccer that will include grant funding for 10 years to support efforts to use the game to drive social impact.
“We are excited to partner with Philadelphia Soccer 2026 to implement inclusive programming and infrastructure improvements in under-resourced communities that will expose young people and fans to the game we love,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “Together, we are ensuring that the impact of next summer’s tournament will be felt for generations to come.”
The U.S. Soccer Foundation will work collaboratively with Philadelphia Soccer 2026 to identify and select organizations as well as implement programming. Those interested can apply for selection by completing a Legacy Inquiry Form.
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About Philadelphia Soccer 2026
Philadelphia Soccer 2026 is the operational Host Committee charged with planning and executing FIFA World Cup 26™ for the City of Philadelphia. Established in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is governed by a 12-person Board of Directors that convenes leaders from across the City of Philadelphia and the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For more information, follow us on social media @FWC26Philly.
About the U.S. Soccer Foundation
As the national leader for sports-based youth development in under-resourced areas, the U.S. Soccer Foundation is on a mission to let soccer do what it does: change absolutely everything. Founded as a legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the Foundation provides underserved communities access to innovative play spaces and evidence-based soccer programs that instill hope, foster well-being, and help youth achieve their fullest potential. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the biggest sporting event ever, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. With more countries, cities, teams, and games, FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the most inclusive tournament ever, engaging millions of fans across 16 unique stadiums and billions worldwide. The tournament will take place in June and July 2026. For the latest FIFA World Cup 26™ information please visit the FIFA World Cup 26™ website. For media representatives wishing to stay up-to-date on all things 2026, please register via the FIFA Media Hub.