On the heels of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Burlington County has provided what it calls fun facts on its social media page.
The draw was held in Washington D.C., on Dec. 5 to determine whom the 48 teams competing in next summer’s tournament will play in their group stage matches. The U.S. is in Group D and will play against Australia; Paraguay; and the winner of a four-team European playoff between Türkey, Romania, Slovakia and Kosovo.
The U.S. Men’s National Team won’t play any of its group games in Philadelphia, but Burlington still has strong World Cup connections, having produced three talents who competed in past tournaments. The county maintains that few others like it anywhere in the country can make the same claim.
Here’s a look at the locals who made the county proud:
- Carli Lloyd of Delran: Lloyd is a bonified legend of the women’s game. She scored a hat trick in the final of the 2015 Women’s World Cup, helping to lead the U.S. to the championship.
- Brenden Aaronson of Medford: The so-called “Medford Messi” made his debut in a men’s World Cup match for the U.S. in 2022.
- Peter Vermes, Delran: Back in 1990, Vermes started all three matches for the U.S. in the World Cup in Italy, a proud moment in county soccer history.
Besides the U.S., the 2026 competition is being played in Mexico and Canada, and Philadelphia and New Jersey will host matches.
