Stay in the Scranton Area for the 2026 World Cup Matches

Your World Cup Basecamp in Northeastern Pennsylvania

Stay in the Scranton area — an affordable, convenient home base within driving distance of New York City and Philadelphia – for the 2026 World Cup! Catch the excitement at the Scranton World Cup Fan Zone, then explore great hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and attractions between matches.

A white logo for the PA World Cup Fan Zone in Scranton

SCRANTON WATCH PARTY ZONE

Scranton is an official World Cup Watch Party Zone, bringing the excitement closer to home with lively viewing events, match broadcasts on a massive 13’ x 29’ viewing screen and additional 6’ x 9’ screens, and places to cheer with fellow fans. Courthouse Square in Downtown Scranton will come alive during premier Knockout Round matches (Round of 16, Third Place Match, and World Cup Final), creating an electric, can’t-miss atmosphere.

Location: Lackawanna County Courthouse Square
Address: North Washington Avenue & Linden Street

World Cup

The road closures map for the World Cup Fan Zone in Downtown Scranton, PA

Live Entertainment & Activities

Offering free admission with no tickets required and a full day of family-friendly entertainment beyond the action on the big screen, World Cup Watch Party attendees can enjoy the following:

📺 Match Viewing Experience – Watch every moment of the action on a giant 13' x 29' video screen, with additional 6' x 9' screens spread throughout Courthouse Square to give fans clear views and an immersive game-day atmosphere.

🎵 Live Music – Keep the energy going with live performances from Cruel Summer: Live Band Tribute to Taylor Swift, Eco Del Sur, The Wankers, Hanson, and Tonic.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 ONVO Kids Zone – Families can enjoy soccer-themed inflatables, including interactive games, target challenges, an obstacle course, and a giant slide.

🏃‍♀️ Skills & Drills Clinics – Local soccer organizations will host hands-on skills clinics on a custom-built 30' x 60' turf field along Biden Street.

⚽️ LED Soccer Simulator – Test your abilities on a 15' x 15' LED soccer simulator throughout the event.

🇺🇸 America250 Experience – Explore a traveling museum exhibit celebrating America’s story, appearing in Downtown Scranton on Sunday, July 5th.

🍺 Michelob Ultra Beer Garden – Guests 21 and older can enjoy beverages and match viewing from the beer garden on North Washington Avenue.

🍔 Local Dining – Grab a bite from food trucks surrounding Courthouse Square or visit Downtown Scranton's bars and restaurants before and after the matches.

🎁 Prizes & Giveaways – Fans will have opportunities to win prizes and take part in special giveaways throughout the event.

Knockout Round Schedule

Explore the schedule below for Scranton Fan Zone event dates, broadcast times, and live entertainment! Participating teams for each knockout stage broadcast will be announced below as the tournament progresses.

Saturday, July 4th
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • 11:00 AM — Live music from Cruel Summer: Live Band Tribute to Taylor Swift
  • 1:00 PM — Round of 16 Knockout Match #1
  • 5:00 PM — Round of 16 Knockout Match #2
Sunday, July 5th
2:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • 2:00 PM — Live music from Eco Del Sur
  • 4:00 PM — Round of 16 Knockout Match #1
  • 6:00 PM — Live music from The Wankers
  • 8:00 PM — Round of 16 Knockout Match #2
Saturday, July 18th
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • 3:00 PM — Live music from Hanson
  • 5:00 PM — World Cup Bronze Final (Third Place Match)
Sunday, July 19th
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • 1:00 PM — Live music from Tonic
  • 3:00 PM — World Cup Final

A promotional flyer for Cruel Summer: Live Band Tribute to Taylor Swift for the Scranton World Cup Watch Party

A promotional flyer for Eco Del Sur for the Scranton World Cup Watch Party

A promotional flyer for The Wankers for the Scranton World Cup Watch Party

A promotional flyer for Hanson for the Scranton World Cup Watch Party

A white logo of Scranton The Soccer City

A promotional flyer for Tonic for the Scranton World Cup Watch Party

 

WHERE SHOULD I STAY NEAR WORLD CUP HOST CITIES IN PENNSYLVANIA?

The best place to stay near World Cup host cities in the Northeast U.S. is the Scranton area in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It offers affordable hotels, easy highway access, and is about 2–2.5 hours from Philadelphia and the New York/New Jersey host venues.

Scroll below to discover why Northeastern Pennsylvania is the perfect home base for your World Cup adventure. Whether you're attending matches, visiting the Scranton World Cup Fan Zone, or both, you'll find driving distances to host cities, hotel options, attractions, restaurants and nightlife, and more to help you plan your trip.

 
Jump to Sections

Why Should I Stay in the Scranton Area?

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Affordable Stays, Easy Access & More Between Matches

EASY DRIVE TO THE MATCHES
Within a few hours of New York/New Jersey and Philadelphia.

MORE AFFORDABLE HOTELS
Lower rates than major host cities.

EASY TO GET AROUND
Direct access via I-81 and I-476.

OFFICIAL WATCH PARTY ZONE
Catch the action locally and attend the World Cup Fan Zone in Downtown Scranton.

MORE TO DO BETWEEN MATCHES
Attractions, outdoor adventures, dining, and local experiences.

WALKABLE, WELCOMING & EASY TO EXPLORE
Downtown restaurants, nightlife, and cultural spots within reach.

TURN YOUR TRIP INTO A GETAWAY
Stay longer and experience more beyond match day.


Driving Distances

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Drive to Matches. Stay Here.
  • NYC/NJ: ~2 – 2.5 hrs
  • Philadelphia: ~2 – 2.5 hrs
  • Washington DC: ~4 – 4.5 hrs
  • Boston: ~4.5 – 5 hrs
Find Your Stay in the Scranton Area

Stay close to the action without the high prices. Choose from Downtown Scranton hotels, highway-access stays, and options across Lackawanna County.

 

Book early for World Cup travel dates!

Things to Do

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Things to Do Between Matches

Make the most of your World Cup trip between matches. Explore iconic attractionsscenic outdoor spaces, tours, and entertainment. The Scranton area offers plenty to explore.

Dining & Nightlife

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Dining & Nightlife Between Matches

Make the most of your World Cup trip between matches with great places to eat and unwind. From local favorites and regional specialties to craft breweries & wineries, bars and nightlife, the Scranton area offers plenty to enjoy.

Getting Around

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Easy to Navigate and Well-Connected for Match-Day Travel

Fly into the Scranton area (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport)
Drive-friendly with direct highway access
Walkable downtown
Convenient parking throughout the area


 

Plan Your Trip

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Everything You Need to Plan Your World Cup Stay

Plan ahead—hotels fill quickly during World Cup travel!