SOCCER: Magic Johnson urges fans to make Los Angeles their World Cup destination

INGLEWOOD, California – Los Angeles sports legend and former NBA star Earvin “Magic” Johnson on Tuesday invited fans from around the globe to make Los Angeles their World Cup destination, calling the city the “sports capital of the world.”

The announcement came during the “30 Days to FIFA World Cup 2026” event at SoFi Stadium, highlighting the city’s goal of offering visitors more than just a quick stop for soccer.

“The world game is coming to the greatest city in the world,” Johnson said, beaming, at the event aimed at enticing travelers not only to attend the tournament but also to explore the city’s attractions and experience its status as a global sports hub.

A five-time National Basketball Association champion and three-time Most Valuable Player, Johnson emphasized that now is the time to visit Los Angeles, with “great events coming to our city,” including the World Cup, the NFL Super Bowl, and the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Los Angeles will host eight World Cup matches, featuring national teams from the United States, Paraguay, Iran, New Zealand, Switzerland, Bosnia, Belgium, and Turkey.

The expanded tournament will take place across North America, with matches in 16 cities in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The competition will feature 48 national teams, up from the traditional 32.

Fans—both local and international—can expect a “giant soccer carnival” throughout the city, said Kathryn Schloessman, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission and CEO of the host committee.

The city also highlighted its commitment to affordable transportation, offering $1.75 tickets to the stadium—an approach that contrasts sharply with some higher-profile events on the East Coast.

Despite the excitement, the World Cup’s local impact has sparked debate. Critics have raised concerns about regional homelessness, poverty, and taxpayer costs, warning that vulnerable populations could face rising prices, housing pressures, and disruptions to urban services.

Los Angeles will also host the tournament’s U.S. opening ceremony on June 12, featuring pop star Katy Perry. The show will follow opening ceremonies in Mexico City and Toronto earlier on the same day, reflecting the tournament’s unique three-country footprint.

While Los Angeles is widely known for its NBA Lakers, MLB Dodgers, and NFL teams Rams and Chargers, the city has also drawn high-profile soccer stars late in their careers, including David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Steven Gerrard, all of whom played for the LA Galaxy.

Leveraging its proximity to Hollywood, the city’s World Cup committee has involved celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Eva Longoria, and Will Ferrell as “community ambassadors” to promote the tournament.

-By Ed White in Winnipeg; Editing by Toby Davis/Reuters