During July, Philadelphia hosted a series of community soccer tournaments as part of the People’s World Cup (PWC), organized by various social justice groups.
The tournament final was originally scheduled for August 2, but due to rain it was rescheduled for August 15 at 3 p.m. at the Ukie Club field, located at 847 N. Franklin St. in the Northern Liberties neighborhood.
The event celebrates internationalism through sporting matches featuring players of all skill levels in a community-centered environment, complemented by artistic performances and DJ music.
The PWC was created to reclaim soccer as a space for community, resistance, and alternative narratives, in contrast to the growing corporate spectacle surrounding the sport. This year, its political statement focused on criticizing the commercialization of soccer and the global influence of structures linked to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), which was founded in 1904.
The matches were organized “by the people and for the people,” highlighting the joy of soccer within local communities and promoting social solidarity, especially among immigrants and historically marginalized groups. In addition to Philadelphia, the People’s World Cup was held in several cities, particularly in host cities of FIFA World Cup events, including New York, Washington, D.C., and Toronto.
Philadelphia hosted four rounds of competition throughout July. The first took place at the Lee Cultural Center. Each event focused on a specific theme: decolonization on July 5, when the tournament began; immigration on July 12; anti-militarism on July 19; and surveillance during the semifinals on July 26. The August 15 final will focus on the theme of “Abolition and Revolution.”
Black Alliance for Peace, one of the participating organizations, stated on its website that “the World Cup should be a global celebration of camaraderie, but the United States consistently undermines that spirit by supporting violence and cruelty around the world.”
Sponsors and participating organizations include Church of Revolution, Philly for Cuba, Philly for Sudan, Philly Boricuas, Korea Peace Project, ANAKBAYAN (an organization dedicated to mobilizing young people for the liberation of the Philippines), Anti Billionaires, Brewerytown-Sharswood Neighborhood Coalition, Philly Thrive, People’s Tech Project, Mobilization for Mumia, Philly Over FIFA Coalition, Black Alliance for Peace, and Black Workers Project, among others.