With less than 45 days until the start of the FIFA World Cup, Philadelphia is ramping up preparations to welcome fans from around the world. From matches at Lincoln Financial Field to Fan Fest at Lemon Hill, city leaders say there will be activity across Philadelphia. A key part of the plan inclu des thousands of volunteers who will help visitors navigate the city during the tournament. About 3,000 volunteers have been vetted and trained to assist fans at major transit hubs, tourist destinations and event sites. Organizers say those volunteers were selected from roughly 26,000 applicants. On Wednesday, April 29, volunteers took part in a fashion show showcasing the uniforms they will wear throughout the city. Jessica Malone, who has attended multiple World Cups, said volunteers play an important role for visitors. “As someone who travels for tournaments across the world, I love the volunteers because it’s a visual signal that you’re in the right place — you are where you’re supposed to be, especially getting close to the stadium,” Malone said. Volunteers will be stationed at locations including Philadelphia International Airport, 30th Street Station and SEPTA stops, as well as near stadium events. “A lot will be at the stadium helping with the tournament itself — the ceremony, hospitality, FIFA — and then a lot will be around the city,” said Alison Grove, senior director of strategy, operations and partnerships and volunteer lead for Philadelphia Soccer 2026. They will also help guide fans to Fan Fest at Lemon Hill, where organizers are encouraging visitors to walk or use public transit to avoid traffic and parking issues. With just over a month until the tournament begins, improvements are already underway at Lemon Hill, including upgrades to lighting, sidewalks and landscaping. Organizers say the main festival buildout will begin in the last week of May and is expected to take about 10 days. Organizers, volunteers and fans say they are excited to welcome visitors and showcase the city. “Just knowing we’re going to have so many visitors here — and I’m excited for them to experience Philly and fall in love with Philly in the way that everyone here is in love with Philly,” said Davida Janae, content creator of Vida Fashionista. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less