New partnerships with U.S. Soccer’s Soccer Forward Foundation and LAUSD aim to increase access to youth soccer through schools, parks and community programs ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
More than 100 Los Angeles-area youth and family members received tickets to the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday as city officials and soccer organizations announced a series of programs aimed at expanding access to the sport across the city.
The ticket distribution was announced during a “Kick it in the Park” watch party in Echo Park, one of more than 100 public viewing events planned across Los Angeles during the tournament. The event was held before the World Cup opening match between Mexico and South Africa and included participation from Mexican Consul General Carlos González Gutiérrez.
City officials also announced a partnership between Los Angeles and the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Soccer Forward Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports youth soccer development. The initiative is intended to expand youth soccer opportunities through city recreation programs and community-based organizations.
Under the partnership, the foundation and the city will work to increase access to affordable soccer programming at Los Angeles Recreation and Parks facilities. Officials said soccer is currently the most-played sport in the city’s recreation system, reflecting growing demand among young residents.
The announcement comes as Los Angeles prepares to host several matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
As part of the broader effort, Soccer Forward also announced a partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District through its Soccer at Schools initiative, presented in partnership with Bank of America.
The program will provide training and instructional resources to more than 1,000 educators across the district, with the goal of expanding soccer programming during the school day. Organizers said the initiative could reach more than 400,000 students.
