The big year for the Eagles and the city of Philadelphia continued Thursday as FIFA President Gianni Infantino stopped by Lincoln Financial Field ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
The Club World Cup will bring together 32 of the best clubs around the world this summer, taking place in 11 cities across the United States, including Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field – which will also host games during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lincoln Financial Field will host six group stage matches, a round-of-16 match, and a highly anticipated quarterfinals match to be played on Friday, July 4. Tickets can be purchased here.
"We're ready for it. We're ready as an organization. The people in this organization, we work in sports and have been part of the Super Bowl, obviously the NFC Championship games here. Now this is taken to another amazing event, being a part of the Club World Cup and the World Cup," Eagles' Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Frank Gumienny said from Lincoln Financial Field as the organization welcomed members of FIFA to the stadium.
The newly designed Club World Cup trophy was present along with Philadelphia's two Lombardi Trophies at the welcoming event as the two sides discussed the preparation for the event this summer.
The 32 teams participating in the tournament come from 20 different countries, with players from more than 85 different countries set to take the field. The teams range from Premier League powerhouses Chelsea and Manchester City to La Liga's Real Madrid along with Miami FC of the MLS, led by Lionel Messi.
"They come from all over the world. And they will come to the United States, they will come to Philadelphia, not just to celebrate the game, but to try to be the first ever winner of a new competition, which will mark the history of soccer for the future," Infantino said about the fans of the clubs from all over coming to watch the matches.
Infantino explained why Philadelphia was such a great fit to host matches of the Club World Cup.
"Everything started in Philadelphia almost 250 years ago. Everything started here. It's a great city, it's a great sports city – Philadelphia is a fantastic sports city and is doing well in all the sports. I was at the Super Bowl as well a couple of months ago to watch the Eagles win in an incredible way," he said.
"Great soccer city as well. It was important for us to be here. Fantastic stadium, fantastic sports venue, because we are sure that tens of thousands of fans coming to this city to cheer for their clubs will have a fantastic time."
The first match set to take place at Lincoln Financial Field will take place on June 16, with CR Flamengo taking on Espérance Sportive de Tunis.
In addition to FIFA and the Eagles representatives discussing the historic event, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker spoke to reporters about what the tournament means to the city.
"It's unprecedented. It will take Philadelphia to the next level as being a global hub for entertainment, culture and sports. Believe me, it will motivate, inspire, and encourage others to choose Philadelphia. And quite frankly, it is right where our city belongs. So, we're excited. We're doing everything we can internally – safe, clean and green. We're just excited about the opportunity. As mayor, I'm giddy when I look at our calendar for the next year and a half, right? A lot of visitors, and we welcome them all to our city," Parker said.
"People said, 'Philadelphia has never experienced anything like this.' We just won a Super Bowl. We had a parade that was clearly gold standard – the management with the city, all of our intergovernmental partners, the Eagles. We've already demonstrated, we've given proof of concept that we know how to manage large scale events. So welcome to the world. Philadelphia is ready to receive you, the Birthplace of Democracy. We're going to say welcome – welcome back to home."
The Club World Cup will give fans an opportunity to see what soccer looks like around the world and how much the game has continued to grow and expand.
The home of the two-time Super Bowl Champions is ready to open its doors to a new crowd and show the world what Eagles fans get to experience at Lincoln Financial Field each year.
"To host these games here, it means the world to us. I know that the city of Philadelphia is proud – I hope they are, because we are. We're going to continue to do our best job and keep everything rolling," wide receiver A.J. Brown, who gave the FIFA President his own customized Eagles jersey, said.
"I truly believe it may be more intense for soccer than our games. I always see it on TV. I have never been to a soccer game, but this summer, I'm definitely attending. I always hear great things."
– Written by Liam Wichser
