The largest sporting event in the world was coming to Philadelphia, and the city was eager to show up in a way only Philadelphia could. In 2022, following Philadelphia’s successful bid to become one of 16 Host Cities for the FIFA World Cup 26™, our team was proud to be brought on as overall brand stewards for the Philadelphia Host City Brand. Working hand-in-hand with Philadelphia Soccer 2026 leadership, including Meg Kane, Daniel J. Hilferty, and Michelle Singer, we helped build excitement for this once-in-a-generation event at every turn.

Our team led the creative execution behind the Host City brand launch in Philadelphia. Working with FIFA teams in Philadelphia and across the globe, we helped shape and make critical decisions regarding the Philadelphia brand. It was built from the FIFA World Cup 26™ brand and connected to the logos of all 15 other Host Cities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The launch came to life across the city through a digital advertising campaign, a City Hall and Dilworth Plaza takeover with an Official Host City Flag dedication, a permanent art installation at Lincoln Financial Field and a full stadium digital takeover. Following the successful brand launch, we continued supporting the brand with swag, signage, rally cards and other collateral.

Beyond the launch, our team stayed close partners to Philadelphia Soccer 2026 across a variety of workstreams. We supported sponsorship coordination and benefits development, built custom pitch decks for potential sponsors, and concepted new ways to bring partners into the tournament’s excitement. We also designed the Philadelphia Soccer 2026 offices, crafting a Host City-branded entry sign, a feature wall of Host City marks and patterns, and a wall of the 16 Host City patterns hydro-dipped onto soccer balls. And when it came time to select the official Host City Poster, we were part of a committee that reviewed more than 400 portfolios from local Pennsylvania artists, narrowed the field to 10 finalists, and supported the poster’s unveiling at the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show in March 2025.

As the tournament drew closer, our team developed a comprehensive regional marketing campaign to build excitement for the tournament and share key logistical information needed prior to joining the 39-day celebration in Philadelphia. The “Anywhere You Fan” campaign showed the region the different ways they could get involved and drove traffic to a dedicated landing page for more info. We partnered with Maestro Filmworks and director Kyra Knox on a TV and radio spot, and built an influencer campaign designed to reach Philadelphia-area residents who might not otherwise have followed the World Cup. Fifty influencers received custom-designed “thrive kits”, clear bags, cooling towels, portable fans, SEPTA and PHLASH passes and more, built for a day at Philadelphia Stadium or the FIFA Fan Festival.

During all six of Philadelphia’s matches, our team managed onsite media relations at Stateside Live!, the media center located near Philadelphia Stadium. We verified and issued credentials, oversaw broadcast positions throughout the venue, and coordinated interviews with Philadelphia Soccer 2026 leadership for outlets from around the world.

Philadelphia has always been a city that knows how to host a major moment. FIFA World Cup 26™ gave us the chance to show the world our passion, hospitality and pride — and we were proud to have helped Philadelphia Soccer 2026 tell that story on the stage it deserved.