Long Beach: City Announces Expanded Programming and FIFA World Cup 26™ Match Viewing Schedule for LA Galaxy Soccer Celebration

Above: Long Beach residents and visitors participate in a previous global soccer tournament watch party held on Pine Avenue in Downtown Long Beach. Photo courtesy of Downtown Long Beach Alliance.

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach, in partnership with LA Galaxy and Downtown Long Beach (DTLB) Alliance, today announced expanded event details for its upcoming LA Galaxy Soccer Celebration, a free series of unforgettable soccer events and experiences in Downtown Long Beach for people of all ages. Building on the excitement of its original announcement, the City's LA Galaxy Soccer Celebration will feature a comprehensive FIFA World Cup 26™ match viewing schedule during the group stages of the major global tournament, as well as a series of youth soccer clinics, where local youth will have opportunities to learn the world's game from LA Galaxy Youth coaches in a fun, inclusive environment.

"When we announced the LA Galaxy Soccer Celebration earlier this year, we promised Long Beach would show up in a meaningful way — and we're delivering on that promise," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "Our city is ready to celebrate the world's game in a way that is true to who we are, and we look forward to keeping this momentum going by providing even more opportunities for every resident to have a chance to be part of this once-in-a-generation moment."

Beginning June 11, the LA Galaxy Soccer Celebration will feature a full slate of free, community-centered programming during the group stages of the tournament. Events will take place along Pine Avenue in Downtown, with larger activations to also include parts of Broadway and Lincoln Park. As part of the programming, the City, LA Galaxy and DTLB Alliance will host marquee events that will feature the full activation experience, including live FIFA World Cup 26™ match viewings, Galaxy player and alumni appearances, youth programming, family-friendly fan areas, giveaways, limited‑edition merchandise offerings, sponsor activations, music and more. Marquee events and their corresponding group stage matches include:

• Friday, June 12, 5 to 8 p.m.
  • United States vs. Paraguay (kickoff at 6 p.m.)
• Thursday, June 18, 5 to 8 p.m.
  • Mexico vs. South Korea (kickoff at 6 p.m.)
• Friday, June 19, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • United States vs. Australia (kickoff at noon)
  • Scotland vs. Morocco (kickoff at 3 p.m.)
• Saturday, June 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Netherlands vs. Sweden (kickoff at 10 a.m.)
  • Germany vs. Ivory Coast (kickoff at 1 p.m.)
• Thursday, June 25, 3 to 9 p.m.
  • Japan vs. Sweden or Tunisia vs. Netherlands (kickoff at 4 p.m.)*
  • Turkey vs. United States or Paraguay vs. Australia (kickoff at 7 p.m.)*
• Friday, June 26, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Norway vs. France or Senegal vs. Iraq (kickoff at noon)*
  • Uruguay vs. Spain or Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia (kickoff at 5 p.m.)*
• Saturday, June 27, 1 to 6:30 p.m.
  • Panama vs. England or Croatia vs. Ghana (kickoff at 2 p.m.)*
  • Colombia vs. Portugal or DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan (kickoff at 4:30 p.m.)*

*LA Galaxy will select which games to air from June 24-27 at a later date in order to prioritize high-stakes games. Final schedule will be announced by June 23.

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In addition to these marquee events, the City and LA Galaxy will host free FIFA World Cup 26™ match viewings of select group stage matches, with viewing opportunities every day throughout the group stage, from June 11 through June 27. All events are free and open to the public. For the full schedule of viewing opportunities, visit longbeach.gov/SoccerInTheLBC.

"This summer, the world's game comes to Downtown Long Beach. I'm proud that these events are free, welcoming and built for our entire community," said First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas. "Whether you're a lifelong soccer fan or a young resident looking forward to learning more about this wonderful game, the LA Galaxy Soccer Celebration is designed with you in mind."

As part of the LA Galaxy Soccer Celebration, the City and LA Galaxy will also host free youth soccer clinics, offering local youth opportunities to learn new skills and enhance existing skills through group play, drills and friendly competition. Led by LA Galaxy Youth coaches, these clinics will take place June 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. and June 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Lincoln Park (101 Pacific Ave.). Available for youth ages 6 to 10 and 11 to 14, these clinics will offer one hour of guided activities and play. After the clinics, participants are encouraged to stick around for the FIFA World Cup 26™ watch party as the United States takes on Paraguay (June 12) and Australia (June 19).

Registration for the June 12 and June 19 clinics is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to register early as space is limited. Participants will need to select their preferred date and time, based on age. Complimentary parking will be available during the duration of the clinics in the Civic Center public parking garage located at 332 W. Broadway.

Fans interested in attending the LA Galaxy Soccer Celebration are encouraged to complete the Interest Form to receive the latest updates and further details. Additional programming, including event maps, special guest appearances and music programming, will be announced on a rolling basis.

"This summer is a unique moment for our sport, and we're focused on showing up in a big way for our fans and communities across the region," said Tom Braun, President and Chief Operating Officer of the LA Galaxy. "By expanding the scope of the Soccer Celebration with more programming and more ways to engage, we're creating a consistent place for people to come together, experience the game and be part of something that feels truly special."

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Following the group stage, the City will also host a variety of free, exciting soccer programming and live match viewings during the knockout stage of the tournaments at local parks across the city. These events will offer residents chances to gather, connect and celebrate soccer in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. The City's extensive local soccer programming will culminate on July 19 with an open streets event to celebrate the tournament's final match. Hosted by the City and presented by Metro, this one-day event will open streets in multiple neighborhoods across Long Beach, transforming them into safe, open areas for people to bike, walk and explore. More information about these free local events will be announced by the City in the coming weeks.

With these events and experiences, the City is embracing the opportunity to contribute to the regional energy surrounding the tournament through an inclusive, community-focused approach to programming, all at no cost. This approach will bring the excitement to communities across Long Beach while providing the flexibility to partner with local organizations to incorporate youth sports programming, interactive activities, local businesses and cultural celebrations that reflect Long Beach's diversity and love of sports. This approach also allows the City to leverage partnerships to supplement City resources and maximize community benefit, while also laying the groundwork for long-term collaboration that supports youth sports development and sustained regional interest in soccer beyond 2026.

To stay updated, visit the City's summer soccer programming webpage at longbeach.gov/SoccerInTheLBC and follow @LongBeachCity and @lagalaxy on Instagram, X and Facebook.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

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