Kicking off the World Cup in Yorba Linda
YORBA LINDA, Calif. — The wait is officially over. The FIFA World Cup 26鈩� has transformed Southern California into a global stage! Here鈥檚 what to expect and how to participate if you didn鈥檛 get your hands on any tickets.
The Main Event
While the tournament features 48 nations, the local energy is focused squarely on Inglewood. The U.S. Men鈥檚 National Team (USMNT) is playing two of its critical group stage matches at SoFi Stadium this month, kicking off on June 12th against Paraguay at 6pm. If you aren’t one of the lucky few with tickets, you can join one of the massive regional watch parties.
Where to Watch: Official Fan Zones
Official fan zones are concentrated throughout Los Angeles County, offering live match viewing on massive screens, international food, and cultural festivities. These are the top spots for Yorba Linda residents to catch the USMNT action:
FIFA Fan Festival鈩� Los Angeles (June 11鈥�15): Located at the iconic LA Memorial Coliseum, this is the premier viewing experience for the tournament’s opening week, including the first U.S. match.
City of Downey (June 20): One of the closest official fanzones for North OC. Head to Downey, to the Stonewood Center, for a local watch party designed to bring the stadium atmosphere to the community.
Whittier Narrows Recreation Area (July 9鈥�11): This regional hub in El Monte will be a primary spot for fans as the tournament progresses into the high-stakes knockout stages.
West Harbor (July 14鈥�19): For a waterfront experience near San Pedro, this site will host viewing parties during the semifinal and final rounds.
Other notable stops include the Original Farmers Market (June 18鈥�21) and Earvin 鈥淢agic鈥� Johnson Park (July 4鈥�5) in Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.losangelesfwc26.com.
To save some gas, and support local businesses, check out our local breweries for watch parties. Our East Yorba Linda Neighbors magazine sponsor, Honey River Brewing Co., will host watch parties. Hang out with locals and enjoy some drinks while cheering on the USA on June 12th.
Gear Up: Pro-Tips for Fans
Licensed gear can cost a pretty penny, but I’ve seen local retailers like Costco and Sam鈥檚 Club with licensed FIFA merchandise all at a fraction of the price you’d find at stadium kiosks. It鈥檚 the easiest way to ensure the whole family is decked out.
Play the Bracket/Host a Party
With the new 48-team format, tracking the tournament is more exciting than ever. To create a league and compete with friends and family, visit www.play.fifa.com/bracket-predictor/ to make your official picks.
For those wanting to avoid the crowds, you can host a fun watch party right at home. Consider having themed potlucks according to the countries playing. For example, Swiss Chocolate or fondue if Switzerland is playing, or a full-on taco bar for Mexico. For games, you can set up a mini goal and do penalty kicks in the backyard. For an added twist of fun (or chaos), consider blindfolds or making someone spin around a few times before attempting a kick. Play responsibly!
For more details on local events, visit losangelesfwc26.com.
Enjoy the games, Yorba Linda!
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.