Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has announced plans for more than 100 free FIFA World Cup watch parties and community events across every City Council district.
The move is aimed at ensuring the global tournament is accessible to all residents, not just those able to afford stadium tickets.
Speaking at a public event, Mayor Bass explained that the excitement of the World Cup should extend beyond SoFi Stadium and other official venues hosting matches. With ticket prices expected to place in-person attendance out of reach for many fans, the city’s initiative is designed to bring the tournament directly into neighborhoods across Los Angeles.
“Let me be clear: these moments will not belong only to those who can afford the seats,” Bass said. “They’re going to belong to all of us. That’s why I’m excited to announce that we will host more than 100 watch parties and events throughout every City Council district during the World Cup—and they will all be free and open to the public.”
Los Angeles is one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly staged by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The tournament is expected to draw millions of visitors and generate significant economic activity, while also placing major demands on host cities’ infrastructure, security, and public services.
City officials say the watch parties will serve multiple purposes beyond live match screenings. In addition to broadcasting games, many of the events are expected to feature local food vendors, cultural performances, youth activities, and community programming that reflect the city’s diverse neighborhoods. Details on specific locations, schedules, and programming are expected to be released closer to the start of the tournament.
By spreading events across all council districts, the city aims to avoid concentrating World Cup-related benefits solely in commercial or tourist-heavy areas.
Officials say the approach reflects a broader equity-focused strategy for hosting major international events, ensuring that working-class communities and underserved neighborhoods can participate fully in the experience.
The announcement has been welcomed by community groups and football supporters, many of whom have raised concerns about the rising cost of attending major sporting events. FIFA World Cup tickets, particularly for high-profile matches, can run into hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the resale market, effectively excluding large segments of the population.
Los Angeles’ plan mirrors similar initiatives adopted by host cities in previous World Cups and Olympic Games, where fan zones and public viewing areas became central gathering points for residents and visitors alike. Such spaces are often credited with boosting local economies, fostering civic pride, and creating a festival-like atmosphere throughout host regions.
Mayor Bass noted that the watch parties will also provide opportunities for small businesses, artists, and community organizations to engage with residents and visitors during the tournament. City leaders expect the events to strengthen neighborhood connections while showcasing Los Angeles’ cultural diversity on a global stage.
The free watch parties, city authorities argue, are a way to ensure that the world’s biggest football tournament truly feels like a citywide celebration.
