USMNT World Cup Opener: FIFA Fan Festival takes over LA ahead of kickoff
FIFA Fan Fest continues as USA takes on Paraguay
The festival runs through Sunday at the Exposition Park venue and is expected to attract thousands of local and international soccer fans. For a $10 admission fee (children 12 and under enter free), attendees get access to live match broadcasts on giant screens, cultural programming, food and beverage vendors, and sponsor exhibits.
LOS ANGELES - The FIFA World Cup has officially taken over Los Angeles, and the celebration is already underway.
As the United States prepares to open its tournament campaign against Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium, the FIFA Fan Festival has launched at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, giving soccer fans an active home base to watch matches, catch live concerts, and celebrate the game.
What we know:
The festival is currently running at the Exposition Park venue and is expected to attract thousands of local and international soccer fans through Sunday.
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For a $10 admission fee (children 12 and under enter free), attendees are already gaining access to live match broadcasts on giant screens, cultural programming, food and beverage vendors, and sponsor exhibits.
The ongoing event features special appearances by the official FIFA World Cup 2026 mascots: Maple, Zayu, and Clutch.
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A cornerstone attraction is "Beckham's Backyard," a fan activation presented by The Home Depot and inspired by former England captain David Beckham, which features digital soccer target-practice games and family workshops.
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Additionally, six official tournament retail pop-up stores are now operating across the region through July 31, selling official jerseys, apparel, hats, and mascot merchandise. The stores are located at:
- Third Street Promenade (Santa Monica)
- Manhattan Village (Manhattan Beach)
- The Bloc (Downtown LA)
- Grand Central Market (Downtown LA)
- Ovation Hollywood (Hollywood)
- Del Amo Fashion Center (Torrance)
Timeline:
Schedule of events
The ongoing festival schedule and upcoming regional Fan Zone dates roll out as follows:
Friday: Broadcasts of Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina and United States vs. Paraguay; live music performances by Steve Aoki and DJ Ravidrums.
Saturday: Broadcasts of Brazil vs. Morocco and Haiti vs. Scotland; live music performance by Capital Cities.
Sunday: Broadcasts of Germany vs. Curacao and Netherlands vs. Japan; live music performances by Normani and Sickick.
June 18–21: Official Fan Zone opens at The Original Farmers Market.
June 20: Official Fan Zone opens in the City of Downey.
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June 25–28: Official Fan Zone opens at Union Station.
July 2–5: Official Fan Zone opens at Hansen Dam Lake.
July 4–5: Official Fan Zone opens at Earvin "Magic" Johnson Park.
July 9–11: Official Fan Zone opens at Whittier Narrows.
July 10–11: Official Fan Zone opens at Venice Beach.
July 14–15 & July 18–19: Official Fan Zones open at Fairplex in Pomona and West Harbor in San Pedro.
July 18–19: Official Fan Zone opens in Downtown Burbank.
Transportation
FIFA fans urged to take Metro during World Cup festivities
With the FIFA World Cup getting underway, Metro officials announced that a team of about 2,000 transit agency employees will be deployed throughout Los Angeles County during the tournament to assist riders using the agency's enhanced transit services.
According to Metro, about 2,000 employees will leave their regular office assignments during the tournament to supplement bus operators, Metro Ambassadors, transit security personnel and other frontline staff. The workers will be placed throughout the transit system to help visitors traveling to matches, fan zones and other World Cup-related events.
Metro officials said the workforce will include employees from the agency's Values in Practice program. Metro also plans to deploy specially trained operators assigned to enhanced World Cup bus service connecting SoFi Stadium with more than 15 stations and locations in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
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Metro Ambassadors will provide wayfinding assistance on match days, while TAP staff will assist riders purchasing fare cards and using station vending machines. Customer Care personnel will be available at selected stations to help passengers plan trips and recover lost items.
Transit Security Officers will be assigned to stations and stops throughout the system, according to Metro.
The agency will also post wayfinding signs and markers designed to help visitors navigate the transit network during the tournament.
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The LAX/Metro Transit Center Station, which opened last year, is expected to serve as a major gateway for international visitors arriving through LAX and traveling to World Cup matches using Metro's enhanced bus network.
Los Angeles is scheduled to host eight World Cup matches during the tournament.
What they're saying:
Exposition Park leadership emphasized the historic venue's readiness to step onto the international soccer stage as doors open to the public.
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"Exposition Park is ready to host the ultimate soccer celebration for Los Angeles," Andrea Ambriz, general manager of Exposition Park, said in a statement. "As a global hub of sports, culture, and entertainment, we will deliver an unforgettable experience for local and international World Cup fans."
What's next:
As the main Coliseum festival wraps up this Sunday, the celebration will fragment into a series of official Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zones operating across the region throughout June and July to keep local communities connected to the tournament.
What you can do:
If you are planning to head down to the festival this weekend or visit any of the upcoming regional Fan Zones, tournament officials encourage you to review the full schedule of events, match listings, transportation options, and safety guidelines by visiting the official host city website at losangelesfwc26.com.
The Source: This report is based directly on official event scheduling and live announcements released by the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 organizing committee.