World Cup Excitement Builds in Los Angeles One Year Out
By Greg Beacham, AP
LOS ANGELES — As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins, Los Angeles is abuzz with anticipation for the prestigious tournament, which will showcase soccer across North America. On Wednesday night, Fox Network celebrated the one-year milestone with a star-studded event at its Century City studios. Among the attendees were sports icons like Jason Sudeikis, Jeanie Buss of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Harbaugh reflected on the impactful moments of previous tournaments, emphasizing the excitement and opportunity for growth within American soccer. “The vibe is going to be incredible,” he stated, envisioning a surge in soccer popularity in the U.S.
Despite the enthusiasm, concerns loom regarding the current political climate and its potential implications for international visitors. Cobi Jones, a former LA Galaxy midfielder and three-time World Cup veteran, expressed hopes that FIFA would collaborate with the U.S. government to ensure safe travel for fans. “This is a cultural event; we need everyone to be able to enjoy it,” he remarked.
Recent protests against intensified immigration enforcement in Los Angeles and the controversial policies of the Trump administration raise questions about the ease of travel for soccer enthusiasts. While Harbaugh remained optimistic, stating, “Most things I worry about don’t end up happening anyway,” the uncertainty persists.
Amid these challenges, the U.S. men’s national team faces its own hurdles, with a notably poor performance leading up to the Gold Cup. Jones urged patience amongst fans, assuring that team dynamics can significantly shift over the next year.
As Los Angeles gears up for the World Cup, the city hopes to position itself as a welcoming haven for the global soccer community.
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