World Cup 2026 Host Committee unveils plans to engage all 88 L.A. County cities

The Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee convened leaders from across Los Angeles County today at the GRAMMY Museum to present its regional strategy for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26, outlining a series of initiatives aimed at ensuring the entire county shares in the excitement and impact of the world’s biggest sporting event.

Los Angeles is slated to host eight matches at SoFi Stadium—including the U.S. Men’s National Team opener and a Quarterfinal—and the Host Committee is encouraging all 88 cities within the county to participate in the build-up and festivities surrounding the 39-day tournament. Organizers emphasized the importance of community-driven events such as public viewing parties, fan festivals, neighborhood activations, and decorative campaigns to make the World Cup a truly county-wide experience.

Speaking at the event, Host Committee Co-Chairs Chris Klein and Larry Freedman, along with Host City Manager Kathryn Schloessman, called on local governments to help deliver an unforgettable tournament by activating public spaces, promoting soccer culture, and fostering civic pride throughout the region.

“While Los Angeles is the official host city, our goal is to make this a celebration that reaches every corner of the county,” said Schloessman, who also serves as President & CEO of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission. “From Lancaster to Long Beach and from Claremont to Calabasas, each community has a role to play in welcoming the world and creating a lasting legacy.”

The Committee announced several upcoming initiatives, including an opening-week fan celebration at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and official watch parties across the region. A volunteer portal will also launch soon, inviting Angelenos to join the World Cup effort.

In collaboration with Los Angeles Tourism, the Committee is curating a 39-day event calendar designed to showcase the city’s best cultural, culinary, and entertainment experiences. Adam Burke, President & CEO of Los Angeles Tourism, noted that LA was recently ranked the top U.S. city for soccer fans and is ready to prove why. “We’re going to show the world what makes Los Angeles unforgettable – from our iconic attractions and neighborhoods to our unmatched hospitality,” said Burke.

Community engagement is a cornerstone of the Committee’s plan. Partnering with the LA84 Foundation and Play Equity Fund, the Committee will roll out several programs in the year ahead:

26 Community Champions: A grant program recognizing organizations that uplift communities through soccer. Award recipients will be announced on June 11.

Grow the Game of Soccer Initiative: A series of youth soccer clinics launching this fall to inspire and empower the next generation of players.

Beautification and Clean-Up Days: Volunteer efforts to refresh and celebrate neighborhoods ahead of the tournament.

“The World Cup will be more than just a tournament for Los Angeles—it will be a catalyst for community transformation,” said Renata Simril, President & CEO of LA84 Foundation and the Play Equity Fund. “The legacy of 2026 will be written not just in goals, but in opportunities created and lives impacted.”

FIFA World Cup 26™ is expected to be the largest single-sport event in history and marks the beginning of a new era of global sports in Los Angeles, which will also host Super Bowl LXI in 2027 and the Olympic & Paralympic Games in 2028.