INGLEWOOD, California – Basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson made a passionate appeal Tuesday for global soccer fans to choose Los Angeles as their primary destination during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the metropolis as the “sports capital of the world.”
Speaking at a special countdown event titled ’30 Days to FIFA World Cup 2026′ held at SoFi Stadium, the promotional gathering showcased the metropolitan area’s ambitions to offer visitors a comprehensive experience beyond just attending soccer matches.
“The world game is coming to the greatest city in the world,” Johnson declared enthusiastically during the promotional event, which aimed to attract international travelers not only for World Cup games but also to explore the city’s numerous attractions and establish LA’s reputation as an international sports destination.
The five-time NBA champion and three-time MVP emphasized that Los Angeles is entering an unprecedented era of major sporting events. “Great events are coming to our city,” Johnson stated, referencing the upcoming World Cup, NFL Super Bowl, and the 2028 Olympic Games.
The California city will serve as the venue for eight World Cup contests, welcoming national squads from the United States, Paraguay, Iran, New Zealand, Switzerland, Bosnia, Belgium and Turkey.
This enlarged World Cup tournament will span across North America, with games scheduled in 16 different host cities throughout Mexico, the United States and Canada. The competition will include 48 participating nations, representing an increase from the traditional 32-team format.
Kathryn Schloessman, who serves as President and CEO of the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission and host committee CEO, promised that both local residents and international visitors will experience a “giant soccer carnival” throughout the city.
Officials also emphasized the city’s dedication to accessible public transit, highlighting $1.75 stadium tickets that contrast sharply with the expensive transportation costs that have sparked criticism on the East Coast.
However, the World Cup’s regional effects have generated ongoing discussion for several months. Opponents have expressed worries about local homelessness issues, economic inequality, and taxpayer expenses, cautioning that society’s most disadvantaged populations might face higher costs, housing shortages connected to the tournament, and interruptions to city services.
Los Angeles will additionally present the tournament’s U.S. opening ceremony on June 12, headlined by pop artist Katy Perry. This celebration will follow an opening ceremony in Mexico City the previous day and another Toronto event earlier on June 12, highlighting the tournament’s tri-national scope.
Although Los Angeles is primarily recognized for major American sports franchises like the Lakers, Dodgers, Rams and Chargers, the city has also drawn prominent international soccer players during the latter stages of their careers, including David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Steven Gerrard, who all competed for LA Galaxy.
The city’s World Cup organizing committee has leveraged its closeness to Hollywood’s celebrity community by recruiting Snoop Dogg, Eva Longoria, Will Ferrell and other entertainment figures as “community ambassadors.”
