Twenty-six non-profits across the Los Angeles region will be recognized Wednesday evening by the organizing committee for the 2026 World Cup.
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The Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee and the Play Equity Fund announced Wednesday a selection of local nonprofits -- that use soccer to empower, uplift and drive meaningful change in their respective communities -- that will serve as "Community Champions," as part of the one-year to go celebration.
As Community Champions, each organization will receive a $26,000 grant, a professionally produced marketing video showcasing their group and public recognition leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to the organization, the champions will be honored at a special event at night on the historic Fox Studio lot, alongside celebrities, soccer stars and supporters.
The event will honor the L.A. region's World Cup history -- from the glory of 1994 to the growing momentum toward 2026 -- and will include a special "One Year To Glory" live show by Men in Blazers, hosted by Roger Bennett and featuring guests Cobi Jones, Brandi Chastain, Jason Sudeikis, Brendan Hunt and Coach Jim Harbaugh.
The show will be recorded and released as a podcast episode.
"The Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee is honored to announce the 26 Community Champions as part of our One Year To Go celebration," said Kathryn Schloessman, who serves as the president & CEO of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, as well as the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host City Manager.
"Their dedication to creating lasting positive change exemplifies the true legacy of the FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles," Schloessman added.
The 26 Community Champion organizations are: LA Scores; AYSO Region 69: Pacific Palisades/Brentwood/Topanga; AYSO Palmdale Region 393; Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach; Boys an Girls Club of West San Gabriel and Eastsdie; Boys and Girls Club of Whittier-Pico Rivera; California State Soccer Association-Cal South; city of Burbank Parks and Recreation; city of Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department.
Also selected: Downtown LA Soccer Club, FC Premier; Football for Her; Nicks Kids; Girls Athletic Leadership Schools Los Angeles; Home Field Advantage; KEEN LA; Terasaki Budokan-A Project of Little Tokyo Service Center; Los Angeles Parks Foundation; Lynwood Partners Education Foundation; Salesian Family Youth Center; Special Needs Network, Inc.; Special Olympics Southern California; The Los Angeles City College Foundation; Tudela Futbol Club of Los Angeles; U.S. Association of Blind Athletes; and West Hollywood Soccer Club.
For the first time, fans can now purchase the officials Los Angeles Host City merchandise by visiting store.fifa.com.
The Los Angeles region is expected to host eight World Cup matches at Inglewood's SoFi Stadium. There will also be 39-days of fan engagement activities throughout L.A. County.
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