FIFA World Cup 26 Philadelphia brand unveiled Thursday

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia is getting ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Three publicity events are happening in the city on Thursday, including the unveiling of a plaque and a giant banner at Lincoln Financial Field.

Other events were held at LOVE Park and City Hall.

Philadelphia was named one of 16 host cities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico for the 2026 World Cup last year.

The World Cup is one of several big sporting events taking place in the Philadelphia area in 2026. Philly will also host the MLB All-Star Game, the first and second rounds of the NCAA men's basketball tournament and the PGA championship will be held at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown.

An action figure box was unveiled at LOVE Park for the day. People can step inside it and show their love of soccer with the new FIFA World Cup '26 Philadelphia branding.

"We are absolutely thrilled to share our home with the world," Sheila Hess, city representative, said.

The World Cup is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people to Philadelphia and generate about $460 million in economic impact alone for the city.

Philadelphia Soccer's branding represents the city's history as the birthplace of America, a re-imagination of the crack in the Liberty Bell, the Art Museum steps and the colors include a splash of green to pay homage to the Eagles and the Linc, where the games will be played.

"It's definitely real and I think everybody is getting excited for it and they just can't wait to be inside that stadium watching the matches in three more years," Chris Branscome, eastern Pa youth soccer, said.

Philadelphia Soccer calls this a milestone moment.

"To have this brand, to be able to use this now as our framework for how we go to market about promoting Philadelphia and this tournament here is really exciting," Meg Kane, host city executive for Philadelphia Soccer 2026, said. "Our colors are bright, bold, vibrant and definitely make their presence known just like Philly you can't miss them."

A FIFA World Cup '26 flag will be raised at City Hall on Thursday afternoon with Mayor Jim Kenney.

FIFA revealed the official logo Wednesday night at a party in Los Angeles.

The logo features an actual image of the FIFA World Cup trophy and the year of the tournament. It's the first time the trophy has been used in the official logo.

FIFA also introduced the "#WeAre26" campaign, which aims to encourage people to promote the tournament.

Philadelphia Union midfielder Alejandro Bedoya shared a video on social media promoting the campaign.

"Between the matches, we will have here as well as the fan fest that we'll host for those 40 days, we expect to see certainly north of a half million people coming to Philadelphia to celebrate the World Cup," Kane said.

"I'm excited to support Philadelphia as the city prepares to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026. Share me with by sharing your Philadelphia pride by using the hashtag #WeAre26," Bedoya said in a video posted to his Twitter account.

CBS News Philadelphia was told six to nine matches will be played at Lincoln Financial Field.

We will learn the dates and the exact schedule of when those matches will be played this fall.

In:
• Pennsylvania
• World Cup
• Soccer
• Philadelphia