Los Angeles unveils bid to be 2026 FIFA World Cup venue
The ‘City of Angels’ released a video featuring actor Will Ferrell and former LA Galaxy player Cobi Jones, and narrated by legendary broadcaster Vin Scully.
Los Angeles is making a strong bid to be one of the 2026 FIFA World Cup venues and this week it released a video showcasing the major soccer moments in the history of the city. In the video, narrated by iconic broadcaster Vin Scully, you could see actor Will Ferrell and former La Galaxy player Cobi Jones.
LA wants to host a World Cup for second time
"When I think of soccer and L.A., I think of the ’94 World Cup. I think of the Women’s World Cup in ’99. 100,000 screaming fans at the Rose Bowl. I think of all the great players who have come through Los Angeles - Zlatan, Beckham, Landon Donovan, Carlos Vela," said Ferrell, who is part-owner of Major League Soccer franchise Los Angeles FC.
“I want my kids to experience what I was able to experience with Olympic soccer here, World Cup soccer here," said Jones, who played for the US at three men’s World Cups and is a Soccer Hall of Fame inductee. “We are a soccer city. We are L.A. There’s no better place in the United States to have World Cup matches.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada for the first time in the history of the event. The Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee is bidding for the opportunity to host multiple matches, a fan festival and other events around the tournament.
“Between its legendary soccer history and world-class fans, Los Angeles has truly distinguished itself as America’s No. 1 soccer city,” said Chris Klein, president of MLS team LA Galaxy. “Members of our soccer community cheer for teams around the world. That passion and diversity, coupled with our city’s elite resources and infrastructure, make Los Angeles an outstanding location for the FIFA World Cup 2026.”
“Los Angeles celebrates the beautiful game like no other city in America,” said Larry Freedman, LAFC co-president. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to share the magic of L.A.’s soccer culture on the global stage, and to set the standard for World Cup host cities, from first kick-off to long after the final whistle.”