World Cup in Philly & Suburbs: 18 Soccer Watch Parties, Events, Festivals and More

This summer, Brauhaus Schmitz at 718 South Street is transforming into Philadelphia’s ultimate destination for international soccer fans as the world’s biggest soccer tournament comes to North America. From June 11 through July 19, 48 countries will compete across 104 matches in a month-long global celebration of the beautiful game. Brauhaus Schmitz will host watch parties for the entire series, with 11 screens inside, decorations, special soccer pretzel bun burgers, limited edition soccer half liters, 2,000 cowbell giveaways in German colors, flags up and down the outside of the building – and FIVE outdoor watch block parties with a 20 foot LED screen. With Philadelphia hosting six tournament matches this summer, excitement across the city is expected to reach fever pitch and Brauhaus Schmitz is preparing to welcome supporters from around the globe for every thrilling moment.

The South Street institution will be open daily for every tournament match, featuring all games with sound on across 11 screens inside the bierhall. Standard operating hours will be noon to 2:00pm, with early openings scheduled one hour before kickoff for matches beginning at noon or earlier.

Known for housing one of the world’s largest German beer selections, Brauhaus Schmitz will feature 34 beers on draft alongside a menu packed with German classics including schnitzel, sausages, giant pretzels, sandwiches, and light bites. Additional communal seating and tables will be added to create an authentic “packed Haus” atmosphere throughout the tournament.

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Sofitel Welcomes French Soccer Fans with Watch Parties, Caviar Nuggets and French Flair

French Luxury Hotel Brings an Elevated Match-Day Experience to the Heart of the City

Philadelphia, PA – As the world’s most celebrated soccer tournament comes to the Philadelphia region, Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square is bringing its distinct French heritage to the pitch. The iconic French luxury hotel is positioning its Liberté Restobar as Philadelphia’s premier elevated viewing destination for international football – blending the energy of the global game with the refinement of a Parisian-inspired experience unlike anything else in the region. Sofitel will host three gameday watch celebrations to lead the charge in cheering on the French team – on Tuesday, June 16th (vs. Senegal), Monday, June 22nd (vs. Iraq), and Friday, June 26th (vs. Norway). Each will have multiple large-format screens and an enhanced sound experience,. a dedicated elevated bar menu, specialty cocktails, currated exclusive beverage offerings, and vibes that blend the excitement of the games with French flair. No reservations required – all matches are first come, first served. For those wishing to cheer on the French team or experience French culture while visiting Philadelphia, Sofitel will also offer Weekend Brunch, Champage and Vinyl Nights, Afternoon Tea Service and more from June 11 to July 19. Sofitel also has room packages available for those wishing to spend the night for a fuller experience.

THE FRENCH CONNECTION

With France among the most anticipated teams in the tournament, no hotel in Philadelphia is better positioned to celebrate than Sofitel, a brand born in France and rooted in the art of French hospitality.

“As a French luxury brand, there is a natural connection when France takes the field,” said Pierre Jotterand, General Manager of Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square. “We wanted to create a place where fans can celebrate in a way that’s uniquely Sofitel.”

That vision comes to life inside Liberté, the hotel’s French-inspired Restobar, which has undergone a significant transformation over the past year.

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Detectives Investigating Homicide in Camden

Camden, NJ – Detectives are investigating a shooting that killed a man in Camden early this morning, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Camden County Police
Chief Gabriel Rodriguez. On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at approximately 12:23 a.m., officers from the Camden County Police Department responded to the 200 block of Morse Street in reference to a ShotSpotter activation. Upon arrival, officers located a gunshot victim – identified as 24-year-old Luis J. Bonet of Camden – in the area of Baird Boulevard and Boyd Street. Bonet was transported to
Cooper University Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at approximately 12:36 a.m. The investigation is active and ongoing. No arrests have been made at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Michael Manning of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit at (856) 365-3246 and Detective Matthew Blantz of the Camden County Police Department at (609) 923-6853. Tips can also be sent to CAMDEN.TIPS.

Philadelphia Zoo is Soccer and World Cup Ready

Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia Zoo is ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of guests from around the globe as locals and tourists from across the city and region begin to celebrate the arrival of the FIFA World Cup and America 250. At the Zoo, guests can meet 60 species that are native to the nations playing at Lincoln Financial Field throughout the tournament: Brazil, Croatia, Curacao, Ecuador, France, Ghana, Haiti and Ivory Coast. Plus, the Zoo has opened a brand-new gift shop, Destination Philadelphia, that has everything needed to cheer on Team USA for the World Cup and celebrate America 250. And, the Zoo is offering parking to visitors looking to visit FIFA Fan Festival. Philadelpiha Zoo also is proud to present their Philly Pherris Wheel specially open for America 250 and World Cup visitors this spring at 110 feet / 10 stories tall with epic views of Philadelphia. Carey Bear Country just opened in time for World Cup visitors – and penguins and Zootopiaries have returned to the Zoo for FIFA and America 250.

International Lineup of World Cup Animals

Philadelphia Zoo is home to 1,900 animals of species native to places around the world. The Zoo is home to 60 species that are native to the team countries that will be playing in Philadelphia:

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GTPD Crime Stoppers VIDEO- Hit And Run

Gloucester Township Police Crime Stoppers VIDEO- Hit And Run In The Clementona Development May 30, 2026 : https://youtu.be/yw5J5v1IYuk

Residential video captured a silver SUV, possibly a Dodge Journey, traveling eastbound from the dead end section of Highland Avenue toward Williamstown Road when it sideswiped the passenger’s side of a white SUV that was parked at the intersection of Morgan Street at approximately 5:10 PM. The suspect vehicle, which appears to have black wheels, could be heard on vehicle revving the engine shortly after the collision as it fled the area.

If you can identify the vehicle and/ or its owner, please contact Gloucester Township Police at 856-228-4500, or send your anonymous tips to https://gtpolice.com/tips .

Bill Strengthening Tenant Protections Advances

Legislation sponsored by Assemblymembers Gary Schaer, Eliana Pintor Marin, Ellen Park, and Gabriel Rodriguez that would strengthen protections for tenants facing intimidation based on their immigration or citizenship status cleared the Assembly Housing Committee today.

Known as the “Immigrant Tenant Protection Act,” Bill A4492 would prohibit landlords from using a tenant’s actual or perceived immigration or citizenship status as a basis for eviction, harassment, or retaliation. The bill would establish legal remedies for tenants whose rights are violated and clarify that immigration status is generally irrelevant in civil actions involving a tenant’s housing rights.

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HOME COUNTRY: “Wonder what the count is today”

“Wonder what the count is today,” said Herb. “Sure is hot.”

We sipped simultaneously, as is our wont, and stared at our friend. “What count would that be?” asked Steve.

“The btu count, of course,” said Herb. “Those are British thermal units, you know. It’s how heat is measured.”

Leave it to Herb. There doesn’t appear to be any coffee-drinking topic that Herb can’t make completely obscure.

“I was just getting used to the difference between Fahrenheit and Celsius,” our cowboy, Steve, said.

“I always eat my Celsius with peanut butter on it,” said Doc.

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Wanted: Suspects for Commercial Burglary

The PPD Northwest Detective Division is attempting to identify the individuals responsible for this commercial burglary.

On May 30, 2026, at 11:50am, on the 5300 block of Germantown Ave six black male offenders broke in and burglarized a business on that block. Philadelphia Police recovered local surveillance footage which showed two males break into the side door of the business. During the course of the next two hours these same two men and four additional men were seen coming and going into the business as they stole more items from an upstairs apartment and the business. They were seen driving two different style white vans during the burglary. Both have PA tags but that did not come back to that specific vehicle.

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Shooting In Atlantic City

Atlantic City Police are investigating a shooting that injured a 16-year-old girl. Officers responded to a shooting report on the 600 block of New York Avenue at 11:43 p.m. June 2.

The girl was found suffering from a life-threatening injury, police said. She was hospitalized and is expected to survive, police said. No further information was immediately available.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department Violent Crimes Unit at 609-347-5858 or submit a text anonymously to tip411 (847411). Begin the text with ACPD

MD Anderson at Cooper Earns FACT Accreditation

MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper has earned accreditation from the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) for its Blood & Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program—marking a major milestone for cancer care in the region and advancing access to life-saving treatment for patients across South Jersey.

With this achievement, MD Anderson at Cooper is the only provider of stem cell transplant services in southern New Jersey, giving patients access to these highly specialized therapies without the need to travel to Philadelphia or central New Jersey.