The FIFA Fan Festival opened Thursday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, giving soccer fans a place to watch matches, attend entertainment events and take part in interactive activities as Los Angeles begins its role as a host city for the FIFA World Cup.
Thursday’s opening day attracted thousands of people — primarily fans of Mexico as their national team took on South African in the World Cup opener in Mexico City. Fans weren’t disappointed, with their side scoring a 2-0 victory.
The event appeared to go without a hitch, although some attendees apparently got jittery amid reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents may have been in the area — reports that turned out to be unfounded.
“Earlier today, my office was made aware of reports of ICE activity at Exposition Park,” county Supervisor Holly Mitchell wrote on X Thursday afternoon. “After connecting with Expo Park officials and security, we have confirmed that those were U.S. Marshals doing routine patrolling as part of the FIFA World Cup, not ICE agents.
“U.S. Marshals will have a visible presence at World Cup venues, including the Coliseum and FIFA Fan Festival, focused solely on security. Exposition Park staff and public safety personnel remain in close coordination with my office to help ensure a safe experience for all visitors and constituents. As you enjoy FIFA events across LA County, please celebrate safely.”
The festival will run through Sunday at the historic Exposition Park venue. It is expected to draw thousands more fans Friday when the United States opens tournament play against Paraguay on Friday at SoFi Stadium.
The festival features live match broadcasts on giant screens, food and beverage vendors, sponsor exhibits and cultural programming.
Organizers said the festival will also feature appearances by FIFA World Cup 2026 mascots Maple, Zayu and Clutch.
“Exposition Park is ready to host the ultimate soccer celebration for Los Angeles,” Andrea Ambriz, general manager of Exposition Park, said in a statement. “As a global hub of sports, culture, and entertainment, we will deliver an unforgettable experience for local and international World Cup fans.”
Scheduled performers include Steve Aoki, Normani, Deorro, Sickick, Los Lobos, Capital Cities and DJ Ravidrums. Organizers said tickets are $10, while children 12 and younger will be admitted free.
Friday’s schedule includes broadcasts of Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina at noon, and the United States vs. Paraguay at 6 p.m., along with performances by Steve Aoki and DJ Ravidrums.
On Saturday, fans will be able to watch Brazil face Morocco and Haiti take on Scotland, followed by a performance by Capital Cities.
Sunday’s schedule includes Germany vs. Curacao and the Netherlands vs. Japan, along with performances by Normani and Sickick.
Among the attractions is “Beckham’s Backyard,” a fan activation presented by The Home Depot and inspired by former England captain David Beckham. The experience features digital soccer target-practice games and family-oriented activities, including a workshop where fans can decorate hand-held fans for use during matches, organizers said.
Adidas also launched its “Home of Soccer” activation Thursday at BMO Stadium. The free event included a public watch party for the World Cup opening match between Mexico and South Africa, activities tied to Adidas’ nationwide adiCup youth tournament and a second watch party for South Korea’s match against the Czech Republic Thursday evening. The day will conclude with performances by Noodles and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Peso Pluma.
Organizers previously announced a series of official Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zones that will operate throughout the tournament:
— The Original Farmers Market, June 18-21;
— the city of Downey, June 20;
— Union Station, June 25-28;
— Hansen Dam Lake, July 2-5;
— Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park, July 4-5;
— Whittier Narrows, July 9-11;
— Venice Beach, July 10-11;
— Fairplex in Pomona, July 14-15 and July 18-19;
— West Harbor in San Pedro, July 14-15 and July 18-19; and
— downtown Burbank, July 18-19.
Fans can purchase official tournament merchandise at FIFA World Cup 2026 retail pop-up stores now operating across the region. Organizers said the locations offer jerseys, apparel, hats, scarves, accessories, mascot merchandise and other World Cup-themed products.
The stores are located on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, at Manhattan Village in Manhattan Beach, The Bloc and Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles, Ovation Hollywood in Hollywood and Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance. Organizers said all six locations are expected to remain open through July 31.
Officials encouraged fans to review the full schedule of events, match listings, transportation options and “Know Before You Go” information by visiting losangelesfwc26.com.