Santa Monica Pier/Zone

Fan Zone Information

Dates: TBA

Santa Monica will be a vibrant hub for FIFA World Cup 2026 fan activities, featuring a key fan experience directly on the Santa Monica Pier. While Los Angeles County will host a main FIFA Fan Festival™ at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and a series of "Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zones" across the region, Santa Monica is independently launching six weeks of public activations and cultural experiences to welcome fans.

Santa Monica Pier/Zone FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone & Events:

The highlight in Santa Monica is the Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club Fan Experience on the Santa Monica Pier, running from June 11-25, 2026. This free, large-scale, soccer-themed environment is for fans 21 and over and will offer live match viewing, interactive games, cultural programming, merchandise, and appearances by athletes, celebrities, and global icons.

In addition to the Pier event, Santa Monica will host several other fan events and watch parties:

• World Cup Kick Off Celebration, Fan Fest & Watch Party at Santa Monica Place: This event will take place on June 12, 2026, and is described as the largest USA World Cup kick-off celebration on the westside.
• Golden Hour at Third Street Promenade: Complementing the Pier experience, Golden Hour will offer free pre- and post-match activities on June 12, June 21, June 27, and July 10, featuring exhibitors, fan experiences, and local vendors.
• World Play Zone at the Metro Downtown Santa Monica Station (E Line) Kiss and Ride lot: This ticketed, family-friendly activation will be open on weekends from June 11-June 28, designed to engage young fans and multi-generational households with soccer challenges, skill stations, and play.
• Make Music Santa Monica: On June 21, at the Metro Downtown Santa Monica Station (E Line) Kiss-and-Ride lot, this event will feature a World Cup theme with free live music, hands-on music workshops, soccer-inspired activations, and Route 66 tributes.
• Pulse in the Park at Tongva Park: This wellness-driven concept will host yoga, guided movement, and breathwork, taking place on July 4.

Los Angeles County FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zones:

Beyond Santa Monica, the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee has announced ten official "Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zones" that will extend the excitement across the county, offering live match viewing and immersive fan experiences. These include:

• The Original Farmers Market (June 18-21)
• City of Downey (June 20)
• Union Station (June 25-28), which will also integrate with El Pueblo de Los Angeles and LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes for a unified "Heart of the City" destination.
• Hansen Dam Lake (July 2-5)
• Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park (July 4-5)
• Whittier Narrows (July 9-11)
• Venice Beach (July 11)
• Fairplex in Pomona (July 14-15 & July 18-19)
• West Harbor (July 14-15 & July 18-19)
• Downtown Burbank (July 18-19)

The official FIFA Fan Festival™ Los Angeles will be held at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum from June 11-15, serving as a central gathering point with live match broadcasts, music, cultural programming, interactive experiences, and diverse food options.

Activities and Visitor Guide for Fan Zones:

Generally, FIFA Fan Zones are free public viewing events that offer a festive atmosphere with giant screens broadcasting matches. Visitors can expect:

• Live Match Viewing: Broadcasts of FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches.
• Entertainment: Live music, DJ performances, and cultural programming.
• Food and Beverages: International cuisine, local eats, and beer gardens.
• Interactive Experiences: Family-fun soccer zones, skill challenges, interactive booths, games, and competitive activities.
• Merchandise: Opportunities to purchase limited-edition World Cup merchandise.
• Special Appearances: Meet & greets with athletes and local mascots.

Transportation and Visitor Information:

Santa Monica is an excellent base for fans, offering a combination of beachside relaxation and easy access to events.

• Public Transportation: For matches at SoFi Stadium and to navigate around Los Angeles, fans are encouraged to "Go Metro."
• Big Blue Bus will provide direct service from Downtown Santa Monica to all eight World Cup matches at Los Angeles Stadium, departing every 10 minutes starting approximately four hours before each match. Return trips will run until about 90 minutes after the final whistle.
• Park-and-ride options are available from Downtown Santa Monica with advance reservations through SpotHero, including a roundtrip ride to the stadium.
• Walk-up rides to the stadium are $1.75 each way, with seats based on availability.
• Santa Monica also offers the Metro E Line, biking, shared scooters, and e-bikes for getting around the city and connecting to the wider region.
• Stay Informed: For the latest updates, follow @unionstationla on Instagram and Facebook, and check official Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee announcements.
• Safety: While popular tourist areas are well-patrolled, it's advisable to remain street-smart, especially after dark, and be mindful of transit schedules at night.