World Cup Returns to Los Angeles, But Many Fans Can Only Watch From Afar
Los Angeles is buzzing with World Cup energy for the first time in over three decades, but for many locals, the excitement comes with a side of frustration. Juan Cortes, who owns a mechanic shop in the city, has hung both American and Mexican flags outside his business to mark the occasion. He loves the tournament and lives just a few miles from the stadium hosting the U.S. opener against Paraguay. Still, he won't be inside. The price of tickets has put the games out of reach for working-class fans like him. "I wish they would help us out," Cortes said. "It's not every day I get to see a World Cup in my country."
Across the city, reminders of the tournament are everywhere—bars, skate shops, even tattoo parlors are flying team flags. Late into the night, crowds packed Venice Beach bars to watch South Korea face the Czech Republic in Mexico. But the joy is tempered by frustration over access. Francisco Aguilar, a Texas football fan visiting Los Angeles, called it "a class thing." He can't get tickets either, though he's still hopeful Mexico will make a deep run and dreams of seeing Spain's young star Lamine Yamal play in person.
Beyond ticket prices, U.S. immigration policies have cast a shadow. Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry. Iraqi player Aymen Hussein was detained for hours at Chicago customs. Fans from around the world have reported visa denials. And the Trump administration has not ruled out ICE presence at stadiums, worrying activists like Lisa Walker of Venice Resistance, who held a sign reading "ICE out" at a small protest. "It's just fascism," she said. "I hope this sheds light on what we're experiencing here."
Not everyone has struggled. English fan Jan Wilkinson breezed through customs and called the atmosphere "buzzing." He dismissed concerns about visa issues as "not a good look" for the U.S. but remained focused on England's chances. "It's coming home," he said with a grin. Politics aside, the World Cup is here—and for all the barriers, the passion hasn't faded.