BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The kickoff to the journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup starts today, Friday, Dec. 5, with ArtsQuest welcoming soccer — or football, if you’re feeling international — fans to partake in the celebration.
Starting at noon in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, the Lehigh Valley SoccerFest & Viewing Party will showcase the world’s largest soccer tournament — an ArtsQuest tradition since 2014.
"The countdown to the biggest World Cup yet begins at the ArtsQuest Campus at SteelStacks.”ArtsQuest release
This year, ArtsQuest again will apply to be an official FIFA-approved viewing party for the 2026 World Cup, and it's starting the fun and games with the World Cup 2026 Final Draw Watch Party.
“Witness the groups revealed, matchups unfold and storylines take shape as the world’s top teams learn their fate for the 2026 tournament," an ArtsQuest release on the event reads.
"The countdown to the biggest World Cup yet begins at the ArtsQuest Campus at SteelStacks.”
Community Clinic to follow
It's early in the series, but plenty of fans already are calling for reigning champions Argentina to take the Cup again with the commanding performance of superstar Lionel Messi.
But then there's France and Brazil, two teams with multiple World Cup notches on their belts, and the young upstarts over in England could pose a threat.
The watch party will run until 3 p.m., followed by the Coach for Community Clinic from 3 to 5 p.m. All fans are welcome to join the holiday cheer of Christkindlmarkt as the free Friday event kicks off at 5 p.m.ArtsQuest release
Right after the party, ArtsQuest will hold a Coach for Community Clinic in partnership with Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association and U.S. Soccer.
The free clinic supports youth soccer by providing grassroots coaching education and is open to coaches, teachers, parents and anyone involved in youth soccer.
Space is limited to 24 participants, and registration can be made online. Those who register will get a $25 voucher for a future course.
The watch party will run until 3 p.m., followed by the Coach for Community Clinic from 3 to 5 p.m.
Immediately following the soccer festivities, all fans are welcome to join the holiday cheer of Christkindlmarkt as the free Friday event kicks off at 5 p.m.
