Mayor Rex Richardson announces a FIFA World Cup Fan Zone at the State of the City in Long Beach on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Long Beach, however, was not included in the official list.
Even though Long Beach is not listed as an official FIFA World Cup Fan Zone this summer, the city is hosting a World Cup fan celebration in partnership with LA Galaxy. The celebration will span from the start of the group stage on June 11 through the final on July 19.
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“This summer, Southern California will feel like the center of the soccer universe, and we want fans to have a home for every moment,” said LA Galaxy President and COO Tom Braun, per NBC Los Angeles.
The celebration will be an opportunity to support local businesses and enjoy the game of soccer with family, friends and the local community. The goal of the event is to create a family-friendly environment for the community to celebrate the World Cup and honor the diversity of the city.
“From major downtown programming to youth soccer clinics and park activations across our neighborhoods, we’re bringing the global game to the coast in a way that uplifts local businesses, celebrates our diversity and creates shared moments for families and fans alike,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement, per NBC Los Angeles.
Long Beach will begin hosting soccer activations in parks around the city during the knockout round of the World Cup, which is after the conclusion of the group stage. The city also plans to close certain streets to cars to create open-street events and promote the use of public transit.
Mayor Rex Richardson announces a FIFA World Cup Fan Zone at the State of the City in Long Beach on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Long Beach, however, was not included in the official list. Photo Credit: Thomas R. Cordova.
Long Beach Withdrew Its Bid To Be An Official FIFA World Cup Fan Zone
Long Beach was initially in consideration to become an official FIFA World Cup Fan Zone this summer. But a spokesperson for the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee, Steve Brenner, reported that the city withdrew its bid in December, according to the Long Beach Post.
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There are nine different fan zones around Los Angeles county that will host celebrations for the World Cup this summer. Below are the nine fan zones:
The Original Farmers Market – June 18-21
City of Downey – June 20
Heart of the City: Union Station & LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes – June 25-28
Hansen Dam Lake – July 2-5
LA County’s Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park – July 4-5
Los Angeles County Whittier Narrows – July 9-11
Fairplex – July 14-15 & July 18-19
West Harbor – July 14-15 & July 18-19
Photo Credit: Thomas R. Cordova
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