Philadelphia is rolling out the welcome mat for the 2026 World Cup by presenting soccer balls signed by the city's most prominent athletes to nine national teams playing in the city. The gesture is part of a broader initiative coordinated with FIFA to celebrate the global tournament's arrival in the United States.
Among the athletes who contributed autographs are NBA star Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and MLB's Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies. Their signatures, along with those of other local sports figures, adorn official match balls that will be given to the visiting nations as a token of Philadelphia's hospitality.
The initiative highlights the city's enthusiasm for the World Cup and aims to strengthen connections between Philadelphia's sports culture and the international teams competing in the tournament.