FIFA World Cup 2026 video games in Los Angeles: Massive-scale safety operation deliberate for matches at SoFi Stadium

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — As hundreds of soccer followers put together for the World Cup video games in Southern California, officers are outlining efforts to maintain attendees protected.

Federal and native regulation enforcement businesses hosted a press convention Monday morning to element public security plans for the upcoming matches. All eight World Cup video games within the area can be held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, with the primary match set for June 12 when the U.S. faces Paraguay.

Officials described it as one of many largest safety operations in Los Angeles historical past and a precursor to safety efforts for the 2028 Olympics.

While the general message centered on deterring native legal habits reminiscent of drunk driving, counterfeit tickets and merchandise, human trafficking and fights, authorities say there’s a broader emphasis on large-scale threats.

“To our residents, we’ve got your back,” stated L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “We’re going to make sure that we keep streets and the venues of Los Angeles safe for you.”

The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, together with the L.A. Police Department, Inglewood Police Department, the FBI and the Secret Service, are working collectively. Agencies say deputies and officers have been coaching in crowd management and counterterrorism response ways.

One of the largest considerations is drone safety.

Authorities stated flight restrictions can be in place above and round all World Cup venues. Drone detection and mitigation groups can be deployed to determine and produce down any drones that pose a menace.

The head of the FBI staff declined to clarify how drones can be disabled however stated any takedown can be carried out away from crowds. Drone pilots who illegally enter restricted airspace may face fines of as much as $100,000 and confiscation of their tools.

Meantime, the pinnacle of FIFA West Coast Security known as on followers to be “deputized” as additional eyes and ears, urging them to report something suspicious and to familiarize themselves with the cities they’re visiting.

Regarding ICE presence at World Cup occasions, L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna stated that whereas federal brokers can be on obligation, ICE has instructed the division there can be no immigration enforcement on the video games. Luna stated, “If that starts occurring, we’re going to have a whole host of problems.”

Kathryn Schloessman, who leads the host committee for the FIFA World Cup, beforehand stated ICE brokers weren’t a part of the safety plans at SoFi Stadium.

As anticipation builds, followers have already begun gathering for soccer occasions. On Saturday, tons of attended a pleasant match between Mexico and Australia on the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

“It’s rough what we are going through as a country … it’s ok to just detach from that and come together and heal part of the community,” stated Tania Gonzalez of Santa Clarita.

For followers with out match tickets, organizers plan to host free occasions just like the official FIFA Fan Festival, which can be held on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum starting June 11.

Additional fan zones are deliberate at 10 venues throughout the area, stretching from Venice Beach to Union Station.

ABC News’ Alex Stone contributed to this report.