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The tours were part of site visits by FIFA delegates showcasing the region’s world-class venues and infrastructure in an ongoing bid to bring the event to Southern California.
During the visit, the delegation also visited numerous locations proposed for training sites, base camps for international teams and for the official FIFA Fan Fest.
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.
Last weekend’s 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 semifinal 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.
The Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee is a united soccer front established to deliver a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Los Angeles that will 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 Rose Bowl stadium, Los Angeles Rams, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and the LA Galaxy.
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 local site visit came on the heels of a labor rally outside the Rose Bowl.
UNITE HERE Local 11 and allies rallied Saturday morning to voice their demand the FIFA leaders select equitable and fair venues to host the World Cup in 2026.
This was the fifth time workers have protested in front of the Rose Bowl in as many weeks.
Rose Bowl workers want to make sure basic protections are in place for any stadium to be considered as a World Cup venue.
Earlier this month, workers sent a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino a letter asking for a meeting with FIFA representatives during their visit to the area this past week.
“It has come to our attention that FIFA representatives will visit our region in the next week or so to review the potential placement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles.”
“We respectfully ask that you meet with us during your visit to discuss our mutual commitment to promoting human rights, which of course include labor rights….We know that dialogue with community stakeholders is an important priority.”
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