Los Angeles Gears Up for 2026 World Cup Amid Excitement and Concerns
LOS ANGELES – With just a year to go before the 2026 World Cup kicks off across North America, sports figures in Los Angeles are optimistic that the U.S. will present an inspiring and welcoming atmosphere for global soccer fans.
The Fox network celebrated the one-year countdown with a star-studded event at its Century City studio, featuring personalities like “Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, and Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh reminisced about past tournaments and expressed enthusiasm for the potential impact of the World Cup on American soccer. “The vibe is going to be incredible,” he said, anticipating a surge in soccer’s popularity.
However, attendees acknowledged potential challenges posed by the current political climate, including travel bans that could affect international fans. Former LA Galaxy midfielder Cobi Jones highlighted the importance of the event as a cultural unifier and urged FIFA to collaborate with authorities to ensure accessibility for all fans.
As Los Angeles experiences protests against heightened immigration enforcement, concerns linger over safety and travel for international visitors. Addressing these anxieties, Harbaugh remained optimistic, quoting the late Tom Petty: “Most things I worry about don’t end up happening anyway.”
On the field, Jones advised against panic regarding the U.S. men’s national team, which is grappling with a string of losses. He emphasized the importance of team cohesion and collective effort leading up to the tournament, stating, “It’s not about the individuals.”
As Los Angeles prepares for the world stage, all eyes are on how the city will navigate political tensions while welcoming the soccer community next year.
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