By Libby Rainey for LAist
Originally published on June 11, 2026
The World Cup kicked off Thursday, and so does a four-day fan festival at L.A. Memorial Coliseum.
The festival features live broadcasts of the games, music and food, and provides a place for fans to celebrate during the first weekend of the tournament.
General admission tickets are $10. Thursday’s event sold out.
Gaby Cardona lives in Los Angeles and came to the Fan Festival to root for Mexico.
World Cup-lovers in Los Angeles show off their team pride
“My family is from Michoacan so we’re here to support Mexico and you know I’m just so excited to be part of this culture and to be able to represented here in L.A.,” Cardona said.
Other fans rooting for Mexico said they think the team could make it all the way and win the World Cup.
Raul Burgos lives in South L.A. and took the bus to the fan festival at the Coliseum.
“We’re taking it all the way!” Burgos said.
Fans can also purchase tickets at the Coliseum’s box office at Gate 29.
The first match of the tournament kicks off at noon Thursday, when Mexico plays South Africa. Then at 7 p.m., South Korea will play Czechia. Both matches are in Mexico.
On Friday, USA plays its first game against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Fans at the festival will be able to watch this match.
Here’s a look inside the festival:
This is a developing story and will be updated here.
