FIFA President Gianni Infantino warned Los Angeles that it would be "invaded" by happy soccer fans during the 2026 World Cup, a tournament he described as the "biggest and greatest FIFA World Cup in history." The statement came as the host cities, including Los Angeles, prepare to welcome a global wave of supporters.
A City Transformed
Los Angeles is set to host eight matches and a series of fan festivals that will turn the city into a temporary capital of entertainment. The event, co‑hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, marks the first World Cup to feature 48 national teams, expanding the tournament’s scope and excitement.
The opening match will pit the United States against Paraguay on Friday, following a ceremony that will showcase performances by pop icon Katy Perry, hip‑hop star Future and Brazilian singer Anitta. The ceremony is expected to draw millions of viewers worldwide and set the tone for a tournament that promises to be as much a cultural festival as a sporting competition.
Infantino thanked local organizers for staging the events in Los Angeles, emphasizing that the city’s role as the "capital of entertainment" makes it the perfect stage for what he called a "sea of national colors" as fans of all ages arrive in jerseys, flags and face paint.
The gathering will also attract a host of entertainment and sports figures, including actors Will Ferrell and Brendan Hunt, singer Lance Bass, former NBA player Robert Horry, and U.S. soccer legends Mia Hamm and Cobi Jones. Their presence underscores the crossover appeal of the World Cup, blending athletic competition with celebrity culture.
City officials and volunteers are working overtime to accommodate the surge of visitors, promising a vibrant atmosphere that blends sport, music and cultural celebration. As the tournament draws nearer, Los Angeles is poised to become a global showcase for soccer’s unifying power.