The Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee has released comprehensive plans for community and fan engagement leading up to and during the tournament, detailing a strategy to extend the event’s footprint well beyond SoFi Stadium.
The initiatives include a central FIFA Fan Festival, a network of regional “Fan Zones,” and a 39-day calendar of events designed to capture the estimated $1.1 billion economic impact the tournament is expected to bring to the region.
The Hub: FIFA Fan Festival at the Coliseum
The historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will serve as the anchor for the festivities, transforming into the official FIFA Fan Festival from June 11-15. The five-day event will function as the opening weekend celebration for the Los Angeles leg of the tournament.
Fans can expect live match broadcasts, music, cultural programming, and culinary offerings that reflect the city’s diversity. Specific hours and daily programming schedules are set to be released in March 2026.
“The FIFA Fan Festival is where the heartbeat of the World Cup lives,” said Cobi Jones, U.S. Men’s National Team legend and Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Community Ambassador. “This summer, Los Angeles won’t just be hosting matches — we’ll be hosting the world… It’s going to be a once-in-a-generation moment for our region, and I can’t wait to see fans from everywhere experience the World Cup, LA style.”
Regional Reach: Neighborhood Fan Zones
To decentralize the crowds and bring the experience to different parts of the county, the Host Committee will activate “Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zones” across the region. These sites will offer live viewing and interactive experiences during the 39-day tournament.
Confirmed locations and dates include:
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The Original Farmers Market: June 18-21
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City of Downey: June 20
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Heart of the City (Union Station & LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes): June 25-28
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Hansen Dam Lake: July 2-5
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LA County’s Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park: July 4-5
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Los Angeles County Whittier Narrows: July 9-11
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Venice Beach: July 11
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Fairplex: July 14-15 & July 18-19
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West Harbor: July 14-15 & July 18-19
“The Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zones are about meeting fans where they are,” said Chris Klein, Co-Chair of the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee. “By creating accessible fan experiences across the region, we’re extending the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 beyond the stadiums and creating welcoming spaces for residents and visitors to come together and celebrate the world’s game right in their own backyards.”
Navigation and Logistics
To help visitors navigate the sprawling schedule, the Host Committee is partnering with LA Tourism to curate a “39-Day Fan Experience Guide.” Available on DiscoverLA.com and the official FIFA World Cup mobile app, the guide will aggregate the Fan Festival, Fan Zones, and community-led events into a single resource.
“As the world’s eyes turn to Los Angeles, this 39-day calendar of FIFA World Cup events offers a powerful opportunity to showcase our cultures and diverse communities that define our region,” said Adam Burke, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.
Economic Outlook
The Host Committee also released updated projections regarding the financial impact of the event. Epsilon Economics estimates $892 million in increased spending across LA County. When combined with more than $230 million in projected media value from future tourism, the total economic impact is expected to surpass $1.1 billion.
“Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 isn’t just about hosting eight matches at SoFi Stadium, it’s about using the tremendous media attention generated to highlight all the opportunities for community engagement throughout our region,” said Kathryn Schloessman, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission. “These activities will allow both Angelenos and visitors alike to be part of this historic event.”
Community Legacy
Leading up to the games, the committee is launching several grassroots initiatives. This includes the “Kick It With Us” mobile bus tour launching March 3, which will visit high-traffic areas to promote the tournament. Additionally, the “Grow the Game” series will host 26 free youth soccer clinics throughout the year, with the next event scheduled for Feb. 28 at Cal State Los Angeles University Stadium.
“The legacy of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be defined by how it shows up in our communities,” said Larry Freedman, Co-Chair of the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee. “These programs are designed to ensure the World Cup leaves a legacy beyond the final whistle that reaches every corner of LA.”
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