In the summer of 2026, Los Angeles (LA) will transform into a vibrant 39-day urban festival that goes far beyond 90-minute soccer matches. From the sun-soaked Venice Beach to the historic Union Station, the entire city will become a pulsating World Cup stage filled with giant screens and passionate fans.
Industry insiders report that the Los Angeles Tourism Board has unveiled exciting fan engagement programs and tailored guides for Korean travelers, ensuring they can fully immerse themselves in the electric atmosphere leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This announcement promises to deliver the ultimate LA World Cup experience, seamlessly blending soccer, music, and mouthwatering cuisine.
The Los Angeles Tourism Board has released a comprehensive “39-Day Fan Experience Guide” and “26 Irresistible Reasons to Visit LA” for the World Cup, showcasing all the thrilling events happening across the city.
Korean visitors can easily access the official website to find schedules for major sporting events, including electrifying fan zones at iconic locations like Venice Beach and the Original Farmers Market. They can also catch other exciting sports events, such as the NBA All-Star Game in February and the U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship in June.
Adding to the sports frenzy, global superstars like Son Heung Min, who recently joined LAFC, and the Dodgers’ sensation Shohei Ohtani are set to take LA’s sports scene to new heights.
The crown jewel of the festivities will be the FIFA Fan Festival, running from June 11 to 15.
The legendary LA Memorial Coliseum will be transformed into a melting pot of global soccer culture, featuring massive viewing screens, electrifying live performances, and a tantalizing array of LA’s diverse culinary offerings.
Food lovers are in for a treat as world-renowned chef René Redzepi brings his Noma pop-up restaurant to the city for a 5 to 6-month residency in the first half of the year, promising to be a magnet for gourmands worldwide. Additionally, the twice-yearly Dine LA Restaurant Week in January and July will showcase over 400 of the city’s finest eateries.
2026 will usher in a cultural renaissance for LA with the grand openings of cutting-edge museums and major infrastructure upgrades.
Art enthusiasts will be thrilled by the debut of DATALAND, the world’s first AI art museum, and the highly anticipated Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, founded by legendary filmmaker George Lucas.
Art aficionados can also look forward to the April opening of LACMA’s stunning new David Geffen Gallery.
Getting around the city will be a breeze thanks to significant transportation improvements. LAX will unveil its state-of-the-art Automated People Mover (APM), which will seamlessly connect terminals and parking areas. The Metro D Line subway extension will dramatically cut travel times from downtown to must-visit spots like Miracle Mile.
The World Cup is poised to be an economic game-changer for LA. Epsilon Economics projects an impressive $892 million boost in consumer spending during the tournament in LA County alone.
When you factor in the media exposure value from increased tourism (estimated at $25 million), the total economic impact is expected to soar past $1.1 billion. In a move that exemplifies LA’s community spirit, the organizing committee plans to reinvest these profits by supporting 26 local nonprofits and launching youth soccer clinics.
Adam Burke, CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism Board, said that in 2026 Los Angeles will be at the epicenter of a perfect storm, hosting the global celebration of the World Cup while simultaneously unveiling a renaissance in its cultural offerings and city infrastructure, and added that the city has pulled out all the stops so visitors can dive deep into the LA experience with unparalleled ease and excitement.
