Interview with former U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) player and Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee Co-Chairman Chris Klein following the FIFA match schedule announcement that Los Angeles will host eight total matches, including the USMNT opener.
How would you explain the FIFA World Cup 26™ impact on the future of soccer in the U.S.?
Chris: The 1994 FIFA World Cup™ played in the United States was the catalyst for the launch of Major League Soccer. Over the last three decades, the world’s game has grown substantially in our country and FIFA World Cup 26™ is poised to create the next surge forward as the largest sporting event in history—being played across three countries, 16 host cities, and featuring an expanded tournament of 48 teams and 104 matches. When we look back at the development of soccer in America, I am confident that we’ll consider 2026 as an inflection point for the next generation of fans and American soccer stars grown right here from the momentum of FIFA World Cup 26™.
What will the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) opening match mean for the Los Angeles region in 2026?
Chris: The U.S. opening match in LA will be a rallying cry for soccer fans that this country has yet to experience. The FIFA World Cup™ is the most-watched competition on Earth and because of that widespread excitement, the start of the USMNT campaign in LA will be the center of attention for all Americans and soccer fans around the world. All eight matches being played in LA will showcase SoFi Stadium as the premier soccer venue on the planet and provide us an immense opportunity to welcome soccer fans from across the globe to join in on the celebration. FIFA estimates more than six million fans will attend matches in 2026, so we’re prepared to maximize the moment and serve as the best destination for every global soccer fan to start their FIFA World Cup 26™ experience.
Why is Los Angeles such a great stage for soccer’s biggest moments?
Chris: Los Angeles is the sports and entertainment capital of the world—home to the stars, studios, artists, three first division professional clubs, and millions of passionate fans of the world’s game. LA is one of the only regions where each of the 48 nations competing in FIFA World Cup 26™ will have local representation to cheer them on. Every fan will feel welcome here from kickoff to final whistle as they’re immersed in the local culture at our Fan Fest, enjoying our famous cuisine and world-class hotels, and being easily connected to our fellow host cities through LAX.
Do you have a top moment from your time as a USMNT player?
Chris: In 1994, I was a member of the U.S. Under-20 National Team and we had the honor of attending a World Cup game in Los Angeles. I will never forget sitting in the Rose Bowl with 90,000 people watching our United States Men’s National Team play Colombia in the 1994 World Cup. I had dreamed of the time when soccer would make it in the U.S., and I felt like this was the beginning of that dream.