The Navy Yard Prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia

by Navy Yard
February 23, 2026

Categories: Development Updates,

What Navy Yard Employees & Residents Need to Know

Philadelphia will host six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, bringing thousands of visitors to the city and significant activity to the Sports Complex area.

PIDC has been working closely with City officials and PennDOT for more than a year to ensure safe, reliable access for campus residents, employees, patients, and essential services. Below is the latest information to help you plan ahead.

2026 FIFA Match Schedule

All matches will take place at Lincoln Financial Field. This schedule is current at the time of this publishing and subject to change. Check the FIFA website for official game times.

DateTimeMatchTraffic Impact
Sun 6/147 PMCôte d’Ivoire vs. EcuadorModerate
Fri 6/199 PMBrazil vs. HaitiModerate
*Mon 6/22 5 PMFrance vs. TBDHigh (Weekday PM Peak)
*Thu 6/254 PMCuraçao vs. Côte d’IvoireHigh (Weekday PM Peak)
Sat 6/275 PMCroatia vs. GhanaModerate
Sat 6/45 PMTeams TBDModerate–High

*Weekday matches occurring between 4-6 p.m. are expected to create the most significant impacts during the evening commute.


Navy Yard Access & Traffic Impacts

As of February 2026, PennDOT and the Philadelphia Streets Department have confirmed:

  • At least one lane of S Broad Street will remain open
  • I-95 ramps will remain accessible throughout event days

However, please expect:

  • Delays before and after matches (approximately 2–3 hours surrounding kickoff and final whistle)
  • Short-term, intermittent closures for:
    • Fan parades
    • Increased pedestrian crossings
    • Security checkpoints
    • Emergency vehicle routing

What This Means for You

If you commute during peak hours, we recommend:

  • Allowing an extra 30-60 minutes of travel time on weekday match days
  • Monitoring live traffic apps before departing
  • Considering earlier or later arrival/departure times when possible

Parking Restrictions

Please note: There is no FIFA event parking permitted at the Navy Yard.


Navy Yard Transit Updates

PIDC and our transit operator, Yankee Line, are actively coordinating with city and state officials to determine whether Navy Yard Transit services can remain fully operational during match days.

We are currently evaluating:

  • Potential route adjustments
  • Temporary stop relocations
  • Schedule modifications
  • Safety and pedestrian flow impacts

Updated transit guidance will be shared as soon as it becomes available.

Key Planning Recommendations

To minimize disruption:

  1. Mark match dates on your calendar now
  2. Schedule deliveries and appointments outside peak match windows when possible
  3. Coordinate flexible work arrangements with leadership if available
  4. Stay alert for real-time updates from campus communications via Everbridge, our campus emergency notification system

FAQs

Will emergency access remain available?
Yes. Emergency and critical services access is a top planning priority and has been coordinated with City agencies.

When will the most traffic occur?
Expect the heaviest congestion 2-3 hours before kickoff and 1-2 hours after matches end.

Will additional updates be shared?
Yes. As coordination continues, we will provide updates regarding transit operations, pedestrian flow plans, and any new traffic restrictions.

StayInformed

We understand that hosting a global event of this magnitude brings both excitement and disruption. Our goal is to keep Navy Yard operations running smoothly while ensuring safety for everyone.

More updates will follow as the City finalizes event-day traffic and transit management plans.