Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has emerged as one of the most visible 2028 presidential prospects at FIFA World Cup matches being held across the United States this summer, attending two games at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field and distributing hundreds of free tickets to community organizations.
The Democratic governor joined Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador a week prior with his wife Lori, and was set to attend Iraq vs. France on Monday at the same venue, according to his office. Shapiro is also expected to visit the FIFA Fan Festival before that match. The Pennsylvania host city has drawn significant crowds to its fan zone as part of the tournament.
Shapiro joins a growing list of prospective White House contenders taking in the World Cup. California Gov. Gavin Newsom attended the U.S. opener against Paraguay alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took in the American squad's match against Australia.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill, who has carved out a leadership role in the Democratic Party though she hasn't actively moved toward a presidential campaign, attended France vs. Senegal at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Shapiro is known on local sports radio as 'Josh in Abington' and counts himself as a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and 76ers.
What the Right Is Saying
Not all prospective candidates have made time for World Cup matches. Several potential contenders from both parties who represent states hosting games have yet to attend a game, according to available schedules and public appearances.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) hasn't attended a match at MetLife Stadium despite its proximity to his home state. Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock of Georgia have not made the trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Ossoff has publicly stated he has no interest in running for president.
On the Republican side, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) hasn't taken in a match at either AT&T Stadium in Arlington or NRG Stadium in Houston, both serving as World Cup venues. Critics note that ticket prices have been substantial and many U.S. matches were played on the West Coast, creating logistical barriers for politicians with packed schedules.
The Republican perspective emphasizes that constituent work and legislative priorities take precedence over tournament attendance during a busy congressional period.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic strategists see potential electoral value in candidates embracing the World Cup, particularly as the U.S. men's national team continues to advance through the tournament with what observers describe as a talented roster capable of capturing broader public support.
'The U.S. loves a winner and this squad is not only super talented but is on the cusp of really capturing the hearts of the whole country as we go to the knockout rounds,' said Eric Koch, a Democratic consultant based in New York City who follows soccer closely. 'It's going to be a great unifying thing to rally behind.'
Koch argued that for Democrats especially, embracing the World Cup could serve two political purposes: projecting patriotism and building connections with voters outside traditional political settings.
'As with all things in politics, if it's not authentic to you and what you're about, it's going to seem fake and forced, and this applies extra to sports, which people have actual deep connections to,' Koch said. 'The good thing is the USMNT can be everyone's team and as the hype train builds I think we will see more pols embracing them.'
Shapiro's distribution of 700 free tickets through community organizations reflects an effort to frame his engagement with the tournament in accessible terms, his office has emphasized.
What the Numbers Show
Philadelphia is one of 11 American host cities for World Cup 2026, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament runs through mid-July.
Shapiro's office announced he worked to distribute 700 free tickets to Philadelphia community organizations as part of Pennsylvania's hosting responsibilities. Visit PA, the state's tourism arm, is a sponsor of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, using ticket allocations that include suite, VIP, and general admission access for economic development purposes including hosting business leaders.
The U.S. men's national team opened group play on the West Coast at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles against Paraguay before facing Australia and Panama in subsequent matches.
The Bottom Line
World Cup 2026 presents an unusual intersection of sports diplomacy and presidential politics, with potential candidates using their host state positions to gain visibility while navigating questions of authenticity that attach to any politician engaging with popular culture events. As the tournament progresses into knockout rounds and U.S. attention potentially intensifies around a winning American squad, more candidates may seek similar engagement. The political calculation differs between those who view such appearances as genuine fan participation versus those concerned about optics surrounding ticket access and public spending during high-profile international sporting events.
What to watch: Whether Shapiro and other governors expand their World Cup visibility efforts if the U.S. team continues advancing, and whether Republicans facing 2028 pressure begin attending matches at Texas venues as the tournament moves deeper into July.