Daniel Hilferty: We know Philadelphia can shine on the FIFA World Cup stage. Let’s show it.

Last June, I was in my office at the Xfinity Mobile Arena when I saw sparks flying on Pattison Avenue. That’s not a metaphor. I saw literal sparks, plumes of red and black smoke, and heard a steady beat of drums. Thousands of people were marching toward Lincoln Financial Field, chanting, with all the gusto in the world, to a soccer match.

It was 10:30 a.m.

As a lifelong Philadelphian, I know our love of sports. I’ve witnessed my fair share of tailgates, and in the last three years, I’ve seen that devotion, up close and personal, in my role as governor of the Philadelphia Flyers. But as I stared out my office window and watched this parade of passion, I was struck by the extraordinary power and potential of the FIFA World Cup ’26 in Philadelphia this summer.

Since 2000, we have experienced some of the largest and most significant events ever to take place in our city, from the papal visit in 2015 to the Democratic National Convention the following year, to the 2017 NFL Draft. I’ve had the privilege of helping to lead many of these civic efforts and, no doubt, 2026 promises to be a game changer with America’s 250th anniversary, PGA Championship, ArtPhilly, and Major League Baseball’s All-Star Week.

But what I learned last summer, as Moroccan fans flooded the stadium complex, was that soccer is the world’s love language. It unites sports, culture, and national pride. Fans live and breathe every minute from opening kick through stoppage time. There is no arriving late to a match, and there is no movement from one’s seat during it.

I’m frequently asked, “Are we ready for 2026?” The answer is yes, because Philadelphia hosts major international events so well. But what I’m not sure we are ready for is what a spectacular celebration the FIFA World Cup is.

I’m not sure we understand just how important this sport — and this tournament — is to the world. And I’m not sure we realize there is no host city more ready to embrace the fans who will come for this party than Philadelphia.

» READ MORE: The Inquirer's complete guide to the FIFA World Cup in Philly

That’s what makes this so exciting for 2026 — and so important beyond this year.

FIFA chose Philadelphia to host six of the tournament’s 104 matches here, including a Round of 16 match on July 4. We have been asked to play host to soccer fans from around the globe, especially those who will root for Brazil, the Ivory Coast, Croatia, Curaçao, Ecuador, Haiti, France, Ghana, and a few yet-to-be-determined national teams.

It’s crucial we recognize that among the many reasons Philadelphia was selected by FIFA was our authentic passion for sports and our unabashed pride for this place we call home.

We know Philadelphia can shine on the world stage. We know that hundreds of thousands of visitors will walk our streets, dine in our restaurants, and experience our neighborhoods. The global media will spotlight our skyline and highlight our stories. Investment will flow into tourism and community development. But to unlock the economic, cultural, and civic potential of the FIFA World Cup, and of 2026, we need one important thing.

We need you to be here. We need every Philadelphian to help us welcome the world.

So, how can you do that?

Come to the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill, which will be free to enter during the tournament. And don’t just come once!

Adopt a rooting interest among the teams coming here, in addition to our U.S. men’s national team.

When visitors ask where to eat (and they will!), give them your best hidden neighborhood gem.

If someone asks what they absolutely must do or see when here, tell them your favorite experience, whether it’s in arts and culture, history, culinary, or even shopping.

And when you’re asked to take a picture at the top of the “Rocky Steps,” happily do it!

What makes Philadelphia special is its people. It’s why we won our bid in 2022, and it’s why this year has the potential to be a launchpad for Philadelphia as a global destination. This summer, the eyes of the world will be on us, and we want them to see the best of who we are: welcoming, inclusive, fun, proud, and united.

But to show that, we need you to be here. We need you to be part of the action. And we need you to help us make history together.

Daniel J. Hilferty is the chairman and CEO of Comcast Spectacor and governor of the Philadelphia Flyers. He has served as cochair of Philadelphia Soccer 2026 since 2021, alongside Michelle Singer.