California to Receive $18M in Federal Funds for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Funding will support transit needs in Los Angeles and Bay Area host cities

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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California is set to receive over $18 million in federal funding to support transit costs associated with hosting matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. More than $9.6 million will go to the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area, which will host eight World Cup games at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The San Francisco-Oakland area will receive over $8.8 million ahead of six games at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.

Why it matters

The federal funding will help improve public transportation and infrastructure in the host cities, ensuring a smooth experience for the thousands of fans expected to travel for the World Cup matches. It also builds on California's preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, for which the federal government has set aside an additional $94 million for transit needs.

The details

The funding comes from the Fiscal Year 2026 World Cup Public Transportation Formula Apportionment, part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies appropriation bill. U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff fought to include the $18 million for California in the transit funds.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held later this year.

The players

Alex Padilla

U.S. Senator from California who helped secure the $18 million in federal funding.

Adam Schiff

U.S. Senator from California who helped secure the $18 million in federal funding.

SoFi Stadium

Stadium in Inglewood, California that will host eight 2026 FIFA World Cup matches.

Levi's Stadium

Stadium in Santa Clara, California that will host six 2026 FIFA World Cup matches.

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What they’re saying

“With thousands of people traveling for these matches, we're working to ensure the fan experience is a resounding success as California showcases our cities to the world. (This) will make lasting improvements to public transit in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, helping people get where they need to go faster, cheaper, and safer.”

— Alex Padilla, U.S. Senator (NBC Los Angeles)

“These soccer matches will bring visitors from across the country and the world and boost local economies in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, and I'm glad these important federal dollars will go toward ensuring a successful tournament.”

— Adam Schiff, U.S. Senator (NBC Los Angeles)

What’s next

The federal funding will be used by local and state transit agencies in the Los Angeles and Bay Area host cities to improve infrastructure and services ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The takeaway

The $18 million in federal funding for California's 2026 World Cup host cities demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting major sporting events and ensuring a positive experience for fans and visitors. This investment in public transit will have lasting benefits for local communities long after the tournament ends.