100 local youth and families receive FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Match tickets as part of a broader partnership expanding access to soccer through schools, parks, and community programs across Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES — Mayor Bass today kicked off the first of more than 100 Kick it in the Parkcommunity events that will occur across the City throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026. The event occurred prior to the opening match, Mexico vs. South Africa, at Kick it in the Park in Echo Park with the Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles Carlos González Gutiérrez.
Mayor Bass was also joined by the U.S. Soccer Federation's Soccer Forward Foundation to announce a new partnership focused on creating a lasting World Cup legacy in Los Angeles. Through the partnership, Soccer Forward and the City will work together to expand access to the game by strengthening youth soccer opportunities and supporting affordable, community-based programming at City Recreation and Parks facilities. The partnership comes at a time when soccer has become the number one participation sport across the Los Angeles Recreation and Parks system, highlighting the growing demand for access to the game among young Angelenos. Together, these efforts represent one of the most significant community-based youth soccer investments tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026 legacy in Los Angeles.
“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,” said Mayor Bass. “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.”
"I grew up playing fútbol, so I know soccer is more than just a game — it's one of the few things that can bring people together from every neighborhood, culture, and background,” said Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez. “That's why I'm excited to host these watch parties at Echo Park Lake and create a space where Angelenos can come together, celebrate, and build community around the sport they love.”
“North America comes together through the World Cup, and initiatives like Casa México and Kick it in the Park show how sports can connect entire communities,” said Consul General of México in Los Angeles, Carlos González Gutiérrez. “These spaces make the tournament accessible to everyone and celebrate the diversity that defines our region.”
"Los Angeles will play a central role in the FIFA World Cup 2026, and we believe the tournament's greatest legacy should be the opportunities it creates for young people long after the final whistle," said Lex Chalat, Executive Director of the Soccer Forward Foundation. "Together with the City of Los Angeles, LAUSD, and community partners across the city, Soccer Forward is making a significant investment in the future of the game by expanding access to soccer where young people live, learn, and play. 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."
As part of this broader investment in Los Angeles and commitment to creating a lasting World Cup legacy, Soccer Forward today announced a new partnership with Los Angeles Unified School District through its Soccer at Schools initiative, presented in partnership with Bank of America. Designed to expand access to the game for young people across the city, the partnership will provide more than 1,000 LAUSD educators with access to training, resources, and tools that help deliver high-quality soccer experiences during the school day, creating opportunities to reach more than 400,000 students across the district.
“This initiative is a powerful example of what’s possible when a city comes together to invest in young people," said Acting LAUSD Superintendent Andrés E. Chait. "Events like Kick it in the Park create opportunities for our students and families to connect, celebrate, and be inspired on a global stage. 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.”
The partnership marks a significant step toward the U.S. Soccer Federation and Soccer Forward's vision of ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience the benefits of soccer, regardless of background, zip code, or ability to pay. With Los Angeles leading the way, these investments will help create a lasting World Cup legacy that extends well beyond 2026 and demonstrates the power of soccer to strengthen communities for generations to come. Soccer Forward is the U.S. Soccer Federation's social impact and legacy initiative, dedicated to expanding access to the game and strengthening communities through soccer. Through partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local leaders, Soccer Forward works to ensure the benefits of soccer reach more young people and communities across the country.
Additionally, the U.S. Soccer Federation and Soccer Forward Foundation provided 100 tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Match for children and their families participating in City Recreation and Parks sports programming and local community organizations across Los Angeles. The opportunity will allow young Angelenos to experience a historic World Cup moment firsthand while helping ensure the tournament's legacy is felt not only inside the stadium, but in neighborhoods and communities throughout the city.
Plan your visit to Kick it in the Park at kickit.lacity.gov.
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About Soccer Forward
The Soccer Forward Foundation is a key driver in U.S. Soccer’s overall vision that soccer is a force for good. Operating with the belief that soccer contributes to healthier and more connected, equitable communities, Soccer Forward supports U.S. Soccer’s efforts to expand access to the sport, helping the game reach more people and create lasting change. Soccer Forward focuses on enabling and equipping people, places and programs to grow the game in communities across America and on delivering cutting-edge research, training, and guidelines to prove soccer’s contribution to health outcomes in communities. In addition, it will develop standards and provide business and technical support to build the ecosystem for the women’s game across the U.S. and globally. For more information, visit ussoccer.com/soccer-forward.