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Long Beach Announces Free FIFA World Cup 26™ Viewing Parties, Youth Clinics and Soccer Events
By Staff Writer
Published on Thu, May 14, 2026
Downtown Long Beach is getting ready to turn into a citywide soccer celebration this summer.
The City of Long Beach, in partnership with LA Galaxy and the Downtown Long Beach Alliance, has announced expanded plans for its upcoming LA Galaxy Soccer Celebration, a free, multi-week fan experience packed with FIFA World Cup 26™ watch parties, youth soccer clinics, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Beginning June 11, parts of Downtown Long Beach will come alive with match screenings and other special experiences designed to bring the excitement of the world’s biggest soccer tournament directly to the heart of the city.
The expanded programming is intended to create an inclusive, community-centered experience where residents and visitors of all ages can gather to celebrate together.
The celebration’s marquee events will feature large-scale FIFA World Cup 26™ watch parties paired with fan zones, sponsor activations, limited-edition merchandise, youth programming and appearances from LA Galaxy players and alumni.
Featured group stage match events include:
- Friday, June 12, 5 to 8 p.m.
United States vs. Paraguay (kickoff at 6 p.m.)
- Thursday, June 18, 5 to 8 p.m.
Mexico vs. South Korea (kickoff at 6 p.m.)
- Friday, June 19, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
United States vs. Australia (kickoff at noon)
Scotland vs. Morocco (kickoff at 3 p.m.)
- Saturday, June 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Netherlands vs. Sweden (kickoff at 10 a.m.)
Germany vs. Ivory Coast (kickoff at 1 p.m.)
- Thursday, June 25, 3 to 9 p.m.
Japan vs. Sweden or Tunisia vs. Netherlands (kickoff at 4 p.m.)*
Turkey vs. United States or Paraguay vs. Australia (kickoff at 7 p.m.)*
- Friday, June 26, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Norway vs. France or Senegal vs. Iraq (kickoff at noon)*
Uruguay vs. Spain or Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia (kickoff at 5 p.m.)*
- Saturday, June 27, 1 to 6:30 p.m.
Panama vs. England or Croatia vs. Ghana (kickoff at 2 p.m.)*
Colombia vs. Portugal or DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan (kickoff at 4:30 p.m.)*
*Final matches airing June 24 through June 27 will be announced by June 23 based on tournament standings and high-stakes matchups.
In addition to the marquee events, the City and LA Galaxy will host free public viewings of select FIFA World Cup 26™ matches every day throughout the tournament’s group stage, running June 11 through June 27.
The celebration will also include free youth soccer clinics led by LA Galaxy Youth coaches at Lincoln Park. Scheduled for June 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. and June 19 from 9 to 11 a.m., the clinics will give local youth ages 6 to 14 the opportunity to sharpen their skills through drills, group play and friendly competition in a fun, inclusive environment.
Registration for the clinics is available on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited. Complimentary parking will be available in the Civic Center public parking garage during clinic hours.
Following the group stage, additional soccer programming and live match viewings will continue at parks throughout the city during the tournament’s knockout rounds. The summer-long celebration will culminate July 19 with a citywide open streets event presented by Metro, transforming streets across multiple Long Beach neighborhoods into car-free spaces for biking, walking and community activities.
Fans can sign up for updates and exclusive opportunities through the City’s Soccer Celebration interest form, with additional entertainment, guest appearances and programming announcements expected throughout the summer.
More information and the full viewing schedule are available at longbeach.gov/SoccerInTheLBC.
