Chris Branscome to speak on World Cup economics in Philadelphia

By AI, Created 5:08 AM UTC, May 19, 2026, /AGP/ – Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer CEO Chris Branscome will join a May 21 panel in Philadelphia focused on the economic impact of FIFA World Cup 2026 and what the tournament could mean for the region. The event will bring together sports, tourism, business and civic leaders as the city prepares to host matches next month.

Why it matters: - Philadelphia is one of the FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities, and local leaders are already mapping the tournament’s impact on tourism, infrastructure investment, visibility and long-term economic development. - The discussion is aimed at business leaders, civic groups, sports executives and community stakeholders who want to understand the region’s opportunity beyond the matches themselves. - More information is available through the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia at the event page.

What happened: - Chris Branscome, CEO of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, will be a featured speaker at The Economics of the World Cup on Thursday, May 21. - The British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia is hosting the event in Philadelphia. - The program runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP headquarters, 2222 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. - Branscome will join Meg Kane of FIFA World Cup 26 Philadelphia™, Larry Needle of PHL Sports/Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and Andrew Rocks of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius. - The panel will focus on how the World Cup can drive tourism, infrastructure investment, international visibility and long-term economic development for host cities and surrounding communities.

The details: - The event comes as Philadelphia prepares to host FIFA World Cup 2026 beginning next month. - Organizers expect strong interest from business leaders, civic organizations, sports executives and community stakeholders. - Branscome said the World Cup is a transformational opportunity for Philadelphia and the region, with economic, cultural and social benefits. - Branscome said the tournament can help showcase the city, grow the game and create experiences that inspire the next generation of players, coaches and leaders. - Branscome has spent more than two decades working across youth, collegiate and professional soccer in the United States. - Branscome has been engaged in the effort to bring FIFA World Cup 2026 since 2012 and has worked with FIFA World Cup 26 Philadelphia and PHL Sports throughout the process. - Earlier this year, Branscome was elected Commissioner of the U.S. Soccer Youth Council. - In that role, Branscome works with U.S. Soccer and member organizations on player development initiatives and youth soccer advocacy. - Branscome joined Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer in 2010 after serving as Director of Marketing for US Youth Soccer. - At US Youth Soccer, Branscome oversaw national marketing, branding, sponsorship and communications initiatives. - During that tenure, sponsorship revenue and media exposure grew, and Branscome helped drive projects including The US Youth Soccer Show on Fox Soccer Channel, Youth Soccer Month and a relaunch of the organization’s national website. - Branscome also held professional roles with the Philadelphia KiXX, Chicago Power and the American Professional Soccer League. - Earlier in his career, Branscome worked in athletic marketing and promotions at Villanova University, Saint Joseph’s University and Towson University. - A Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania native, Branscome played for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer-affiliated clubs, at La Salle College High School and at Villanova University. - Branscome was inducted into the Philadelphia Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005. - Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer serves more than 130,000 youth players across 36 counties. - Under Branscome’s leadership, the organization has expanded its visibility and community impact across the region. - Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has launched and grown programs focused on leadership development, inclusion and access to the game. - Those programs include the LeadHER Network, See It, Be It and the We Belong/Grow the Game Festivals. - Earlier this spring, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer hosted Marketing of Soccer: 2026 and Beyond, presented by Bank of America, at the Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia. - That event focused on fan engagement, sponsorship strategy, storytelling and the business of soccer in America. - Pre-registration is required for The Economics of the World Cup, and seating is limited. - Additional information about Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is available at the organization’s website.

Between the lines: - The panel underscores how World Cup planning now extends well beyond match operations and into regional economic strategy. - Branscome’s role connects grassroots soccer development with the commercial and civic ambitions surrounding the tournament. - Philadelphia’s World Cup push is also being framed as a legacy effort, with attention on what remains after the event leaves town.

What’s next: - The Philadelphia event is set for May 21. - FIFA World Cup 2026 begins next month in Philadelphia, adding urgency to local discussions about preparation and long-term gains. - Branscome’s U.S. Soccer Youth Council role puts him in position to influence youth-soccer priorities nationally going forward.