FIFA President Gianni Infantino has urged Los Angeles to brace itself for what he called "truly a historic moment," as the city counts down to hosting eight matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 — including the tournament's first game on American soil.

Infantino delivered those words at the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Kick-off Party, held at the storied Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. "Los Angeles is the capital of entertainment in the world," he told the assembled guests. "The fact that we kick off this World Cup in style from here to conquer the entire world will be something unique and special."

The opening match and LA's schedule

On 12 June 2026 — the day after the tournament begins with a record-breaking opener in Mexico City — Los Angeles Stadium will host the United States against Paraguay, marking the FIFA World Cup 2026's first match on US soil. It is the opening fixture of eight assigned to the city.

The United States will return to the same venue on 25 June for their final Group D encounter against Türkiye, one of five group-stage matches scheduled in Los Angeles. The city will then stage two Round of 32 ties before welcoming a quarter-final on 10 July.

A celebration beyond the pitch

The Los Angeles Host Committee has framed the tournament as a community-wide event for one of North America's largest and most diverse metropolitan areas. A FIFA Fan Festival at the Coliseum is set to run from 11 to 14 June, offering activities and entertainment to fans who may not hold match tickets. From that point, the Host Committee will extend its programme to ten Fan Zones spread across the wider Los Angeles region.

The Kick-off Party itself drew members of the Host Committee alongside local figures from football, sport, tourism, and business. Community Ambassadors in attendance included actor Will Ferrell, FIFA Women's World Cup winner Mia Hamm, former United States international Cobi Jones, actor Eva Longoria, and rapper Snoop Dogg. Singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge performed during the evening.

"Organising the World Cup and some eight epic matches here in Los Angeles is something unique," Infantino said. "This is not just a World Cup. This will be the biggest, the greatest FIFA World Cup in history."

A city with World Cup pedigree

Los Angeles is no stranger to football's biggest stage. In 1994, the city hosted matches — including the final, in which Brazil defeated Italy on penalties following a 0-0 draw to lift a fourth world title. The city subsequently staged the finals of the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, won by the United States, and the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup, won by Germany.

Infantino drew on that legacy to underline the city's enduring appeal. "We want to unite the world. We want to bring people from all over the world together," he said. "Where can they spend the best time of their life? Of course, in Los Angeles."