THE LOS ANGELES WORLD CUP 2026 HOST COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES SELECTION OF 26 COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
Meet the 26 Community Champions below!
CELEBRATE THE EXTRAORDINARY
As we prepare to host the U.S. opening match for FIFA World Cup 26™, we are proud to unveil a series of legacy programs in partnership with the Play Equity Fund, designed to use the power of the World’s Game to create lasting, meaningful impact across the Los Angeles region.
Under the theme “Celebrate the Extraordinary”, these initiatives will elevate and engage Angelenos by supporting growing the game of soccer, inspiring future sports professionals, beautifying neighborhoods, and showcasing nonprofit organizations that are using soccer to uplift communities and foster connection, opportunity, and unity across the region.
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26 COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
The first of these initiatives, the 26 Champions Grant Program is recognizing 26 Community Champions, a group of local nonprofit organizations that are using soccer to empower, uplift, and drive meaningful change throughout the Los Angeles region.
The 26 selected organizations collectively serve more than 17,000 Angelenos annually across the county and the soccer ecosystem, from youth and school-based programs, and adaptive and inclusive programs for people with disabilities, to adult and community-led organizations.
The 26 Community Champions were selected for the profound impact they are making in underserved neighborhoods and communities facing challenges, including those recovering from the recent LA wildfires. Each of the selected organizations will receive a $26,000 grant award, a professionally produced marketing video showcasing the organization, and public recognition of their work in the lead-up to FIFA World Cup 26™.
Meet the 26 Community Champions!
Boys and Girls Club
of Long Beach
Boys and Girls Club of West San Gabriel & Eastside
Boys and Girls Club of Whittier – Pico Rivera
California State Soccer Association – South
(Cal South)
City of Burbank Parks and Recreation
City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department
Downtown LA Soccer Club
FC Premier
Football for Her
Nicks Kids
Girls Athletic Leadership Schools Los Angeles
Home Field Advantage
KEEN LA
Terasaki Budokan – A Project of Little Tokyo Service Center
Los Angeles
Parks Foundation
Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation
Salesian Family Youth Center
Special Needs Network, Inc.
Special Olympics
Southern California
The Los Angeles City
College Foundation
Tudela Futbol Club of
Los Angeles
U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA)
West Hollywood
Soccer Club
