California Secures $18 Million in Federal Funding for FIFA World Cup Preparations
California Secures Over $18 Million for Transit Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
California is poised to receive more than $18 million to support transit costs related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Los Angeles area set to benefit significantly from this funding. U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff announced the allocation on Tuesday, noting that half of the total, over $9.6 million, will be directed to the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim Urbanized Area, where SoFi Stadium in Inglewood is set to host eight World Cup matches.
Prior to the event, the San Francisco-Oakland Urbanized Area will receive more than $8.8 million as Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara will host six games.
This funding stems from the Fiscal Year 2026 World Cup Public Transportation Formula Apportionment, part of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriation bill for 2026. Overall, the federal government has earmarked $100.3 million to assist local and state transit agencies in host cities for the upcoming tournament. Senators Padilla and Schiff highlighted their efforts in securing the $18 million allocation for California.
“With thousands of people traveling for these matches, we’re working to ensure the fan experience is a resounding success as California showcases our cities to the world,” Senator Padilla stated in a joint announcement with Senator Schiff. “This will make lasting improvements to public transit in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, helping people get where they need to go faster, cheaper, and safer.”
Senator Schiff emphasized the broader economic impact of the event, saying, “These soccer matches will bring visitors from across the country and the world and boost local economies in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, and I’m glad these important federal dollars will go toward ensuring a successful tournament."
Additionally, the federal government plans to allocate $94 million for transit needs associated with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, as noted by the senators.
