Côte d’Ivoire Chooses Philadelphia for 2026 World Cup Base Camp
Philadelphia and its surrounding areas have been selected as the home base for Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team will utilize the facilities at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, for training, with accommodations in Wilmington, Delaware.
A Strategic Choice for ‘Les Éléphants’
The decision by Côte d’Ivoire aligns with their World Cup schedule, as they will play two group stage matches at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Their Group E opponents include Germany, Ecuador, and Curaçao. The team will begin their campaign against Ecuador on June 14th and face Curaçao on June 25th, with a match against Germany scheduled in Toronto on June 20th.
World-Class Facilities on Display
Subaru Park and the adjacent WSFS Bank Sportsplex were chosen for their professional-grade training fields and modern player amenities. Tim McDermott, President of the Philadelphia Union, emphasized that the facilities were “built…specifically to support and develop world-class soccer.” The selection validates the Union’s vision and provides an opportunity to showcase the region’s soccer community on a global stage.
Impact on the Philadelphia Union and MLS
The Philadelphia Union’s first team will temporarily vacate their facilities to accommodate Côte d’Ivoire during the tournament. Major League Soccer is scheduled to pause for up to six weeks during the World Cup, with the Union’s next match not scheduled until July 22nd after a May 26th game in Miami.
Philadelphia’s Role as a World Cup Host City
Philadelphia is set to host six games during the 2026 World Cup, culminating in a Round of 16 match on July 4th. The city, along with Chester and Wilmington, will welcome ‘Les Éléphants’ and provide a home-away-from-home environment for the team.
Meg Kane, Host City Executive/CEO of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s impressive qualifying record – unbeaten in 10 outings and without conceding a goal – stating, “This is a team to be reckoned with.”
Did you realize?
Côte d’Ivoire is the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations champion, bringing significant momentum into the 2026 World Cup.
FAQ
Q: Where will Côte d’Ivoire train during the World Cup?
A: Côte d’Ivoire will train at Subaru Park and the WSFS Bank Sportsplex in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Q: Where will Côte d’Ivoire be staying?
A: The team will be staying in Wilmington, Delaware.
Q: When does Côte d’Ivoire play in Philadelphia?
A: Côte d’Ivoire will play against Ecuador on June 14th and Curaçao on June 25th at Lincoln Financial Field.
Pro Tip
Keep an eye on the Philadelphia Union’s website for updates on fan events and opportunities to welcome Côte d’Ivoire to the region.
Interested in learning more about the 2026 World Cup? Visit the Philadelphia Union’s news page for the latest information.
Share your thoughts on Côte d’Ivoire’s selection of Philadelphia as their base camp in the comments below!
