Padilla, Schiff Announce Over $18 Million for Los Angeles, Bay Area World Cup Transit

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) announced that the Los Angeles region and the San Francisco Bay Area will receive a combined $18.4 million for transit costs associated with hosting World Cup matches this summer.

The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim Urbanized Area (UZA), which is hosting eight World Cup games at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, is receiving $9,603,284. The San Francisco-Oakland UZA, which is hosting six World Cup games at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, is receiving $8,807,888.

"In just a few short months, Los Angeles and the Bay Area will welcome the global soccer fandom to two of California's world-class destinations for the World Cup. 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," said Senator Padilla. "This critical funding Senator Schiff and I fought to secure 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."

"I'm proud to have helped deliver millions in federal investments for California that will ensure critical transportation and infrastructure upgrades are made ahead of the World Cup this summer," said Senator Schiff. "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."

"LA Metro is grateful for the leadership of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, and the advocacy of our LA County Congressional Delegation in securing federal funds to provide transit services for the 2026 FIFA World Cup games set to be held in southern California," said LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. "We are also deeply appreciative for the outstanding work of the Federal Transit Administration in allocating this funding so quickly. LA Metro will continue our positive work with our transit partners across southern California to make sure fans can use transit services whether they are going to the World Cup games at Los Angeles Stadium, or enjoying the fan zones that will be held across the county."

"After successfully delivering record-breaking transit service to Levi's Stadium for Super Bowl 60, VTA is grateful for Senator Padilla's efforts to secure critical federal funding to enhance safety and security as we prepare to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup 2026. These investments will help ensure a seamless, secure, and successful experience for fans and our community alike," said Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) General Manager and CEO Carolyn Gonot.

The funding comes from the Fiscal Year 2026 World Cup Public Transportation Formula Apportionment that Padilla and Schiff fought to include in the FY26 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agenciesappropriations bill.

Senators Padilla and Schiff have been strong advocates for securing critical funding to ensure the World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games are a success. The FY26 funding bill also included $94 million in funding to support transit needs associated with the Olympics. In 2024, Senator Padilla joined a bipartisan group of 20 Senators in calling on President Biden to establish a White House Task Force on Global Sporting Events in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will include matches held in California, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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