From DC To The World: Behind The Scenes.
In June 2026, DC Football Club's U10 Boys traveled to Philadelphia for an unforgettable experience at the FIFA World Cup. Selected as official Player Escorts for the match between Côte d'Ivoire and Ecuador, our players walked onto the field alongside some of the world's best footballers, representing their families, their city, and our club. What began as a dream became a memory that will last a lifetime. A few minutes on the field created memories that will last forever. We documented the entire journey—from the anticipation and preparation to the unforgettable moment our players stepped onto the World Cup stage. Scroll down to experience the day through the photos and videos that tell the story.
The Journey Begins
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The Journey Begins 〰️
Traveling To Philadelphia
Our adventure started at 8 am at Edgewood Recreation Center, where players and families gathered with excitement already building. Some families traveled with us on the charter bus while others drove separately to Philadelphia, but everyone shared the same feeling: this was going to be a special day.
As players boarded the bus, you could feel the excitement.
The entire ride to Philadelphia our student-athletes had conversations centered around the World Cup, the players they might meet, and what it would feel like to walk onto the field. The excitement only grew as the miles passed beneath us.
Getting Ready For The Big Moment
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Getting Ready For The Big Moment 〰️
The Game Before The Game
Before heading to Lincoln Financial Field, our partners at Starfinder Foundation welcomed us into their incredible indoor facility.
The timing couldn't have been better. With several hours before kickoff, the boys had an opportunity to run around, play soccer, and channel some of the nervous energy that naturally comes with a day this big. Parents and siblings joined in the fun as well, turning the afternoon into a celebration for the entire DCFC community.
Players also received and tried on their official Quaker Player Escort uniforms, making the experience suddenly feel very real.
After lunch and plenty of soccer, the team was ready for the next step.
Heading To The Stadium
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Heading To The Stadium 〰️
The World Cup Atmosphere Comes Alive
The next bus ride was only about thirty minutes long, but it may have been the most memorable ride of the day.
As we approached Lincoln Financial Field, the boys saw thousands of fans streaming toward the stadium. Nearly everywhere they looked, supporters dressed in yellow and blue were singing, chanting, waving flags, and celebrating. Philadelphia had become Ecuador for the day.
Our players quickly joined the fun. From inside the bus, they cheered, waved, and even started their own chants whenever Ecuador supporters spotted them. Every interaction seemed to raise the energy another level.
By the time we arrived near the stadium, the boys could feel just how big this event truly was.
After passing through security, we made our way to the Player Escort Green Room, which would serve as our home base until kickoff.
At around 3:00 PM, the boys completed a rehearsal walk-through, practicing the same route they would later take onto the field. The rest of the afternoon was spent playing games, eating, watching other World Cup matches, and counting down the hours until their moment arrived.
The Main Event
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The Main Event 〰️
Walking Onto The World Stage
After months of anticipation and an entire day of excitement, preparation, and counting down the hours, the moment had finally arrived. The boys gathered in a tunnel at the edge of Lincoln Financial Field as the final minutes before kickoff ticked away. Everything they had been talking about since leaving Edgewood that morning was about to become reality.
Many gathered at Philadelphia's FIFA Fan Festival, watching the player escort ceremony together on giant screens. The reactions, cheers, and emotions from parents and family members were every bit as powerful as what happened inside the stadium.
For a few unforgettable minutes, our players stood on the world's biggest soccer stage.
Taking It All In
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Taking It All In 〰️
From The Field to the Stands
After the national anthems concluded, the boys made their way back from the field still buzzing with excitement. The adrenaline was real.
Many couldn't stop talking about the players they met, the size of the crowd, or what it felt like to hear the roar of the stadium from the center of the pitch.
Soon after, they were escorted to their seats near the corner flag, where they got to experience the match from an incredible vantage point. Now they could simply be fans.
The Journey Home
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The Journey Home 〰️
A Day We’ll Never Forget
After the final whistle, players and families reunited back at Starfinder. It had been a long day, but nobody seemed tired.
Parents shared stories from the Fan Festival. Players relived every detail of the walkout. Coaches reflected on just how special the experience had been.
Over pizza and conversation, everyone tried to process what they had just experienced. The smiles said it all.
Just before midnight, we boarded the bus for the trip back to Washington, DC. The boys finally returned home shortly before 3 am.
It was a very long day. It was also one of the most memorable days in the history of DC Football Club and Open Goal Project as a whole.
Thank you to FIFA, Quaker, Starfinder Foundation, and all of our supporters who helped make this incredible opportunity possible for our players and families.
Some memories last a lifetime. This was one of them.