Sourav Mondal
LA welcomed the FIFA World Cup with open arms. With fan zones, festivals, and at-home viewing, fans around the city really kicked off celebrations with a bang. How did LA fans (including international visitors) kick off the celebrations? Here are the top ways LA showed up to the FIFA World Cup 2026:
At Home
While LA Fans absolutely hit the streets, the high ticket prices at the stadium and the difficulty of getting a spot at one of the big fan zones meant that the number one way fans watched and celebrated soccer at the FIFA World Cup was right at home. Whether it was by themselves or with at-home watch parties, fans throughout the city were kicking it off in style.
Fans built up game hype on casino and sportsbook platforms like duel.com that offer low house edges. They decked out their homes with their team’s colors. They brought the food, the drinks, and watched the pre-game all the way through to the post-match analysis.
One thing’s for sure: even the most private of parties kicked off this World Cup in style and took all they learned about how to host the ultimate at-home fan zone experience with them throughout every sport they watch in the future.
At the Games
Some fans were lucky enough to get tickets to the opening games held at the Los Angeles stadium. With 8 matches in total hosted, five group stages, two matches of the Round of 32, and, biggest of all, the quarterfinal on July 10, LA is one of the top destinations for watching this soccer tournament.
The FIFA Fan Festival Los Angeles
The absolute largest gathering that occurred during the start of the games was the FIFA Fan Festival taking place in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This fan festival, which took place from June 11 to 14, offered massive screens that showed the live World Cup matches that took place over those key dates.
There was also plenty of off-game entertainment happening, too. Fans enjoyed the FIFA fever in style with a host of live concerts and performances from artists that include Steve Aoki, Normani, Sickkick, Los Lobos, and more. The best part about this fan zone was its affordable ticket prices (starting at $10), and its family-friendly atmosphere that brought families from across LA and beyond to celebrate in style.
Bars and Restaurants
Some fans headed straight to a host of bars and restaurants to enjoy the thrills of the competition in a more intimate setting. Locations included:
- La Guelaguetza
- Casa Mexico Los Angeles
- Bar CDMX
- The Music Center DTLA
- The Holloway
- O’Brien’s Irish Pub
- The Academy LA
Parks
Hosted by the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks & Recreation, fans have been able to watch the beginning of the tournament in their local park. Before each match, the city has also been hosting free soccer clinics for fans to sharpen their own skills, and during the matches, offered refreshments, family-friendly activities, and the ability to watch the games on the big screen.
Parks that participated included:
- Stephen Sorensen Park, Palmdale
- Walnut Nature Park, Walnut
- Amelia Mayberry Park, Whittier
- George Lane Park, Quartz Hill
- El Cariso Community Regional Park, Sylmar
Fan Zones
Fan Zones have been cropping up throughout Los Angeles in a host of different neighborhoods and will continue to do so throughout the full 39 days of the competition, with these fan zones topping the charts:
● The Original Farmer’s Market (June 18 to 21)
This fan zone featured everything from beer gardens to family fun soccer zones. Not only that, but fans got the opportunity to enjoy some truly delicious dishes, with over 40 different eateries and specialty shops open for business while the games played on big screens.
● City of Downey (June 20)
The City of Downey kicked off the Germany vs Cote D’Ivoire and Tunisia vs Japan games in style with a full opening ceremony, a massive viewing area for fans to watch the games, and an entire soccer exhibition. Families could go, enjoy the neighborhood’s art walk and interactive booths, eat tasty bites at one of the many food vendors, and, of course, spend a brilliant summer day at a beer garden. This fan zone offered it all, from live entertainment to a big screen to celebrate the love of soccer together.
● Pasadena Civic Auditorium Plaza, June 12
On June 12, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium kicked off the USA vs Paraguay game with a bang. This fan zone offered everything from food trucks to live music as well as family-friendly activities and a beer garden to celebrate.
● Watch Party de Boyle Heights
On June 18, fans flocked to a block party from 4 to 10 pm to watch the Mexico vs South Korea match. This huge block party brought in crowds of Mexican fans and supporters, with a big emphasis on supporting local small businesses. Fans enjoyed music by Carlos Y Charlos, Escaliente, Sonido Algo Leve, and the Neighborhood Music School.
● Los Angeles Union Station, June 25 to 28
This fan zone sat right in the heart of LA’s downtown, bringing together fans and families alike to watch some of the biggest matchups, including USA vs Türkiye. There were DJ performances, meet-and-greets with the Mexican football legend Ramón Ramírez and Claudio Suárez, great food trucks, official FIFA mascots, and so much more, bringing the entire city out to celebrate.
● Venice Beach, July 10, 11
One of the more iconic fan zones still to happen is at Venice Beach, where fans can come together to watch the knockout stage matches, enjoy global food vendors, live music, and cultural performances. Premium Watch Party Tickets started at $10, which gives fans the option to reserve their spot at the Watch Party viewing area to watch the quarterfinals, a dedicated bar, and an after-party.
The rest of the boardwalk will be free to attend, allowing LA fans from all over to come and watch the tournament together and enjoy the love of soccer.