FIFA looks at Rose Bowl, SoFi as possible World Cup sites

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The Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee hosted FIFA delegates this weekend to show them the region’s venues as part of a bid to bring the 2026 World Cup to the L.A. area.

Matches during the FIFA World Cup in 2026 are set to be held in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, and FIFA is visiting venues this month as it finalizes its selection of locations.

The host committee led tours to the Rose Bowl Stadium and SoFi Stadium at Hollywood Park, as well as other locations proposed for training sites, base camps for international teams and the official FIFA Fan Fest. The delegates also visited the Grammy Museum, attended a reception at Sony Pictures Studios and took part in other activities that the host committee deemed unique to Los Angeles.

The Chargers host the Pittsburgh Steelers at SoFi Stadium Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021. (File photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

“We are happy to have welcomed the FIFA delegation to Los Angeles this weekend,” said Chris Klein, LA Galaxy President. “During this visit, we had the opportunity to showcase Los Angeles’ resources and infrastructure as we believe the city will make a perfect location for the most celebrated tournament in the world. LA is the world’s city and we’re ready to bring the World Cup to Los Angeles in 2026.”

The host committee’s effort is led by the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, which includes the Los Angeles Rams, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles Football Club and L.A. Galaxy.

“It was an honor to meet with the FIFA delegation this weekend and help showcase the incredible venues and our dynamic city of Los Angeles,” said Larry Freedman, LAFC co-president. “We know that L.A. is one of the premier soccer cities in the world, and we are excited to continue working with our partners and the Host Committee to ensure our vision of the World Cup becomes a reality here.”

Los Angeles hosted matches during the 1994 World Cup and the 1999 Women’s World Cup.

“The Los Angeles region has a rich history of hosting the world’ greatest sports and entertainment events, a privilege that consistently benefits our entire region,” said Kathryn Schloessman, Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission president and CEO. “We are grateful for the FIFA delegation’s consideration, as hosting the FIFA World Cup here would strengthen our local businesses, drive philanthropic impact, and unite all Angelenos through the Beautiful Game, just as it has before.”

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