Philadelphia has begun final preparations to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Lincoln Financial Field undergoing a major transformation to meet international soccer standards.
The stadium is being fitted with a new hybrid playing surface designed for elite tournament play, combining natural grass with synthetic reinforcement for durability.
Crews are also reconfiguring the venue to align with FIFA regulations, including removing existing NFL and commercial branding and replacing it with official World Cup signage.
As part of the transition, the site will operate under FIFA control during an exclusive preparation period, ensuring all aspects of the stadium meet global tournament requirements.