Wave Wire Services
LOS ANGELES — City officials June 11 celebrated the first of more than 100 “Kick it in the Park” community events that are scheduled at parks and other locations during the 2026 World Cup.
Mayor Karen Bass held a news conference at Echo Park to highlight the program alongside Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles Carlos González Gutiérrez and other dignitaries.
Representatives of the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Soccer Forward Foundation also announced a partnership with the city aimed at expanding youth access to soccer at recreation and parks facilities.
“I’m focused on ensuring that Angelenos benefit from these once-in-a-generation sporting events like the FIFA World Cup in L.A. for generations to come,” Bass said. “I want to thank the U.S. Soccer Federation and Soccer Forward Foundation for investing in our young people and helping ensure the FIFA World Cup leaves a lasting legacy in communities across Los Angeles.”
Gutiérrez added that programs such as Kick it in the Park and Casa Mexico, the official host house for Mexico, are what make the tournament accessible to the everyone.
City Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez, who represents the Echo Park area, said soccer is more than just a game.
“I grew up playing futbol … It’s one of the few things that can bring people together from every neighborhood, culture and background,” Soto-Martinez said.
He encouraged residents to attend the city’s watch parties and other events to celebrate together and build community.
Lex Chalat, executive director of the Soccer Forward Foundation, emphasized that Los Angeles will play a central role in the World Cup. He added that the tournament should serve as way to create opportunities for young people.
“We are proud to help ensure that Los Angeles is not only a host city for the World Cup, but a model for how the sport can create lasting impact in communities for generations to come,” Chalat said.
In reaching that goal, the Soccer Forward Foundation will also partner with Los Angeles Unified School District through its Soccer at Schools initiative, providing more than 1,000 LAUSD educators with training, resources and tools to create “soccer experiences” through coaching and soccer-related programming during the school days. The initiative aims to reach more than 400,000 students across the district.
“Events like Kick it in the Park create opportunities for our students and families to connect, celebrate, and be inspired on a global stage,” acting LAUSD Superintendent Andres Chait said in a statement. “We are especially grateful for the partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation, which not only expands access to the sport through coaching and programming, but also creates unforgettable experiences for our students. These moments build community, open doors, and remind our students that they belong in every space, including the world stage,” he added.
The Soccer Forward Foundation provided 100 free tickets to the World Cup opening match between the U.S. and Paraguay June 12 for pre-selected children and their families who are participating in L.A. recreation and parks sports programming.
