L.A. Times - Soccer

In must-win match against Ecuador, Mexico looks to advance with help of its fans

Eduard Cauich — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Mexico will have most of the 80,000 fans at Azteca Stadium on its side during a challenging round of 32 World Cup matchup against Ecuador on Tuesday.

For Sebastian Berhalter, a shot with the U.S. national team was well worth the wait

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter is familiar with the World Cup. After all, his father, Gregg, played in the 2002 edition for a U.S. team that reached the quarterfinals.

Swanson: World Cup shows MLS still needs to achieve major goals to grow the game

Mirjam Swanson — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 23:55:25 GMT

Major League Soccer has its fingerprints all over this 2026 FIFA World Cup, yet it struggles to grow the sport in the U.S. Here's what it needs to do.

Expanded World Cup brings drama as Canada ousts South Africa on stoppage-time goal

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:09:50 GMT

Stephen Eustáquio scores in the 92nd minute to lift Canada to a 1-0 victory over South Africa in the first round of 32 match at the FIFA World Cup.

2026 World Cup knockout round TV schedule, game previews and results

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Everything you need to know to watch and follow the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including start times and TV and streaming information for every game.

Spain weathers early adversity, clinches knock-out round match at SoFi Stadium

Eduard Cauich — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:04:24 GMT

Spain again got off to a sluggish start, but the World Cup favorites held on for a 1-0 win over Uruguay Friday night in Guadalajara, Mexico.

U.S. loss to Turkey in final World Cup group match: A small bump, or cause for concern?

Kevin Baxter — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:56:37 GMT

The backups that closed the group stage at SoFi Stadium for the U.S. with a 3-2 loss to Turkey served to remind everyone how flawed this group can be.

Swanson: Christian Pulisic is the spark the U.S. will need in the World Cup's knockout stages

Mirjam Swanson — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:14:57 GMT

Never mind the loss to Turkey. But do mind the closing gap between the soccer's elite teams and the hard-charging Americans, thanks to a healthy Christian Pulisic.

2026 World Cup full TV schedule, game previews, results and standings

Kevin Baxter — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Everything you need to know to watch and follow the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including start times and TV and streaming information for every game.

Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup lineup gamble doesn't pay off in U.S. loss to Turkey

Kevin Baxter — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:17:21 GMT

With a knockout-round berth already secure, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino overhauls his lineup, but the changes didn't work in a 3-2 loss to Turkey.

'Why not us?' How Mauricio Pochettino taught the U.S. to believe it could win a World Cup

Kevin Baxter — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

U.S. soccer coach Mauricio Pochettino and his players overcame doubt and learned how to believe in each other, spurring a historic World Cup run.

Mexico celebrates magical World Cup win over Czechia at rowdy Azteca Stadium

Eduard Cauich — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:29:06 GMT

Mexico rolled to a 3-0 win over Czechia and celebrated Memo Ochoa playing in his sixth World Cup during a special night at Azteca Stadium.

Mexico has chance to test more of roster, build momentum in group stage finale

Eduard Cauich — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:52:50 GMT

Will Memo Ochoa play in his sixth World Cup? Mexico coach Javier Aguirre may play him in a game Czechia needs to win but Mexico does not.

Harvard alum Matt Freese took an unusual path to starting in goal for U.S. at World Cup

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:40:25 GMT

Matt Freese took steps that seemed unlikely to help him succeed as a pro soccer player, but it helped him become the U.S. starting goalkeeper.

'A great vibe.' Pacific Northwest joins Los Angeles in an embrace of World Cup fever

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

If this World Cup has been marred by astronomical ticket prices, that hasn't put a damper on the tournament in the Pacific Northwest. L.A. is far from the only city with World Cup fever.

2026 World Cup guide: Full TV schedule, game previews, results and standings

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Everything you need to know to watch and follow the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including start times and TV and streaming information for every game.

'The vibes are high.' U.S. soccer having fun amid intense World Cup workouts

Kevin Baxter — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:53:28 GMT

Christian Pulisic joined team workouts for the first time since his calf injury as the U.S. soccer team prepares to close out World Cup group stage.

Norwegians 'row' Times Square and Tartan Army storms Boston as World Cup fandom takes over U.S. streets

Steve Henson — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 19:56:49 GMT

Visiting World Cup fans are falling for everyday American staples as North America hosts record-breaking crowds across 16 venues, turning match days into neighborhood festivals.

Iran soccer team leaves note at SoFi Stadium thanking L.A. for World Cup hospitality

Iliana Limón Romero — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:54:10 GMT

The Iran soccer team thanked fans in L.A. after making history while tying its first two World Cup games at SoFi Stadium in front of sellout crowds.

New Angel City midfielder Ally Sentnor says team is capable of winning

Jordan Puente — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Angel City fired its coach and traded a key player the same week it acquired Ally Sentnor. She is confident she can help the team succeed.

Swanson: Iran is right. FIFA and U.S. government must be better World Cup hosts

Mirjam Swanson — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:04:20 GMT

Iran is playing at a disadvantage during the 2026 World Cup by having to deal with broken promises from FIFA and the U.S. government.

Guadalajara protesters accuse Hyundai of using World Cup to hide 'dirty supply chain'

Eduard Cauich — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 21:24:54 GMT

Communities, climate activists and workers took to the streets in Guadalajara to protest what they describe as 'greenwashing through sports' by Hyundai.

Iran's beleaguered World Cup team finds hope with draw against Belgium

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 21:15:39 GMT

Iran plays Belgium to a scoreless draw at SoFi Stadium, moving to the cusp of advancing to the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time.

2026 World Cup guide: Full TV schedule, game previews, results and standings

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Everything you need to know to watch and follow the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including start times and TV and streaming information for every game.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre answers critics by leading his team to World Cup knockout round

Jad El Reda — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 21:09:31 GMT

Some questioned whether it was best to hire Javier Aguirre for a third stint leading the Mexican national team, but the team's group win has silenced critics.

'We want to lift the trophy.' U.S. makes history in World Cup win over Australia

Kevin Baxter — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 21:21:03 GMT

Even with star forward Christian Pulisic out because of injury, the U.S. men's soccer team scores a historic 2-0 win over Australia at the FIFA World Cup.

World Cup matchups: TV schedule, start times, how to watch and previews

Kevin Baxter — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Everything you need to know to watch and follow the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including start times and TV and streaming information for every game.

Pico Rivera's Cristian Roldan may be last made-in-high-school U.S. World Cup star

Kevin Baxter — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Cristian Roldan, a U.S. player from Pico Rivera, played at a local high school and didn't take a traditional route to the World Cup with U.S. Soccer.

Goalkeeper Raúl Rangel's elite play and South Korea's mistake help Mexico advance

Eduard Cauich — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:02:44 GMT

Mexico exploited a mistake by South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu and then played formidable defense to earn a 1-0 win at Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.

Why this World Cup could do for Canada what 1994 did for soccer in the U.S.

Kevin Baxter — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 03:00:48 GMT

For Canada, this World Cup wasn't about proving the country could be a good host. It's about proving the country can find its place on soccer's world stage.

Swanson: From poker pro to World Cup coach: Sergej Barbarez all in with Bosnia-Herzegovina

Mirjam Swanson — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 23:48:51 GMT

Bosnia-Herzegovina coach Sergej Barbarez, former national captain, poker pro and TV critic, is hoping to shake things up at the World Cup.

Mauricio Pochettino not sure if Christian Pulisic will play for U.S. vs. Australia

Kevin Baxter — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 23:10:27 GMT

It remains unclear if U.S. soccer star Christian Pulisic will play against Australia in the World Cup on Friday as he continues to deal with a leg injury.

Angel City FC fires coach Alex Straus

Los Angeles Times staff — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:35:07 GMT

Angel City made the move to fire Straus after a 4-6-1 start has the club in 12th place in the 16-team NWSL.

Mexico hopes to put nerves behind it against South Korea in key World Cup match

Eduard Cauich — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

After letting emotions hamper their precision during an emotional World Cup opener, Mexico is pushing for a sharper effort against South Korea on Thursday.

L.A. defies the skeptics for a World Cup marked by unity, mutual respect, fearlessness

Clara Harter — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Against a backdrop of anxiety heading into the World Cup, fans from a kaleidoscope of cultural backgrounds have come together to act out the kind of world — and Los Angeles — they want to live in.

Swanson: He lost his father to Iran's regime. At the World Cup in L.A., he cheered for Team Melli

Mirjam Swanson — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:23:26 GMT

Narbé Mansourian — a social studies teacher — had no qualms about separating the players from the politics in the country with the complicated geopolitical — and personal — history.

'The clear choice by far.' Why rising U.S. star Alex Freeman chose soccer over the NFL

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Alex Freeman, the son of former Green Bay Packers star Antonio Freeman, felt pressure to follow in his footsteps, but his secret love for soccer won.

World Cup matchups: Start times for every match, how to watch and game previews

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Everything you need to know to watch and follow the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including start times and TV and streaming information for every game.

Frustrated Iran vents about restrictions after draw with New Zealand at World Cup

Iliana Limón Romero — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 03:16:55 GMT

After a World Cup journey hampered by war, visa restrictions and a warning from President Trump, Iran manages to play New Zealand to a draw in its opener.

Born in Brooklyn, raised in London, Folarin Balogun lights up the World Cup for the U.S.

Kevin Baxter — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:05:59 GMT

Folarin Balogun was born in Brooklyn, making him eligible to play for the U.S. He was also eligible to play for England or Nigeria, but he chose the U.S.

U.S. players see their electric win over Paraguay as the start of a push to win over fans

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

U.S. players hope goals scored in front of a record-setting crowd is the start of fulfilling their obligation of elevating the sport during the tournament.

L.A. museum highlights Jewish roots that shaped world's most popular soccer styles

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

As World Cup matches are played in L.A., the holocaust museum unveils an exhibition that explores how World War II upheaval altered global soccer.

With Iran set for World Cup match at SoFi, L.A. Iranians see glimmers of unity

Suhauna Hussain, Kevin Baxter — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

As Iran's team prepares for its World Cup opener Monday at SoFi, L.A. Iranians argue among themselves, as some seek unity through sport.

2026 World Cup guide: Full TV schedule, game previews, results and standings

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Everything you need to know to watch and follow the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including start times and TV and streaming information for every game.

Swanson: U.S. soccer makes stirring first impression, delivers big unifying World Cup win

Mirjam Swanson — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 12:37:12 GMT

U.S. soccer pushed aside negativity and delivered an amazing World Cup win over Paraguay at rowdy SoFi Stadium on Friday, a critical moment to wow fans.

Photos: U.S. defeats Paraguay in its World Cup opener

Robert Gauthier, Allen J. Schaben, Ronaldo Bolaños, Kelvin Kuo — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 06:38:57 GMT

Photos from the United States' 4-1 victory over Paraguay in World Cup Group D play at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) on Friday.

U.S. fans roar at Coliseum watch party, enjoy inexpensive World Cup energy

Joaquin Ruiz — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 05:23:35 GMT

Fans cheered on the field of the Coliseum while watching the U.S. rout Paraguay in their World Cup opener on video screens.

Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun lead U.S. to impressive World Cup win over Paraguay

Kevin Baxter — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 03:06:32 GMT

Christian Pulisic sets up two goals and Folarin Balogun scores twice behind an impressive offensive showcase by the U.S. in a 4-1 World Cup win over Paraguay.

Amid travel bans, ICE fears and political turmoil, wary fans try to find World Cup joy

Kevin Baxter — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The most ambitious FIFA World Cup in history is underway, but geopolitical rifts, travel bans and high ticket prices threaten to smother the excitement.

Mexico rides emotional crowd support to historic World Cup win over South Africa

Eduard Cauich — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 01:44:14 GMT

In a match marked by three red cards, Mexico discovered it can be an attacking threat while winning the World Cup opener against South Africa at Azteca Stadium.

U.S. vs. Paraguay: Breaking down the challenges in World Cup opener

Kevin Baxter — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:12:34 GMT

The American men are facing the pressure of hosting a tournament in which they are not favored to win while trying to increase interest in the sport.

LA Card Show! Everything you need to know to make the best of the event this weekend

Steve Henson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:27:51 GMT

The fourth annual LA Card Show will take place at the L.A. Convention Center with twice the vendors that participated last year at Dodger Stadium.

With eyes of world on Mexico City, El Tri kicks off 2026 World Cup against South Africa

Eduard Cauich — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:24:16 GMT

Mexico is hoping a relatively young roster without a lot of top-tier club experience can surprise during the World Cup that kicks off Thursday in Mexico City.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino pleas for patience, urges people to relax amid backlash

Eduard Cauich — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:05:03 GMT

While he runs the most popular global sporting event, FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists he is no king and must try to broker peace as best he can.

Emotional, creative protests rise up in Mexico City ahead of historic World Cup opener

Eduard Cauich — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:28:41 GMT

Mexicans whose relatives have disappeared, teachers, stadium lifetime ticket owners and more air their grievances ahead of 2026 World Cup opening match.

U.S. defender Chris Richards says he's ready for World Cup opener

Kevin Baxter — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 20:30:59 GMT

Richards, who missed the 2022 World Cup because of a hamstring injury, tore two tendons in his left ankle a month ago but is healthy enough now to play.

World Cup referee, denied entry to U.S. because of suspected ties to terrorists, hailed in return to Somalia

Steve Henson — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:29:34 GMT

Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House Task Force on World Cup 2026, indicated referee Omar Artan was suspected of having ties to a Somali militant group.

World Cup matchups: Start times for every match, how to watch and game previews

Kevin Baxter — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Breaking down each of the first eight games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which includes Mexico facing South Africa and the U.S. taking on Paraguay.

U.S. captain urges World Cup teammates to enjoy the experience

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 20:49:54 GMT

The Americans open the 2026 tournament at SoFi Stadium on Friday, knowing it's a once-in-a-career moment to play in the World Cup at home.

SoFi Stadium workers union announces labor deal, averting strike during World Cup

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 18:06:40 GMT

The union representing 2,000 food and beverage workers at SoFi Stadium announced they reached a tentative agreement with Legends Hospitality Monday.

Iran soccer body says its fans' World Cup tickets were revoked; Somali referee denied entry into U.S.

Steve Henson — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 16:29:46 GMT

Roughly 18,852 World Cup tickets earmarked for Iran's fans were revoked just a few days before matches begin, according to the Iran soccer federation.

Mexico and South Africa face off again to open World Cup after 16 years of challenges

Eduard Cauich — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Mexico and South Africa are facing off to kick off a World Cup for the second time in 16 years. Both teams have faced challenges during that journey.

From Norway to Jordan, World Cup newbies eager to surprise on soccer's biggest stage

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Julian Ryerson and Norway aren't the only ones in unfamiliar World Cup territory. The expanded tournament offers new opportunities for players.

Chanting 'USA! USA!,' thousands welcome U.S. men's soccer team to SoCal ahead of World Cup

Kevin Baxter — Mon, 8 Jun 2026 21:22:57 GMT

With the World Cup set to start this week, the U.S. men's soccer team began to train in earnest in front of thousands of fans at Orange County Great Park.

Ahead of World Cup opener in L.A., Iran lands in Tijuana wearing pins to honor schoolgirls killed in strike

Steve Henson — Mon, 8 Jun 2026 18:53:40 GMT

The Iran World Cup team arrived in Tijuana wearing lapel pins on their jackets acknowledging victims of a Feb. 28 missile strike on an elementary school.

2026 World Cup guide: Full TV schedule, players to watch, results and standings

Kevin Baxter — Mon, 8 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Everything you need to know to watch and follow the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including start times and TV and streaming information for every game.

Memo Ochoa is driven to play his best for Mexico win during his sixth World Cup

Jad El Reda — Sun, 7 Jun 2026 11:50:00 GMT

Memo Ochoa became a star on the World Cup stage. Now the Mexican legend is pushing to make his historic sixth World Cup appearance on home soil.

'Enjoy the moment.' Americans who played in 1994 World Cup on home soil offer advice

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 7 Jun 2026 11:11:00 GMT

Alexi Lalas, Cobi Jones and other members of the 1994 U.S. World Cup team offer urge this year's World Cup team to make the most of their rare opportunity.

Can resilient captain Edson Álvarez lead Mexico to the elusive World Cup quarterfinals?

Eduard Cauich — Sun, 7 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Mexican midfielder Edson Álvarez is heading to his third World Cup after overcoming an injury and criticism. Can he lead El Tri on a deep tournament run?

Paul Caligiuri made 'shot heard 'round the world.' Now he wants to save grassroots soccer

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 7 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Former U.S. soccer star Paul Caligiuri is reinventing himself as a grassroots evangelist, challenging pay-to-play costs and field shortages while mentoring kids.

Want to watch World Cup for free or low cost? Find L.A. area fan festivals and zones

Jad El Reda — Sun, 7 Jun 2026 10:49:00 GMT

The Coliseum and 10 locations around the Los Angeles area will host watch parties and fan activities throughout the 2026 World Cup.

Christian Pulisic carries the World Cup hopes of a nation with his legacy at stake

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 7 Jun 2026 10:15:00 GMT

If the U.S. is to go deep in this World Cup, it will be carried there on Christian Pulisic's shoulders. If it stumbles, Pulisic will get the blame.

How the U.S., Mexico and Canada won a spirited fight to host the 2026 World Cup

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 7 Jun 2026 10:15:00 GMT

The U.S., Mexico and Canada nearly missed out on a chance to host the 2026 World Cup. Inside the successful push to rescue the North American bid.

World Cup roundtable: Who will win, who will surprise and how far will U.S. advance?

Kevin Baxter, Eduard Cauich, Jad El Reda — Sun, 7 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Times reporter Kevin Baxter and Times en Español reporters Eduard Cauich and Jad El Reda help readers prepare for the World Cup.

Most dangerous World Cup ever? Climate change poses growing risks for players

Kevin Baxter — Sat, 6 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

FIFA is well aware that extreme heat and humidity could affect the 2026 World Cup, and that's why this might be the final World Cup to be played in the summer.

SoFi Stadium workers vote to authorize strike with World Cup days away

Kevin Baxter — Sat, 6 Jun 2026 03:01:39 GMT

Unite Here Local 11, the union representing SoFi Stadium workers, votes to authorize a strike less than a week before the venue will host a World Cup game.

From a water bottle policy flip-flop to botched ticket sales, World Cup fans feel the squeeze

Steve Henson — Fri, 5 Jun 2026 16:48:51 GMT

FIFA is asking 60 fans who were sold World Cup tickets for free to pay corrected face value for them. FIFA also came full circle on its water bottle policy.

'Mexico 86' is Diego Luna's love letter to 'the beautiful game'

Carlos Aguilar — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 16:35:37 GMT

In 'Mexico 86,' on Netflix starting Friday, Luna plays a fictional man in a partially truthful story about how the country defeated more powerful adversaries and surmounted the chaos of the time to host the event successfully.

World Cup cash grab: Simon Kuper argues politics, greed are strengthening FIFA monopoly

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 2 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Once a festival of affordable global fandom, the World Cup now is giving FIFA a prime opportunity to reap record profits from soccer fans.

SoFi Stadium workers to vote on whether to authorize a strike with World Cup looming

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 2 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

SoFi Stadium union workers are set to vote on whether to authorize a strike ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off next week.

U.S. and Canadian referees will have a record-sized presence at World Cup

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 31 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Eleven officials from the United States and Canada will be working during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest North American contingent to work the tournament.

Alyssa and Gisele Thompson joined NWSL in high school. Their younger sister might be better

Kevin Baxter — Sat, 30 May 2026 15:53:51 GMT

Zoe Thompson, a 14-year-old still in middle school, could one day become part of an unprecedented trio: three siblings on the U.S. women's national soccer team.

Netflix isn't airing the World Cup. But it still has big World Cup programming plans

Michael Ordoña — Thu, 28 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Before the streamer televises the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Nations League finals, it's laying the groundwork with scripted and documentary projects about 'the beautiful game' this summer.

Mauricio Pochettino defends Gio Reyna selection, U.S. World Cup roster selection process

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 26 May 2026 23:30:35 GMT

U.S. Soccer staged a rally Tuesday to introduce the 26 members of the Americans' World Cup roster. Coach Mauricio Pochettino defended his selections.

Inside U.S. soccer's World Cup camp at Orange County Great Park

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 26 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The Orange County Soccer Club has moved out of its home stadium, allowing crews to renovate Orange County Great Park for U.S. soccer's World Cup camp.

LAFC coach Marc Dos Santos hopes to restore attacking identity after World Cup

Jad El Reda — Sun, 24 May 2026 17:49:32 GMT

LAFC coach Marc Dos Santos acknowledged that a switch to a more defensive lineup adversely affected the team during the first half of the season.

Iran moves camp from Arizona to Mexico, clearing path to play in World Cup

Kevin Baxter — Sat, 23 May 2026 22:46:07 GMT

FIFA approved Iran moving its World Cup team camp from Tucson, Ariz., to Tijuana, allowing the team to be housed and work out between games in Mexico.

U.S. World Cup roster revealed early; two big surprises in midfield

Kevin Baxter — Sat, 23 May 2026 22:21:11 GMT

Midfielders Tanner Tessmann and Diego Luna are left off the roster, while Gio Reyna, Chris Richards and Alejandro Zendejas make the cut.

Los Angeles hotels are still waiting for a surge in demand from the World Cup

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Sat, 23 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Around 80% of hotels surveyed by the American Hotel and Lodging Assn. reported that room bookings are lagging behind expectations for the 2026 World Cup.

Galaxy's Joseph Paintsil wants to be the latest African soccer player to give back home

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 19 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil, inspired by other African soccer players, started a residential soccer academy in his native Ghana as a way of giving back.

Artists, community come together to welcome World Cup to Inglewood with murals and more

Chuck Schilken — Mon, 18 May 2026 17:19:56 GMT

Several Los Angeles-based artists have been taking part in public events to create artwork celebrating community and welcoming the World Cup to Inglewood.

BTS, Madonna and Shakira to perform at World Cup final halftime show

Chuck Schilken — Thu, 14 May 2026 16:07:16 GMT

BTS, Madonna and Shakira will headline the World Cup final halftime show on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marking the first Super Bowl-style performance at a World Cup final.

How 'Welcome to Wrexham' kickstarted a $250-million economic boom for Welsh town

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 12 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Before the docuseries' new season debuts, it is already known the club has fallen short of getting promoted to the Premier League, but the show is about much more.

Three mothers founded Angel City. Now the team sets a high bar for support of player-moms

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 10 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Angel City captain Sarah Gorden struggled to juggle motherhood early in her soccer career. She now plays for a team that prioritizes maternal support.

Why MLS may move Whitecaps to Las Vegas despite backlash from Vancouver fans

Kevin Baxter — Fri, 8 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The Whitecaps are up for sale and MLS may accept a bid to move the team to Las Vegas because of a bleak financial forecast in Vancouver.

Want to watch the World Cup? L.A. unveils details about its free and low-cost fan zones

Jad El Reda — Tue, 5 May 2026 21:23:50 GMT

The city of Los Angeles announced dates, venues and activities for its 10 World Cup watch parties, during which games will be projected on screens.

SoFi Stadium workers threaten to strike if ICE isn't banned from World Cup games

Kevin Baxter — Fri, 1 May 2026 21:12:10 GMT

Protestors marched to local FIFA organizing offices in Los Angeles on Friday calling for ICE to be banned from SoFi Stadium during World Cup games.

Amid backlash over World Cup parking and transportation, LA Metro offers a solution

Kevin Baxter — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT

LA Metro plans to spend $9.3 million in federal funding to make attending the World Cup easy while also easing traffic around SoFi Stadium.

Could Italy replace Iran in this summer's World Cup? Here's how much leeway FIFA has

Kevin Baxter — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 20:13:37 GMT

The Trump administration is pushing FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the World Cup. But how feasible is it to do that this close to the start of the tournament?

Angel City FC expands pro-immigrant campaign with a message in 13 languages

Eduard Cauich — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:23:20 GMT

Angel City's Immigrant City T-shirt and cap feature text in languages such as Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Korean, Farsi, Japanese and Zapotec.