Long Beach Will Not Be Hosting an Official FIFA World Cup Fan Zone

Despite what was publicly stated earlier this month, Long Beach will not be hosting an official FIFA World Cup Fan Zone.

During his State of the City address this month, Rex Richardson said that Long Beach would be getting an official FIFA World Cup Fan Zone as part of the 2026 World Cup festivities. That statement created excitement and gave residents the impression that the city was officially involved.

Unfortunately, that is not the case.

According to reporting and confirmations tied to the FIFA host committee process, Long Beach officially withdrew its bid to host a FIFA Fan Zone back in December. That means city leadership knew, at least a month before the State of the City address, that Long Beach was no longer in consideration for an official, FIFA licensed fan zone.

Yet the announcement was still made.

It remains unclear why the city chose to say Long Beach was getting a fan zone when the bid had already been pulled. One possible explanation is that the statement was meant to generate excitement during the Mayor’s address, which highlighted multiple initiatives and announcements meant to rally public support and momentum.

What is clear is this:
Long Beach is not on the official list of FIFA World Cup Fan Zones, and any World Cup related events hosted locally will not carry official FIFA branding or designation.

Residents deserve clarity, especially when it comes to high profile, global events like the World Cup. Saying the city was getting an official fan zone when leadership already knew that was no longer true has left many questioning how and why this was communicated the way it was.

Official FIFA World Cup Fan Zone Cities (LA Area)

• Los Angeles
• Downey
• Santa Monica
• Venice
• San Pedro (West Harbor)