By Emilie St. John
Contributing Writer
INGLEWOOD — The city has secured $250,000 to host the Wood Cup in conjunction with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The city of Inglewood and the county Metropolitan Transportation Authority will host two festivals for children and adults featuring culturally rich foods from all over the world, live entertainment and soccer.
“As the world turns its attention to the FIFA World Cup, the Wood Cup will give visitors and residents alike an opportunity to experience the culture, creativity and the spirit of our city,” Mayor James Butts said. “It’s a free alternative to attending the very expensive World Cup soccer match in person and there will be family-friendly fun, turf soccer and interactive games.
The city received funding from the MTA to create the fan zone for the upcoming World Cup games. The fan zones will operate on Market Street while games are being played at nearby SoFi Stadium. It will feature food vendors, live entertainment and special activations to kick off the games at SoFi Stadium, where eight matches are scheduled throughout the tournament.
Other World Cup fan zones will be spread out across the region.
The fan zones are designed as a “blueprint for future project deployment in time for the 2028 Olympic Games.”
“These events will create accessible, vibrant gathering places where fans can come together to celebrate the global game,” Kathryn Schloessman, president and CEO of the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee, said in a statement. “From iconic landmarks to neighborhood hubs, Los Angeles will offer an unmatched FIFA World Cup experience that reflects the diversity, culture and passion of our region.”
The Inglewood funds will be used for event management, activations, equipment, marketing and promotion, outreach, staffing, and all other costs necessary to execute the open streets events.
The event doubles as an outreach event that will capture transit-related survey data from business owners along the corridor, Inglewood residents and transit riders on the K Line.
As part its agreement with the city, the MTA is requiring the city to provide $75,000 in matching funds and be responsible for any cost overruns.
Butts is a member of the MTA Board of Directors.
The U.S. will open Group D play against Paraguay June 12 at SoFi Stadium. The United States’ other group games will be played in Seattle against Australia on June 19 and back at SoFi Stadium June 25 against Turkey.
The Wood Cup event will take place on Market Street between Florence Avenue and Hillcrest Boulevard from 2 to 10 p.m. June 12 and for a quarterfinal game July 10.
The city is working to revitalize its downtown commercial corridor, with a specific focus on Market Street. In addition to the destination Market Street façade and tenant improvement program, the city also is implementing Market Street streetscape improvements including improved crosswalks and sidewalks, new landscaping, streetscape furniture, pedestrian-oriented lighting and directional signage.
Emilie St. John is a freelance journalist covering the areas of Carson, Compton, Inglewood and Willowbrook. Send tips to her at emiliesaintjohn@gmail.com.
