In the bustling streets of any U.S. city or the halls of Congress, a 2026 World Cup buzz is quietly building. The upcoming tournament, known as the Mundial, is set to take place in North America next summer. However, the organizers have noticed that many Americans seem unaware of the event when they mention it in passing conversations.
Questions like “Where is it?” or “When is it?” are common, showcasing a lack of understanding and enthusiasm among the American populace. With a plethora of entertainment options and pressing daily concerns, Americans appear relatively indifferent towards soccer and the grand celebration that awaits their shores. This disconnect is something the organizers hope to change throughout 2025, leading up to the event.
To generate interest and momentum, nine out of the 11 U.S. stadiums slated to host the 2026 World Cup will also hold regional tournaments and the Club World Cup this spring and summer. These events serve as both tests of readiness and opportunities for the host cities to showcase their capabilities. Cities like Philadelphia see these competitions as a chance to drive excitement towards 2026 and improve various aspects of hosting such large-scale events.
Despite the challenges, local organizers and U.S. government officials are preparing for the massive undertaking of the 2026 World Cup. The Club World Cup is seen as a precursor to the main event, providing valuable insights and lessons for the hosts. As the CONCACAF Nations League finals kick off at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, the stage is set for a series of dress rehearsals leading up to the grand spectacle.
With each stadium staging multiple games over several weeks, and cities hosting fan festivals and activations, the 2026 World Cup presents unique challenges. The executives at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park view the Nations League finals as a valuable test run for the main event. As they gear up for the World Cup, these events provide an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations and ensure a successful hosting experience.
Get ready for an exciting weekend at Hollywood Park! On Friday, they will be hosting a concert at the theater, followed by a “community day” on Saturday. Throughout the event, there will also be a “fan zone” with food trucks and other fun activities for everyone to enjoy.
According to Romero, the goal is to observe how people move through the venues during the games and events, in order to optimize the spaces for next summer’s World Cup. Engineers and agronomists will be evaluating the newly installed hybrid grass field, which will set the standard for the FIFA 2026 World Cup pitch.
National team coaches will be closely watching their players during these games, as they compete for both the trophy and spots on the World Cup roster. The significance of these matches goes beyond the field and extends to a global scale.
‘This is a preview’
Organizers recognize that the Nations League and Club World Cup are just a glimpse of what’s to come. The anticipation for the “big World Cup” in 2026 is building, with expectations of larger crowds, high-profile guests, and increased logistical challenges.
Differences in organization and scale between the various competitions are evident, with the World Cup being a city-wide affair involving multiple stakeholders and contracts. Host committees are leveraging events like the Club World Cup to generate excitement and interest among potential sponsors.
As Romero aptly puts it, the Nations League finals serve as a preview for the grand stage that is the World Cup. The eyes of the soccer world will be on Los Angeles this week, as preparations and observations pave the way for a spectacular tournament in 2026.