Although the FIFA World Cup 26™ is still over a year away, but Philly is feeling the excitement. Yesterday, during the annual PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, the official host city poster for Philadelphia was revealed in a very floral way.
Winning host city poster revealed
Alas, Philadelphia’s official host city poster for FIFA World Cup 26™ has been revealed. Indeed, in true Philly fashion, this was no ordinary event. The poster was creatively revealed at the annual flower show with a giant recreation of the winning poster –made completely out of flowers, carnations, roses, hydrangeas, and more.
First, Meg Kane, Host City Executive and CEO of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, and Matt Rader, the president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, revealed the giant 6-foot by 4-foot, three-dimensional replica.
Did we mention it was made completely out of flowers!
Important to note, FIFA World Cup 26 Philadelphia™ held a contest last year in search of an artist design to be the official host city poster. Additionally, a panel of judges including First Lady of Pennsylvania, Lori Shapiro, selected the winner.
Pittsburgh native and graphic designer Nicholas McClintock won.
Firstly, his design features Philadelphia’s city colors of blue and yellow with pops of red accents. Then, three soccer balls zigzag across the artwork with signature Philly landscapes in the background.
“The chance to design a poster for the FIFA World Cup, the largest sporting event on the planet, is just a wild opportunity for me,” said McClintock. “The excitement for me is being able to release a design out into the wild where it truly becomes the audience’s. It’s not mine anymore. Now it’s everybody’s.”
FIFA World Cup 26™
Get ready Philly! The 2026 World Cup kicks off Thursday, June 11 through Sunday, July 19 of which five games will be played in Philadelphia plus a special round-of-16 match on July 4th, 2026– America’s Semi quincentennial.
Here’s a snapshot of Philly’s games:
- Sunday, June 14: Match 9 | Group Stage
- Friday, June 19: Match 29 | Group Stage
- Monday, June 22: Match 42 | Group Stage
- Thursday, June 25: Match 55 | Group Stage
- Saturday, June 27: Match 68 | Group Stage
- Saturday, July 4: Match 89 | Round of 16
Specifically, Philly is one of 16 host cities across America, Canada, and Mexico.
Indeed, the anticipation is real.