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Los Angeles welcomes FIFA delegation in bid to host FIFA World Cup 2026
Pasadena Independent Nov 22, 2021
The Host Committee leading delegates on a tour of SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. | Photo courtesy of Korak Taylor, Jason Krutzsch/Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee
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The Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee on Saturday welcomed FIFA delegates for an official FIFA World Cup 2026 site visit, showcasing the region’s world-class venues and infrastructure in an ongoing bid to bring the event to Southern California.
The Host Committee led FIFA and U.S. Soccer on tours of two of the city’s iconic sports and entertainment venues — Rose Bowl Stadium and SoFi Stadium. During the visit, the delegation also visited numerous locations proposed for training sites, base camps for international teams and the official FIFA Fan Fest.
In addition to seeing the various venues, the delegates took part in a few uniquely LA activities, including the host city meeting at the Grammy Museum, a reception with local officials at Sony Pictures Studios and a culinary experience representing the diverse cultures and neighborhoods of Los Angeles by chef Wolfgang Puck.
In 2026, North America will be the site of history’s first 48-team FIFA World Cup, with cities in Canada, Mexico and U.S. all set to host matches. This will mark the first time three nations have been selected to co-host a FIFA World Cup, and the event’s first return to North America in 32 years.
The site visit with FIFA focused on solidifying the Los Angeles region’s bid to be a Super Host City, with both stadiums hosting matches, including the Semi-Final and Final, a fan festival, and other ancillary World Cup events. FIFA is expected to finalize the 16 host cities from the proposed slate of 22 candidates by mid-2022. The U.S. has proposed 17 candidate host cities, with at least 10 of these destinations expected to be selected in the final round.
“We are happy to have welcomed the FIFA delegation to Los Angeles this weekend,” said Chris Klein, LA Galaxy President. “During this visit, we had the opportunity to showcase Los Angeles’ resources and infrastructure as we believe the city will make a perfect location for the most celebrated tournament in the world. LA is the world’s city and we’re ready to bring the World Cup to Los Angeles in 2026.”
The Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee is a united soccer front established to deliver an opportunity for Los Angeles that intends to drive lasting social, cultural, and economic impact for the region. The effort is led by the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC) and includes the Los Angeles Rams, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and the LA Galaxy.
“It was an honor to meet with the FIFA delegation this weekend and help showcase the incredible venues and our dynamic city of Los Angeles,” said Larry Freedman, LAFC Co-President. “We know that LA is one of the premier soccer cities in the world, and we are excited to continue working with our partners and the Host Committee to ensure our vision of the World Cup becomes a reality here.”
In June, the Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee named LA Galaxy President Chris Klein and LAFC Co-President Larry Freedman as co-chairs of the region’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2026. Then in September, the group launched its official bid video featuring actor Will Ferrell, LA Galaxy and US Soccer legend Cobi Jones and narration by one of history’s most iconic broadcasters, Vin Scully.
A successful bid would add to Los Angeles region’s longstanding reputation as one of the nation’s top soccer cities, building on the 1984 Olympic tournament, 1994 FIFA World Cup and 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup – which collectively remain the largest-attended FIFA World Cup events in history.
“The Los Angeles region has a rich history of hosting the world’s greatest sports and entertainment events, a privilege that consistently benefits our entire region,” said Kathryn Schloessman, Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission President & CEO. “We are grateful for the FIFA delegation’s consideration, as hosting the FIFA World Cup here would strengthen our local businesses, drive philanthropic impact, and unite all Angelenos through the beautiful game, just as it has before.”
For more information on Los Angeles’ bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2026, please visit www.LASEC.net/los-angeles-2026.
