Los Angeles Joins New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego and More in Activating a Massive Tourism Expansion Strategy Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

Los Angeles Joins New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego and More in activating an ambitious tourism expansion strategy designed to capture the massive wave of international travelers expected for FIFA World Cup 2026. With global attention turning toward the United States and eight matches set to be played in LA, city leaders are accelerating destination marketing, strengthening airline partnerships, and enhancing visitor experiences to drive record arrivals, boost tourism revenue, and position the city as a premier gateway for the world’s biggest sporting event.
The city is gearing up to host eight high-stakes matches along with 39 days of immersive fan celebrations. Beyond the action on the pitch, travelers will find a destination alive with headline entertainment, diverse neighborhoods, standout dining, thriving arts and culture, and a wave of new attractions set to debut in time for the world’s biggest sporting event.
“As we prepare for one of the biggest years in our city’s history, this campaign reflects our commitment to the thousands of Angelenos and hundreds of local businesses who depend on tourism,” said Eileen Hanson, Chief Marketing Officer, Los Angeles Tourism. “As an official Los Angeles World Cup Host City Supporter, the World Cup offers a moment to showcase the creativity, diversity, and spirit that sets Los Angeles apart, and we’re proud to welcome fans as they begin their journeys here.”
The promotional drive spans influential markets at home and abroad, targeting travelers in the United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico, and South Korea, along with major U.S. gateways such as New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Phoenix, Portland, Detroit, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Sacramento, and Washington, DC. The media strategy blends broadcast television and connected TV with digital banners, search campaigns, social storytelling, and eye-catching large-scale outdoor placements. The goal is simple: motivate fans to lock in their travel plans early for what promises to be one of the most significant sporting moments in recent history.
In London, the campaign takes over Waterloo Station, one of Europe’s busiest rail hubs, turning it into a bold tribute to Los Angeles and the energy of world football. The activation transforms daily commuter traffic into a global audience, complete with immersive visuals and live moments that celebrate the sport’s flair. Influencer-led storytelling extends the experience online, using creative visuals and playful narratives to bring LA’s football spirit and lifestyle to life for international viewers.
Strategic airline and media alliances form another pillar of the campaign. In Australia, collaboration with United Airlines spotlights nonstop connections to Los Angeles, supported by targeted outreach in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. In Mexico, Los Angeles branding continues to soar through a dedicated aircraft presence, integrated with a wide-reaching multimedia effort alongside leading broadcast partners. Over in South Korea, the message commands attention in Seoul’s famed K-Pop Square through a striking three-dimensional billboard installation featuring prominent LA football figures, merging pop culture and sport in one high-impact display.
Digital engagement plays a central role as well. A partnership with OneFootball connects Los Angeles to a massive international fan base that consumes football content daily. Through curated features, interactive content, and targeted placements, the city is introduced as more than just a host venue—it is presented as an experience layered with culture, creativity, and celebration.
For travelers seeking practical details, a dedicated multilingual platform on DiscoverLA.com serves as the campaign’s information hub. Visitors can browse curated neighborhood guides, explore cultural highlights, and dive into culinary recommendations through features such as a World Cup-inspired dining trail. Working alongside the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee, tourism leaders have also assembled a comprehensive 39-day calendar outlining fan gatherings, community events, and official Fan Zone locations across the city.
At the community level, businesses are being encouraged to join the momentum through themed décor kits designed to create a unified welcome for international guests. Plans are also underway for the official FIFA Fan Festival
, which will convert the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum into a lively gathering space filled with screenings, entertainment, and cultural showcases in June 2026. Further programming details are scheduled for release closer to the event.
This wide-reaching initiative reflects Los Angeles’ broader trajectory as a stage for world-class spectacles. From marquee basketball weekends and major golf championships to the upcoming Super Bowl and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the city continues to position itself at the intersection of sport, entertainment, and global culture—ready to welcome the world once again.
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