LOS ANGELES — As the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues across the United States, immigrant communities have played a visible role in tournament celebrations, highlighting the long-standing influence of immigrants and their descendants on soccer culture in the country.
In Los Angeles on Wednesday, hundreds of Korean Americans gathered at a World Cup watch party in Koreatown to support South Korea during a group-stage match. Organizers said the event combined soccer with cultural programming, including traditional performances, food and community activities. Participants told Reuters the gathering served as a celebration of both heritage and sport.
“Keeping our roots eternal,” read the theme of the event, which brought together attendees from multiple generations, many of whom were born in the United States but maintain family ties to South Korea, organizers said.
The World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, has drawn large crowds to matches and fan events in cities with significant immigrant populations. In New York City, local officials and community organizations launched a “Neighborhood Passport” initiative during the tournament, encouraging residents and visitors to explore cultural districts associated with immigrant communities. Organizers said the program highlights neighborhoods such as Little Senegal, Little India and Little Caribbean while promoting World Cup-related activities.
Soccer historians and sports organizations have long noted the role immigrant communities played in developing the sport in the United States. Early American teams included players from European immigrant backgrounds, while later generations of immigrants from Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean contributed to the growth of youth leagues, amateur clubs and professional soccer across the country.
The tournament has also taken place amid broader public discussions about immigration. Advocacy groups in several host cities have organized outreach programs and information campaigns for immigrant residents and international visitors. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said it was working with federal, state and local partners to ensure a secure environment for players and fans throughout the competition.
Attendance at World Cup matches has remained strong, according to tournament organizers and media reports, with diaspora communities frequently filling stadiums to support national teams from their countries of origin. Fans from a wide range of backgrounds have participated in cultural events surrounding matches in host cities across the United States.
With the tournament moving toward the knockout stages, host cities continue to stage community events linked to participating nations. Organizers and local officials say those programs are expected to continue throughout the remainder of the World Cup, reflecting the diverse communities that have contributed to the growth of soccer in the United States.
