California Receives $18.4 Million to Enhance Transit for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) have announced a combined $18.4 million in federal funding to improve public transportation in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The funding aims to support the expected influx of visitors and ensure a seamless experience for attendees.

Funding Allocation

The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim Urbanized Area (UZA) will receive $9,603,284 to support eight World Cup games scheduled to be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The San Francisco-Oakland UZA will receive $8,807,888 to facilitate six games at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. CBS News reports these funds are crucial with the tournament just 100 days away.

Statements from Officials

Senator Padilla emphasized the importance of the funding for showcasing California’s cities during the World Cup. “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,” Padilla stated.

Senator Schiff highlighted the economic benefits of the investment. “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,” Schiff said. “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.”

Transit Agency Responses

LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins expressed gratitude for the funding, stating the agency will work with partners across Southern California to ensure fans have access to reliable transit services for World Cup games and related fan zones.

Carolyn Gonot, General Manager and CEO of the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), noted the funding will enhance safety and security as they prepare to host World Cup matches, building on their success in providing transit service for Super Bowl 60.

Funding Source and Future Investments

The $18.4 million comes from the Fiscal Year 2026 World Cup Public Transportation Formula Apportionment, which Padilla and Schiff secured within the FY26 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The same bill also allocated $94 million to support transit needs for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In 2024, Senator Padilla joined a bipartisan effort of 20 Senators to advocate for a White House Task Force on Global Sporting Events, specifically in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.