GlobalSpa
24-Mar-2026
Philadelphia sports gear up for a landmark year of global sporting events in 2026
Sports are an integral part of Philadelphia’s culture, with 2026 offering the largest lineup of sporting events across the city. Headlined by the much-anticipated FIFA World Cup and Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game, the year promises an unparalleled celebration of sport, culture and community in the city’s contribution to the world of sports.
From iconic international tournaments to beloved local traditions, here is Philadelphia’s sports schedule in 2026.
1. NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship
When: March 20 & 22
Philadelphia will feel the March Madness as the Xfinity Mobile Arena hosts the First and Second Rounds of the 87th NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.
2. MLB All-Star Game and All-Star Week at Citizens Bank Park
When: July 10–14, 2026
In July 2026, Philadelphia will welcome the 2026 MLB All-Star Game and accompanying All-Star Week events as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. In addition to the star-studded game, there will be the Home Run Derby and many more fun events.
3. Penn Relays at Franklin Field at the University of Pennsylvania
When: April 23-25, 2026
As the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States, the Penn Relays is a can’t-miss Philadelphia tradition. In its 130th year, the Penn Relays provides competition to more athletes than any other track meet in the world. During the past ten years, more than 150,000 people have competed in the three-day track and field competition. Franklin Field, the oldest college football stadium in the country, is the long-time home of the event.
4. Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run along Broad Street
When: Early May
Each year, Philadelphia closes its centre throughway, Broad Street, for the 10-mile Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run. This marks the official start to Philadelphia’s running season. Starting early in May this year, more than 35,000 runners will participate in the competition. It is also named one of the fastest 10-mile courses in the country by Runner’s World.
5. FIFA World Cup™ 2026 in Lincoln Financial Field
When: June 14–July 4, 2026
Philadelphia is set to host six matches of the FIFA World Cup in the summer of 2026. The schedule includes five group stage matches and one round of 16 match.
6. PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, Newtown Square, PA
When: May 11-17, 2026
Philadelphia takes centre stage in the golf world as the PGA Championship touches down at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square. Returning here for the first time since 1962, this major brings elite-level competition, historic course design, and crowd energy alongside America’s much-anticipated 250th semi-quintuple festivities.
7. Philadelphia International Cricket Festival at Philadelphia Cricket Club
Annually, in the First Week of May, 18 Cricket Teams, comprised of over 200 players representing 16 nations, arrive in Philadelphia for four days of cricket. The final match takes place at the Philadelphia Cricket Club and is open to members of the public to delight in the timeless game.
8. A Season of Rowing in Schuylkill River
For over 200 years, the Schuylkill River has hosted some of the nation’s most prominent rowing events. Among many events, the river is home to the Stotesbury Cup Regatta, the largest high school sprint race in the country, and the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, featuring more than 2,000 boats and 8,000 competitors.
9. United States Amateur Championship at Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, PA
When: August 10-16, 2026
Merion Golf Club in Ardmore will host the United States Amateur Championship, bringing together the nation’s top men’s amateur golfers for one of the sport’s most prestigious competitions.
10. Philadelphia Cycling Classic in Northwest Philadelphia
When: August 30, 2026
The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is returning in 2026 for the first time in a decade. The race starts and ends on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and will include the infamous hill in Manayunk known as “The Wall.”
11. Philadelphia Distance Run at Center City
When: 20 September
Dating back to 1978, runners have been taking to the streets of Philadelphia to run this fast, flat course that is known as one of the country’s premier half-marathons.
12. U.S. Open Squash Championships at Arlen Specter US Squash Center
When: Fall 2026
The U.S. Open is known as one of the most prestigious squash tournaments in the United States and brings in competitors from all over the globe. The championships have been hosted in partnership with Drexel University since 2011 and are held at the Arlen Spectre US Squash Center. This state-of-the-art facility is in the heart of Drexel’s campus and is considered by many to be the finest squash centre in the world.
13. Philadelphia Marathon at Center City, Annually
When: the Third Weekend in November
Named the best qualifier to get you to the Boston Marathon by Running USA, the Philadelphia Marathon is one of the fastest courses in the country. More than 30,000 participants take part in the 8K, Half Marathon, and Marathon. Participating in the run is a great way to see the USA’s “most historic mile” while making your own history.
Irtiza Rana, Founder...
