{"id":29924,"date":"2026-07-22T21:22:29","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T21:22:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/29924\/"},"modified":"2026-07-22T21:22:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T21:22:29","slug":"what-can-la-learn-from-the-world-cup-in-mapping-out-olympics-return-daily-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/29924\/","title":{"rendered":"What can LA learn from the World Cup in mapping out Olympics\u2019 return? \u2013 Daily News"},"content":{"rendered":"

The mammoth, complex and controversial FIFA World Cup has ended, but for Los Angeles, an even bigger challenge looms on the horizon.<\/p>\n

Eight World Cup matches brought more than half a million spectators to Inglewood\u2019s SoFi Stadium. Metro provided more than 200,000 match-related rides through its enhanced transportation service. The FIFA Fan Festival and 10 official Los Angeles-area fan zones welcomed hundreds of thousands of participants, while more than 300 additional community activations unfolded across Southern California in parks, museums, restaurants, cultural institutions and neighborhood streets.<\/p>\n

\"CanadianCanadian fan looks on prior to a FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 knockout stage soccer match between Canada and South Africa at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, June 28, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)<\/p>\n

Yet the most important result may not be found in a final attendance count.\u00a0For six weeks, the\u00a0World Cup\u00a0gave Los Angeles a live test of the systems, partnerships and public expectations that will shape the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Cities and agencies practiced moving crowds, coordinating public safety, recruiting volunteers, activating neighborhoods and connecting global attention to local businesses.<\/p>\n

The World Cup showed that Los Angeles can host the world. It also revealed what the region must do better before the world returns, according to some of the folks we talked to.<\/p>\n

Here are nine leaders and experts closest to the planning, delivery and analysis of the tournament, and the lessons they believe Los Angeles must carry into LA28.<\/p>\n

\"KathrynKathryn Schloessman, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission and CEO of the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee, speaks
\nabout fan events and activities tied to the 2026 tournament during a press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at the Coliseum. Members of the Host Committee, FIFA officials and soccer notables gathered to discuss some of the ways the tournament will bring excitement to fans and neighborhoods across the region. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
\nKathryn Schloessman<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission<\/p>\n

After eight years of preparation, Kathryn Schloessman expected the\u00a0World Cup\u00a0to bring international visibility, visitors and economic activity to Los Angeles. What surprised her was the extent to which the celebration spread beyond the stadium.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe community impact exceeded our expectations, the greatest joy was seeing families come together and create memories that will last for years,\u201d Schloessman said. \u201cSeeing people come together at fan festivals and fan zones, cheering for their countries, wearing their jerseys and waving their flags was incredibly exciting. You don\u2019t see that kind of camaraderie in any other sport.\u201d<\/p>\n

While FIFA staged eight matches at SoFi Stadium, communities across Southern California created more than 300 related activations. Museums, cities, nonprofits, businesses and cultural organizations developed youth clinics, watch parties, exhibitions, festivals and neighborhood celebrations.<\/p>\n

Those public experiences became especially important because many residents could not afford tickets. The most expensive seat inside SoFi Stadium was not the only entrance into the\u00a0World Cup. For thousands of families, the tournament was experienced from a folding chair in a park, a large screen on a neighborhood street or a restaurant filled with supporters wearing national-team jerseys.<\/p>\n

Schloessman believes that lesson must shape LA28. Most Angelenos will not attend an Olympic competition in person. Their memories will instead be defined by what happens in their own neighborhoods and whether they believe the Games belonged to them.<\/p>\n

Creating that access, however, requires money. Schloessman noted that the local host effort did not receive revenue from match tickets, stadium concessions, parking or other valuable commercial assets. Community programming had to be financed through corporate, philanthropic and public partnerships.<\/p>\n

\"JonathanJonathan Ochoa celebrates Argentina\u2019s win against England during a Fifa World Cup watch party at the LA Waterfront in San Pedro on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)<\/p>\n

Schloessman\u2019s take: What LA28 should carry forward\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2013Fund neighborhood programming as seriously and as early as venue operations.<\/p>\n

\u2013Create affordable ticket opportunities specifically for local residents.<\/p>\n

\u2013Build public experiences throughout Southern California rather than around a single central district.<\/p>\n

\u2013Measure success by community participation, not only stadium attendance.<\/p>\n

\u2013Secure private and philanthropic partners well before the Games begin.<\/p>\n

\"PaulPaul Krekorian, Executive Director, Office of Major Events,, and Amanda DaEflos, City of Los Angeles
\n Deputy Mayor, Office of Strategic Panerships, City of Los Angeles. Courtesy photos
\nPaul Krekorian and Amanda Daflos<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Office of Major Events, City of Los Angeles<\/p>\n

Deputy Mayor, Office of Strategic Partnerships, City of Los Angeles<\/p>\n

At more than 100 Kick It in the Park events held across 19 Los Angeles recreation sites, residents encountered large-screen match viewing, soccer activities, cultural programming and city services without buying a ticket or paying an admission fee.<\/p>\n

Approximately 40,000 people participated, according to Krekorian. Across the entire program, the city reported no emergency calls for service or significant public-safety incidents.<\/p>\n

Behind those apparently effortless afternoons was a complex government operation involving parks employees, transportation planners, emergency personnel, sanitation workers, permit officials, volunteers, sponsors, nonprofits and private contractors.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe human process was how to integrate the planning of many disparate subject-matter experts and deliver a unified product that, to residents, just seemed like a fun event at the park,\u201d Krekorian said. \u201cThey didn\u2019t see how much went into making it happen, and we wanted them to have that experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Seven-year-oldSeven-year-old Karly Landerde, left, celebrates Spain\u2019s goal against France during a World Cup semi-final watch party on the south side of the Hermosa Beach Pier on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)<\/p>\n

The city also coordinated with organizers of the FIFA Fan Festival and official fan zones, learning how to work across departments and jurisdictions to manage transportation, safety, permitting and neighborhood impacts.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe learned how to work together across departments and jurisdictions\u2014to anticipate potential problems, respond resiliently and implement plans efficiently,\u201d Krekorian said. \u201cThat gives us a base of data and knowledge we will use to prepare for 2028.\u201d<\/p>\n

Daflos identified another return: what she describes as civic joy.<\/p>\n

Preliminary city surveys found that 96% of attendees said the neighborhood programming made them feel Los Angeles cared more about their community. Ninety-three percent reported greater pride in being Angelenos, and 87% said the experience made them more likely to return to their local park.<\/p>\n

More than 200 volunteers contributed approximately 1,000 hours, with 95% rating the experience positively. The program included repeat participants, residents with disabilities and volunteers who became increasingly connected to their communities.<\/p>\n

That test was modest compared with what lies ahead. City officials anticipate needing more than 10,000 volunteers for municipal Olympic programming, in addition to the approximately 75,000 volunteers expected to support LA28.<\/p>\n

\"AA FIFA volunteer, right, hands out a fan badges prior to the start of a FIFA World Cup quarterfinal knockout stage soccer match between Spain and Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on Friday, July 10, 2026. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)<\/p>\n

Krekorian and Daflos\u2019 take: What LA28 should carry forward\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2013Preserve the cross-department relationships developed during the World Cup.<\/p>\n

\u2013Document operational lessons now while they remain fresh.<\/p>\n

\u2013Begin recruiting and training an inclusive volunteer workforce early.<\/p>\n

\u2013Continue measuring neighborhood pride, repeat attendance and public trust.<\/p>\n

\u2013Make the Olympic experience joyful and accessible without exposing residents to the complexity behind it.<\/p>\n

\"AdamAdam Burke,
\nPresident and CEO, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Courtesy photo)
\nAdam Burke<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board<\/p>\n

International visitors did not arrive in Los Angeles simply to enter SoFi Stadium and leave.<\/p>\n

They stayed, ate and traveled across Santa Monica, Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, Venice, Inglewood, Long Beach, the South Bay and other communities.\u00a0World Cup\u00a0visitors treated Southern California as a regional destination, regardless of municipal boundaries.<\/p>\n

That matters because international tourism is among the region\u2019s most valuable economic sectors. Tourism supports more than 530,000 jobs, approximately $43 billion in annual local business sales and roughly $300 million in City of Los Angeles General Fund revenue, according to Los Angeles Tourism.<\/p>\n

Burke said overseas visitors tend to spend approximately three times more than domestic travelers. He also said the tournament helped counter negative international perceptions of the United States at a critical moment for inbound travel.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith hundreds of thousands of visitors during the\u00a0World Cup\u00a0and an estimated six billion global viewers, the last month has done more to restore the image of the U.S. than we could have imagined,\u201d Burke said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough the Beautiful Game, the way international visitors have been embraced by L.A. and the other host cities has reminded the global community that travel and tourism transcends politics.\u201d<\/p>\n

The\u00a0World Cup\u00a0also demonstrated how difficult tournament travel can be to predict. Fans often waited to determine whether their teams would advance and where they would play before booking rooms. Some hotels initially underperformed expectations, while other destinations\u2014particularly Santa Monica and other leisure-oriented areas\u2014experienced stronger demand.<\/p>\n

The Olympics will be different. Spectators will know that their events are concentrated in Southern California, making travel patterns more predictable and creating an opportunity to design regional itineraries before visitors arrive.<\/p>\n

\"BelgiumBelgium fans cheer after their team scores a goal against Spain in the first half of a FIFA World Cup quarterfinal knockout stage soccer match at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on Friday, July 10, 2026. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)<\/p>\n

Burke\u2019s take: What LA28 should carry forward\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2013Market Los Angeles County and Southern California as one connected destination.<\/p>\n

\u2013Encourage Olympic visitors to explore neighborhoods beyond the venues.<\/p>\n

\u2013Develop cultural, dining and small-business itineraries around transit corridors.<\/p>\n

\u2013Continue rebuilding confidence among international travelers.<\/p>\n

\u2013Measure repeat visitation long after the closing ceremony.<\/p>\n

\"InglewoodInglewood Mayor James T. Butts speaks during the grand opening celebration of the LAX Metro Center train station in Los Angeles on Friday, June 6, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)
\nMayor James T. Butts Jr.<\/p>\n

Mayor of Inglewood<\/p>\n

No community carried more of the tournament\u2019s direct operational burden than Inglewood.<\/p>\n

The city hosted all eight Los Angeles-area matches, absorbing the crowds, security requirements, street closures and business activity generated by approximately half a million spectators, but the tournament\u2019s effects extended beyond SoFi Stadium.<\/p>\n

Thousands of people traveled to Inglewood without tickets simply to participate in the surrounding atmosphere. Market Street\u2019s Wood\u00a0Cup\u00a0celebrations filled local businesses and gave residents a place to gather outside the venue.<\/p>\n

Butts said approximately $17 million was spent in Inglewood during the eight-match run, while businesses reported foot-traffic increases of roughly 55% to 60% on match days.<\/p>\n

Equally significant was what did not happen.\u00a0Only three arrests connected to tournament activity were reported across all eight matches, all involving public intoxication, according to Butts. A joint operations center brought together Inglewood police, the Los Angeles County Sheriff\u2019s Department, federal agencies and other security partners around the clock.<\/p>\n

That result demonstrated that an event of extraordinary scale can produce economic activity while preserving public confidence.\u00a0It did not eliminate neighborhood disruption. Residents still experienced traffic, road closures and the realities of living next to one of the\u00a0world\u2019s most prominent sports and entertainment districts. Butts said future mega-events should include greater consideration for affected neighborhoods and more discounted ticket opportunities for local residents.<\/p>\n

\"SpainSpain fan shows off the team logo prior to a FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal soccer match between Belgium and Spain at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on Friday, July 10, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)<\/p>\n

Butts\u2019 take: What LA28 should carry forward\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2013Engage surrounding communities before operational plans are finalized.<\/p>\n

\u2013Create meaningful ticket access for residents living near venues.<\/p>\n

\u2013Preserve the joint-command public-safety model.<\/p>\n

\u2013Track neighborhood business activity, not merely regional spending.<\/p>\n

\u2013Acknowledge and mitigate the daily burden placed on host communities.<\/p>\n

\"LALA County Holly Mitchell speaks at a victory press conference for Measure ER on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Measure ER adds a 1\/2-cent sales tax for five years to help offset federal government cutbacks in Medicare. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News\/SCNG)
\nHolly J. Mitchell<\/p>\n

Los Angeles County Supervisor, Second District<\/p>\n

At Earvin \u201cMagic\u201d Johnson Recreation Area, residents could exit Metro near Avalon Boulevard and walk through a temporarily closed street to reach a county fan zone offering match viewing, food vendors, entertainment and youth programming.<\/p>\n

Mitchell said visitors repeatedly expressed surprise at how manageable it was to reach the event without a car.\u00a0\u201cIf you build it, they will come,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

For Mitchell, the lesson was both operational and equitable.\u00a0Many residents could not afford or obtain match tickets. That did not mean the\u00a0World Cup\u00a0should remain inaccessible to them. By bringing the experience to a public park in Willowbrook, Los Angeles County made the tournament visible in a community that might otherwise have experienced it only through television.\u00a0\u201cIt was more than going to a match, but having the experience in your community,\u201d Mitchell said.<\/p>\n

The events also created opportunities for food vendors, small businesses and local organizations. The longer-term value of those opportunities must still be measured. A successful festival weekend does not necessarily translate into durable growth unless businesses gain customers, contracts and relationships that continue after the event.<\/p>\n

Mitchell also cautioned that the\u00a0World Cup\u2019s transit success depended on additional buses, personnel and enhanced service. Metro will require sufficient state and federal support to expand operations for the Olympics without compromising service for residents who rely on public transportation every day.<\/p>\n

\"AA Metro representative walks through a Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zone at the La Prada Event Plaza at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in South El Monte on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)<\/p>\n

Mitchell\u2019s take: What LA28 should carry forward:<\/p>\n

\u2013Bring Olympic programming into communities far from competition venues.<\/p>\n

\u2013Connect neighborhood fan zones directly to Metro and other transit systems.<\/p>\n

\u2013Protect ordinary transit service while expanding mega-event operations.<\/p>\n

\u2013Track revenue and customer growth for participating small businesses.<\/p>\n

\u2013Evaluate equity and accessibility alongside attendance and economic impact.<\/p>\n

\"StephenStephen Cheung, COO of LAEDC speaks as state and Los Angeles area leaders came together during the week of the Great California Shakeout to encourage businesses and Angelenos to get prepared by acting now to improve resilience and reduce earthquake damage at the Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 14, 2020. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)<\/p>\n

Stephen Cheung<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation and\u00a0World\u00a0Trade Center Los Angeles<\/p>\n

Pre-event projections placed the\u00a0World Cup\u2019s near-term economic impact across Los Angeles County at approximately $892 million, including an estimated $515 million in direct visitor spending and $377 million in follow-on activity.<\/p>\n

Cheung emphasized that those figures remain projections \u2014 not confirmed results. Hotel performance, visitor surveys, credit-card spending, airport arrivals, tax receipts, transportation activity and business revenue will need to be collected and reconciled before a credible assessment can be completed. A preliminary analysis may take three to six months, while the more meaningful examination should continue six months and one year after the tournament.<\/p>\n

The central question, Cheung said, is not simply how much money moved through the regional economy. It is who received it.\u00a0A billion dollars in activity can appear impressive while revealing little about whether locally owned businesses, microbusinesses, minority- and women-owned firms, workers and neighborhoods participated in the opportunity.<\/p>\n

The final analysis should distinguish between visitors who traveled specifically for the tournament, those who extended an existing trip and those who would have visited Los Angeles regardless. It should also account for regular travelers who may have avoided the region because of anticipated crowds, costs or traffic.<\/p>\n

Before LA28 procurement begins, Cheung believes Los Angeles should establish common measurement standards, local-business participation goals and a countywide system to help vendors become contract-ready.<\/p>\n

Fan zones should also be designed as economic-development strategies, not merely viewing locations. Connecting public events to commercial districts, restaurants, cultural institutions and neighborhood businesses would give Olympic visitors reasons to spend locally.<\/p>\n

\"FansFans watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal match between England at Norway at the Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zone in Venice Beach on Saturday, July 11, 2026. (Photo by Jacob Lewis, Contributing Photographer)<\/p>\n

Cheung\u2019s take: What LA28 should carry forward\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2013Establish a countywide small-business procurement and readiness system.<\/p>\n

\u2013Set participation goals before contracts are awarded.<\/p>\n

\u2013Track spending by geography, industry, business size and ownership.<\/p>\n

\u2013Create a regional data platform shared by cities, agencies and tourism organizations.<\/p>\n

\u2013Measure whether jobs, customers and contracts remain after the Games.<\/p>\n

\"AdamAdam Burke, President and CEO, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Courtesy photo)
\nFrank Cooper III<\/p>\n

Chief Marketing Officer, Visa<\/p>\n

As a partner of both the FIFA\u00a0World Cup\u00a0and LA28, Visa viewed the two events not as separate sponsorships but as one extended cultural and economic platform.<\/p>\n

Cooper said what stood out during the\u00a0World Cup\u00a0was how international visitors responded to Los Angeles hospitality, local businesses and the region\u2019s established soccer culture.\u00a0\u201cIt was a powerful mix of football and L.A. culture integrated into commerce,\u201d Cooper said.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0World Cup\u00a0reinforced his belief that sponsorship creates the greatest value when it helps people and businesses participate in the event rather than simply placing a corporate name beside it.\u00a0\u201cThe brands that leave a lasting impact are the ones that turn global attention into local opportunity for small businesses, entrepreneurs and communities,\u201d Cooper said.<\/p>\n

Major sporting events create what he described as a \u201cpop-up economy,\u201d producing temporary demand for restaurants, retailers, vendors, transportation providers and other local services. The challenge is ensuring businesses have the technology, infrastructure and information necessary to capture it.<\/p>\n

Cooper also sees fandom changing. The modern sports experience is no longer confined to stadium attendance or television broadcasts. Social media, gaming, creator content and digital commerce increasingly influence how fans experience global events.<\/p>\n

For LA28, businesses will need convenient, secure systems that allow visitors to pay and local merchants to be paid. The more lasting opportunity is to leave small businesses with improved digital capabilities and customer access after the Olympic crowds depart.<\/p>\n

\"IranIran defender Ramin Rezaeian (23) kicks the ball defended by New Zealand forward Elijah Just (11) in the second half of a FIFA World Cup soccer match at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on Monday, June 15, 2026. The match ended in a draw 2-2. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)<\/p>\n

Cooper\u2019s take: What LA28 should carry forward\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2013Ask sponsors to create direct opportunities for local businesses.<\/p>\n

\u2013Prepare merchants with payment technology and technical assistance before visitors arrive.<\/p>\n

\u2013Recognize social media, gaming and creators as part of the fan experience.<\/p>\n

\u2013Build sponsorship platforms that last beyond short-term promotions.<\/p>\n

\u2013Measure success by participation and local commerce, not only brand impressions.<\/p>\n

\"ProfessorProfessor Stephen Bank,
\nUCLA School of Law (Courtesy photo)
\nProfessor Stephen Bank<\/p>\n

UCLA School of Law<\/p>\n

Bank cautions against treating any single spending projection as the final verdict on a mega-event.<\/p>\n

Economic estimates can change as analysts revise assumptions about attendance, visitor behavior, lodging, media exposure and future travel. Final hotel receipts, sales-tax collections, business performance and employment data may take months to reconcile.<\/p>\n

Bank argues that public investment should also be evaluated through a more fundamental question: Did government spend money on something residents genuinely wanted and used?<\/p>\n

A public celebration does not necessarily need to generate a direct profit to possess value. Cities invest in parks, libraries, recreation centers and cultural spaces because they serve communities, not because they produce conventional financial returns.<\/p>\n

By that standard, the widespread use of\u00a0World Cup\u00a0fan zones, public parks and watch parties matters. Residents clearly wanted to participate, even when they never entered the stadium.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0World Cup\u00a0also exposed the limits of local control. Los Angeles could manage streets, transit, parks and public safety, but it could not independently determine FIFA\u2019s ticket prices, commercial rules, competition structure or international policies.<\/p>\n

The same tension will return in 2028. International sports organizations and LA28 will control important elements of the Olympic product, while local governments will carry much of the responsibility for transportation, safety, public programming and neighborhood impacts.<\/p>\n

Bank believes Los Angeles must enter those relationships with a clear understanding of authority, costs and public obligations.<\/p>\n

\"SpainSpain fans get excited for their match against Austria at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on Thursday, Jul. 2, 2026. Spain plays Austria in a FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 knockout stage soccer match. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin\/SCNG)<\/p>\n

Bank\u2019s take: What LA28 should carry forward\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2013Evaluate public value as well as financial return.<\/p>\n

\u2013Distinguish projections from verified results.<\/p>\n

\u2013Account transparently for government spending and opportunity costs.<\/p>\n

\u2013Clarify which decisions local agencies control and which they do not.<\/p>\n

\u2013Measure institutional knowledge, public access and community use as part of the legacy.<\/p>\n

\"<\/p>\n

AP Photo\/Rich Pedroncelli, File<\/p>\n

State Sen. Ben Allen, D-Santa Monica, speaks during the Senate session at the Capitol on Friday, May 27, 2016, in Sacramento, Calif. Allen and state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, are backing the repeal of a law added to the state Constitution in 1950 that stops the government from building some affordable housing without voter approval. But to change the law, it requires voter approval and no one has stepped forward to pay for the expensive campaign it takes to convince people to vote for it. (AP Photo\/Rich Pedroncelli, File)
\nSen. Ben Allen<\/p>\n

Chair, California Senate Special Committee on International Sporting Events<\/p>\n

As chair of the California Senate\u2019s Special Committee on International Sporting Events, Allen has spent the past two years examining how the state can maximize the opportunities presented by the World Cup and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.<\/p>\n

For Allen, the tournament was an invaluable live test\u2014but not proof that Los Angeles is fully prepared.\u00a0\u201cWe\u2019re learning a lot from the\u00a0World Cup\u00a0experience,\u201d Allen said, while emphasizing that there is \u201cstill a lot more work to be done\u201d before 2028.<\/p>\n

Metro\u2019s daily reports gave policymakers information about where spectators began their trips, which connections they used and where operational pressure emerged. The\u00a0World Cup\u00a0centered primarily on one stadium. The Olympics will involve numerous venues operating simultaneously across a vast geographic region.<\/p>\n

Transportation will be only one challenge. The next two years must also address public safety, workforce readiness, hospitality, accessibility, international visitation and coordination among the state, county, cities, LA28 and community partners.\u00a0\u201cThe enduring question is how this really impacts and benefits everyone around the region,\u201d Allen said.\u00a0That question should guide the transition from\u00a0World Cup\u00a0celebration to Olympic preparation.<\/p>\n

\"TeamTeam USA fans walking past a LA Metro bus carrying more fans to the U.S. opener against Paraguay of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, June 12, 2026. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)<\/p>\n

Allen\u2019s take: What LA28 should carry forward\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2013Treat the World Cup as a full-scale operational rehearsal.<\/p>\n

\u2013Secure state and federal transportation resources early.<\/p>\n

\u2013Strengthen coordination among government agencies and LA28.<\/p>\n

\u2013Create workforce pathways that continue after the Games.<\/p>\n

\u2013Ensure public benefits extend throughout the region\u2014not only around Olympic venues.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The mammoth, complex and controversial FIFA World Cup has ended, but for Los Angeles, an even bigger challenge…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":29925,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[4],"tags":[16464,7,7240,14802,144,4035,3934,1176,547,3292,3206],"class_list":["post-29924","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-belgium","tag-2028-olympics","tag-belgium","tag-community","tag-local-government","tag-news","tag-olympics","tag-soccer","tag-sports","tag-things-to-do","tag-top-stories","tag-world-cup-2026"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@be\/116965732933122740","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29924","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29924"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29924\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29925"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29924"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29924"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29924"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}