The City of Long Beach has announced a slew of upcoming events to coincide with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19.
This includes LA Galaxy Soccer Celebration, a series of downtown fútbol festivities planned with the Los Angeles Galaxy and Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLBA). The City will also team up with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), DTLBA and other local organizations for additional programming citywide throughout the tournament.
“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,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “This summer, the excitement of this global moment will be felt in every neighborhood and shared by every resident, and Long Beach welcomes the world to celebrate with us.”
Starting June 11, the City, alongside the LA Galaxy and DTLBA, will present the LA Galaxy Soccer Celebration. These all-ages events will include Galaxy player and alumni appearances, giveaways, youth programming, watch parties, limited-edition merchandise offerings and more, all happening in downtown Long Beach.
Fans who would like to attend are encouraged to fill out an online interest form to be among the first to receive event details. Daily schedules, marquee event dates and additional information will be announced at a later date.
An overhead look of people playing soccer at Admiral Kidd Park in Long Beach on April 5, 2023. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)
“These locally driven events will show what’s possible when our community comes together around culture, sport, and shared experience,” said DTLBA President and Chief Executive Officer Austin Metoyer in a public statement. “With summer vibes, programming for all ages and the excitement of international competition, Downtown Long Beach will deliver an experience that is truly ‘Opposite of Ordinary,’ bringing people together while supporting our local businesses and entertainment scene.”
Once the group stage concludes, Long Beach plans to host a series of family-friendly soccer activations at parks citywide during the World Cup knockout stage. The City’s soccer programming will also include an open streets event presented by Metro, with residents encouraged to go car-free to bike, walk and explore several neighborhoods. More information about these events will be announced in the coming weeks.
To promote World Cup-centric events being hosted by neighborhood associations, community groups and local vendors throughout the tournament, Long Beach has created a centralized calendar at longbeach.gov/SoccerInTheLBC. Businesses and organizations that are interested in having their World Cup-themed events featured on the City’s event calendar can submit their events for consideration through the webpage.
Through these community-centered events, the City is aiming to bolster local excitement for the World Cup, foster youth sports development and encourage local businesses activity, all while showcasing Long Beach’s cultural diversity and sports fandom.
For updates on the City’s summer soccer programming, visit longbeach.gov/SoccerInTheLBC.
