Reading officials are reminding residents and visitors about a series of free Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone events coming to downtown Reading next month, bringing FIFA World Cup 2026 excitement to the city with watch parties, live entertainment, soccer activities and a large-scale block party.
The City of Reading, Experience Reading & Berks County, and Philadelphia Soccer 2026 held a press conference Tuesday highlighting the upcoming events, which will be centered at Santander Arena and extend along the 500, 600 and 700 blocks of Penn Street.
The Official Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone will feature giant-screen watch parties showing Telemundo’s live FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasts, along with a family-friendly street festival offering food vendors, entertainment, interactive games and activities throughout downtown.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our city, our downtown, and our local businesses,” Reading Mayor Eddie Morán said. “We are excited to welcome residents and visitors downtown to celebrate one of the biggest sporting events in the world together as a community. These Fan Zone events will bring tremendous energy to our city and showcase Reading’s passion, diversity, and love for the game.”
The Fan Zone is one of several being held across Pennsylvania as part of statewide celebrations surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026. Organizers said Reading’s location is unique because it will be the only Pennsylvania Fan Zone broadcasting all matches in Spanish through Telemundo.
“FIFA World Cup 2026 is an opportunity for local communities to come together and be part of a global moment as we also celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation,” said Meg Kane. “The Reading World Cup Fan Zone holds special meaning—in a city where Hispanic culture is woven into daily life, soccer is more than a sport, it’s a shared language.”
Kane said the event will offer programming in both English and Spanish, creating opportunities for residents and visitors from all backgrounds to gather and experience the tournament together.
The Fan Zone will also feature live entertainment throughout the event series. Organizers announced performances by Go Go Gadget on July 3, The Main Squeeze on July 18, and Ax and the Hatchetmen and Sugar Ray on July 19 during World Cup Finals weekend. Additional performers and activities are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Youth soccer players and fans will have opportunities to participate in the 3v3 Anywhere activation on July 4 and July 18, featuring inflatable street soccer fields and youth tournaments in downtown Reading.
Officials also emphasized that planning is underway to ensure public safety during the events.
“The safety of residents and visitors remains our top priority,” Morán said. “The Reading Police Department, Reading Fire Department, Pennsylvania State Police, and our public safety partners are working together to ensure a safe, secure, and enjoyable experience for everyone attending these events.”
Heather Zimmerman, president and CEO of Experience Reading & Berks County, encouraged residents to reserve tickets for the free event.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase the City of Reading and offer all the World Cup soccer excitement right here in Berks County,” Zimmerman said. “Make sure to register for your free ticket and experience all the fun and activities taking place during our watch parties.”
The Reading Fan Zone schedule includes events on July 3 and July 4 during the knockout rounds, followed by watch parties for the World Cup Bronze Final on July 18 and the World Cup Final on July 19.
On July 3, activities will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with arena doors opening at noon and match broadcasts scheduled for 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. July 4 activities will also run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with matches scheduled for 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. The July 18 Fan Zone will feature the Bronze Final at 5 p.m., while the July 19 event will culminate with the World Cup Final at 3 p.m.
Admission is free, though registration is encouraged. More information is available at experienceberks.com/worldcupfanzone and universe.com/events/pennsylvania-world-cup-reading-fan-zone-tickets-M5VWH8.
Food and retail vendors interested in participating in the downtown block party can apply through the vendor interest form at form.jotform.com/261275027913153.
