LA Athletes Await World Cup, Hope for Calmer Politics

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    LOS ANGELES — As anticipation builds for the 2026 World Cup set to kick off across North America, sports personalities in Los Angeles are eager for the U.S. to present both an inspiring and welcoming face to the global soccer community. The World Cup’s one-year countdown was celebrated with a grand event hosted by the Fox network at its Century City studio. The evening drew an eclectic mix of attendees, including “Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis, Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, and Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, among other high-profile figures from the sports world.

    Reflecting on past events, Harbaugh reminisced about the 1990s World Cup hosted in the U.S. and the American women’s team’s victorious campaign in 1999. “I love sports, I love competition,” he said. “It’s going to be incredible for our state, our city, our country with everyone here. I’m looking for another explosion of soccer — football — in America. The vibe will be incredible.”

    The gathering was marked by a shared enthusiasm for the tournament’s homecoming, even as attendees acknowledged the challenges posed by the U.S.’s current political climate. This uncertainty could impact teams, organizers, and the network set to broadcast the event domestically. Former LA Galaxy midfielder and three-time World Cup participant Cobi Jones highlighted the potential of sports to unify. “I’m hoping this game can bring people together,” he stated. “With travel bans in place, I hope FIFA works with our government to ensure everyone can be here and enjoy this cultural event. I anticipate people from all over the world attending.”

    The backdrop of the celebration was Los Angeles itself, currently experiencing protests against intensified immigration raids, raising concerns about international fans’ safety while traveling to the tournament. President Donald Trump’s recent travel ban further complicates matters for soccer enthusiasts planning to visit.

    Despite these concerns, Harbaugh remains optimistic. Quoting the late Tom Petty, he assured, “Most things I worry about don’t end up happening anyway.”

    Jones urged calm among U.S. fans troubled by their national team’s recent struggles. Under Coach Mauricio Pochettino, the team is enduring a four-game losing streak, the worst since 2007, after a heavy 4-0 defeat to Switzerland in their last match before the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

    “There’s no need to panic right now,” Jones advised. “When we’re a month out, that’s when to talk to me. A year out from the World Cup, the team often transforms. What matters is whether they can come together as a team, because it’s not about individuals, and we’ve seen this many times.”

    As the world gears up for an extraordinary celebration of soccer, these figures in Los Angeles remain hopeful for a successful and inclusive event that transcends cultural and political divides.