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.

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
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






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?
Back to Top of ListAffordable 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
Back to Top of ListDrive 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
Hotels
Back to Top of ListFind 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.
Stay In Downtown Scranton
Walk to restaurants, nightlife, and official World Cup watch parties—right in the heart of it all.
Book early for World Cup travel dates!
Things to Do
Back to Top of ListThings to Do Between Matches
Make the most of your World Cup trip between matches. Explore iconic attractions, scenic outdoor spaces, tours, and entertainment. The Scranton area offers plenty to explore.
Attractions & Experiences
Iconic spots and can’t-miss experiences
Family-Friendly Fun
Arcades, attractions, and activities for all ages
Outdoors & Adventure
Scenic trails, parks, and outdoor escapes
Tours & Sightseeing
Guided and self-guided ways to explore the area
Roadside Attractions & Unique Activities
Quirky stops and one-of-a-kind photo-worthy finds
Shopping & Local Finds
Boutiques, gifts, and unique local treasures
Events & Entertainment
Live music, festivals, and local happenings
Pet-Friendly Activities
Dog-friendly parks, patios, and places to explore
Dining & Nightlife
Back to Top of ListDining & 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
Back to Top of ListEasy 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
Back to Top of ListEverything You Need to Plan Your World Cup Stay
Plan ahead—hotels fill quickly during World Cup travel!

