LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles officials, schools, community organizations and soccer partners are using the 2026 FIFA World Cup to expand youth engagement, education programs and community events as the city hosts matches during the global tournament, according to city officials and the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee.
With World Cup matches underway in June, local authorities have emphasized efforts to ensure the event reaches residents beyond stadium venues. Mayor Karen Bass said the city is hosting more than 100 free “Kick it in the Park” community events across Los Angeles, combining public match screenings with youth soccer clinics and family-focused activities.
“We are making sure fans can enjoy the World Cup inside and outside the stadium,” Bass said in a city statement announcing the community events.
Education and youth development initiatives have become a central part of the city’s World Cup planning. Earlier this year, the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee partnered with local organizations, including professional soccer clubs and youth-focused groups, to hold free clinics aimed at expanding access to the sport. Organizers said more than 150 children participated in one clinic at California State University, Los Angeles, as part of a broader effort to encourage youth involvement and skills development.
The city also announced a partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Soccer Forward Foundation to support youth soccer opportunities through schools, parks and community-based programs. Officials said the initiative is intended to create a lasting legacy beyond the tournament itself.
Community engagement efforts have extended beyond sports programming. The Host Committee launched volunteer and civic participation campaigns earlier this year, including a “Road to World Cup Community Day” that brought together residents, artists and local organizations in downtown Los Angeles. Organizers said public art installations created during the event were later displayed across Los Angeles County fan-zone locations.
FIFA has also highlighted plans for a Los Angeles Fan Hub in downtown Los Angeles, featuring match broadcasts, cultural programming, family-friendly activities and opportunities for local vendors and community groups. FIFA said the venue is intended to showcase the culture of downtown Los Angeles, Boyle Heights and surrounding communities while welcoming visitors from around the world.
As of Thursday, community watch parties, youth programs and fan activities were continuing across the city while Los Angeles hosted World Cup matches. City officials and organizers said educational outreach, volunteer participation and youth access to soccer remain key components of the city’s World Cup program throughout the tournament.
