PHILADELPHIA, PA — For soccer fans looking to pair international match-day excitement with French-inspired food, drinks, and hospitality, Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square is preparing to turn its Liberté Restobar into a gathering place for supporters throughout the summer tournament season.
As Philadelphia welcomes visitors from around the world for one of the globe’s biggest sporting events, the Center City hotel plans to host a series of watch parties celebrating France’s national team while offering guests an elevated alternative to the traditional sports-bar experience.
The featured match-day celebrations will take place June 16, June 22, and June 26, when France takes the field against Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. Multiple large-format screens, enhanced audio, specialty cocktails, themed menus, and French-inspired hospitality will help transform Liberté into what organizers hope will feel like a slice of Paris in the heart of Philadelphia.
“As a French luxury brand, there is a natural connection when France takes the field,” said Pierre Jotterand, general manager of Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square. “We wanted to create a place where fans can celebrate in a way that’s uniquely Sofitel.”
The watch parties are part of a broader summer lineup running from June 11 through July 19 that highlights the hotel’s French heritage through dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences.
Visitors can expect a tournament menu featuring shareable French-inspired dishes, including Mini Croque Monsieur sandwiches, Wagyu sliders, and the restaurant’s playful “Le Nugget Royal” — chicken nuggets served with caviar. Executive Chef Sylva Senat will oversee the culinary offerings throughout the event series.
The beverage program will feature French favorites, including Kronenbourg 1664 beer on draft, Taittinger Champagne by the glass, and specialty cocktails created for tournament season.
Adding to the excitement, guests attending France’s matches will have the opportunity to enter a halftime raffle for an official French national team jersey.
Beyond soccer viewing, Sofitel will offer a variety of French-inspired experiences throughout the tournament period, including weekend brunches, afternoon tea service, Champagne & Vinyl evenings, and happy hour gatherings designed to welcome both local residents and international visitors.
“Philadelphia is going to be buzzing with international visitors, and we are excited to welcome them,” said Jotterand. “The tournament is about bringing people together. We’re bringing together French heritage, Philadelphia energy, great food, great drinks and world-class soccer under one roof.”
Event Details
- What: French Team Soccer Watch Parties and Summer French Cultural Experiences
- When: June 11–July 19, 2026
- Featured Match Watch Parties:
- June 16, 3 p.m. — France vs. Senegal
- June 22, 5 p.m. — France vs. Iraq
- June 26, 3 p.m. — France vs. Norway
- Where: Liberté Restobar, Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square, 120 S. 17th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Cost/Tickets: No reservations required; seating is first come, first served
- More Info: sofitel-philadelphia.com/happenings/
Highlights
Guests attending the watch parties can enjoy:
- Multiple large-format viewing screens
- Enhanced match-day sound experience
- French-inspired food specials
- Specialty cocktails and Champagne offerings
- Official French national team jersey raffles
- A French-themed atmosphere celebrating international soccer
More Ways to Experience France This Summer
Throughout the tournament period, Sofitel will also host:
- Le Brunch — Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
- Afternoon Tea — Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 p.m.–2 p.m.
- Champagne & Vinyl Thursdays — Thursdays, 4:30 p.m.–8 p.m.
- Happy Hour — Sunday through Friday, 4 p.m.–6 p.m.
For soccer supporters, Francophiles, and visitors exploring Philadelphia during a summer of international competition, Sofitel’s blend of hospitality, cuisine, and match-day energy offers a distinctly French way to celebrate the beautiful game.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.