The 2026 World Cup is set to be a memorable event for soccer fans in Los Angeles, as several players with ties to the city will be participating in the tournament. The event, which kicks off on June 11, will see matches hosted in various North American cities, including Los Angeles.
Local Talent on the Global Stage
Among the players with Los Angeles connections, Haji Wright and Cristian Roldan will represent the United States. Wright, born in Los Angeles, will play two of the USA’s group stage games at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Known for his scoring prowess, Wright has made a significant impact at the club level with Coventry City in England.
Cristian Roldan, hailing from Pico Rivera, will also be a key player for Team USA. With a strong background at the Seattle Sounders, Roldan has been instrumental in the team’s successes, including two MLS Cups and a Concacaf Champions Cup.
International Stars with LA Connections
LAFC’s influence extends beyond the USA, with three players representing Canada. Stephen Eustáquio, Mathieu Choinière, and Jacob Shaffelburg will don the Canadian jersey, bringing their MLS experience to the international stage. Eustáquio, in particular, has been a standout midfielder for LAFC and Team Canada.
South Korean superstar Son Heungmin, acquired by LAFC from Tottenham Hotspur, will also be a player to watch. With an impressive international record, Son aims to lead South Korea to success in Group A.
New Zealand’s Local Connection
Tyler Bindon, a New Zealand national, has roots in Southern California. Having developed his skills at the LAFD academy, Bindon will represent New Zealand in Group G. His journey from local training grounds to the World Cup highlights the global reach of Los Angeles’ soccer community.
World Cup Matches in Los Angeles
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood will host several group stage matches, including the USA’s games against Paraguay and Türkiye. The stadium, known for its modern design and large capacity, is a fitting venue for such a prestigious event.
As the World Cup progresses, fans in Los Angeles and around the world will be watching closely to see how these players with local ties perform on the global stage.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
