Speaker Rivas Welcomes World Cup Soccer to California

California celebrates the tourists and visitors, athletes and fans from across the globe descending on California for the 2026 World Cup matches - an opportunity to showcase the Golden State's local businesses and diverse culture.

SACRAMENTO - As World Cup matches kick-off today across the United States, Speaker of the California State Assembly Robert Rivas officially welcomes the global soccer tournament to the Golden State.

With matches set to take place in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, the World Cup is expected to generate significant economic activity across California, creating opportunities for workers, restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues and small businesses.

"The World Cup is the biggest sporting event on the planet, and California is proud to be at the center of the action. With 14 matches hosted across Los Angeles and the Bay Area - more than any other state in the U.S. - we're excited to welcome fans from across the globe to experience everything the Golden State has to offer. To the nearly half-a-million visitors joining us over the coming weeks: Welcome, enjoy the games and create lasting memories - you came to the right place!"

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will drive millions of dollars in economic activity to each host city - and bring in an estimated $1 billion in total economic impact and over 440,000 out-of-town visitors from the 14 games hosted in California.

According to World Cup host committees, in Los Angeles the matches are expected to generate at least:

• 180,000 visitors
• $892 million in total economic impact across Los Angeles County
• $515 million in direct visitor spending on lodging, dining, retail, transportation and entertainment
• $377 million in follow-on economic activity as businesses increase purchasing and employment
• $338 million in increased wages across hospitality, retail, entertainment, transportation, and related industries
• $50 million in new tax revenue for Los Angeles County
• $36 million in new tax revenue for the State of California

In the Bay Area, the matches will drive:

• At least 260,000 visitors
• $180 million in economic activity for San Francisco County
• $360 million in economic activity for Santa Clara County
• $90 million in economic activity across all other Bay Area counties