Subaru Park to Host Army-Navy Cup XV on October 9
MLS Philadelphia Union

Subaru Park to Host Army-Navy Cup XV on October 9

Published on August 7, 2026 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Philadelphia Union News Release


CHESTER, Pa. - Philadelphia Union announced today that Army-Navy Cup XV, presented by Leidos, will return to Subaru Park on Friday, October 9, 2026, as part of a new multi-year extension with the Army West Point Athletic Association (AWPAA), the Naval Academy Athletic Association (NAAA) and Leidos that will keep the marquee collegiate soccer event at Subaru Park through at least 2030.

Now entering its 15th iteration, Army-Navy Cup has grown into one of the premier annual events in college soccer and one of the signature non-Union events hosted at Subaru Park. The 2026 event will once again feature a single-admission Army-Navy doubleheader, with the women's match kicking off at 4:00 p.m. ET and the men's match following at 7:00 p.m. ET. Both matches are regularly scheduled Patriot League contests and part of the celebrated Army-Navy rivalry.

"Army-Navy Cup has become one of the most meaningful and prestigious events we host at Subaru Park, and extending this partnership through at least 2030 is a tremendous point of pride for the Philadelphia Union," said Philadelphia Union President Tim McDermott. "We are grateful to Army West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, Leidos and all of the partners who worked together to create the path forward for this event. Army-Navy Cup represents so much of what makes sports special. It is a privilege for our club to continue providing a world-class stage for this rivalry."

Philadelphia Union created and has hosted Army-Navy Cup at Subaru Park since its inaugural edition in 2012. The event has steadily grown in stature, combining the tradition of one of the nation's great rivalries with the atmosphere of a professional soccer venue and the passion of the Philadelphia region. Last year's Army-Navy Cup XIV marked another milestone, as the event welcomed men's and women's teams to Subaru Park for the first time as part of a historic doubleheader.

The 2025 men's match saw Army West Point defeat Navy, 4-0, in front of a record crowd of 11,363 fans, the first Army-Navy Cup attendance to surpass 11,000. The women's match opened the doubleheader with a dramatic 2-2 draw, continuing the growth of the event while showcasing the strength and significance of both service academy soccer programs.

"The Army-Navy Cup has grown into one of the best events in all of college soccer, and we're excited to continue our partnership with the Philadelphia Union and Subaru Park for the next five years", said Tom Thodorakis, Director of Athletics at Army West Point. "This extension ensures long-term stability for an event that provides an incredible experience for our cadet-athletes, who had the opportunity to compete in front of more than 10,000 fans last season-the largest crowd in college soccer. We're grateful for this partnership and look forward to continuing to showcase one of the greatest rivalries in sports while creating a memorable experience for our cadet-athletes and fans alike."

The excitement surrounding Army-Navy Cup continues to reach new heights. Following a crowd of 11,363 at last year's doubleheader and with the event set to remain at Subaru Park for years to come, fans will soon have their chance to secure seats for the next chapter of the rivalry when tickets go on sale in mid-August.

"There is no environment in college soccer that matches the energy, intensity, and passion of the Army-Navy Cup," added United States Naval Academy Athletics Director Michael Kelly. "It has truly cemented itself as the premier regular-season fixture on the collegiate calendar. We are incredibly excited to bring our team back to Philadelphia, and we remain deeply grateful to the Philadelphia Union for their unwavering partnership in building an event of this magnitude. It is an honor for our student-athletes to compete on a world-class stage like Subaru Park, and we can't wait to see the stands packed with fans for another historic chapter of this rivalry."

The 2026 edition will also take place during a landmark year for the country, as Philadelphia and the surrounding region commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States. Additional programming and special event elements connected to the celebration will be announced at a later date.

Army-Navy Cup XV will once again be presented by Leidos, whose support has helped fuel the continued growth of the event and its connection to community, service and patriotism. The event is also supported by a growing roster of local, regional and national partners committed to celebrating the military community and creating a memorable experience for cadets, midshipmen, families, veterans, active-duty service members and soccer fans throughout the region.

"Army-Navy Cup brings together elite competition, enduring tradition and a shared commitment to service," said Tom Downey, chief communications and marketing officer at Leidos. "Leidos is extending our partnership through 2030 to help create a national stage to help create a national stage for the cadets and midshipmen who will become our future military leaders. As America marks its 250th anniversary, this year's event offers an especially meaningful opportunity to celebrate their dedication, teamwork and service."

Army-Navy Cup XV is presented by Leidos and made possible with support from the following sponsors: Visit Delco, Ernst & Young, PA Army National Guard & Constellation Energy, Energy Transfer, LU 420, United Concordia Dental, Sunoco, Holman Automotive, IBEW 654, Ritas, Widener, PHL Sports, IBEW 98, Essity, Herman Goldner, Inc., Giant, Primo Hoagies, Constellation, Cooper Cheese, Arkema, Romano's Original Stromboli, Visit PA, Monroe Energy, Nemours Children's Health, AltaBus, Stihl, Pennsylvania Dairy Farmers, JDog, JKJ, America's Tire, PA National Guard, Copper Bonnett Distillery, Royal Farms, Wonder, Musco, The Navy League, and Northstar Group.

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