As Los Angeles celebrates One Year To Go to hosting eight FIFA World Cup 26™ matches, including the U.S. Men’s National Team opener, the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee and the Play Equity Fund are proud to announce the 26 Community Champions, a group of local nonprofit organizations that are using soccer to empower, uplift, and drive meaningful change throughout the Los Angeles region.
The 26 selected organizations collectively serve more than 17,000 Angelenos annually across the county and the soccer ecosystem, from youth and school-based programs, and adaptive and inclusive programs for people with disabilities, to adult and community-led organizations.
The selection of the 26 Community Champions is the first initiative in a series of legacy programs, designed to use the spotlight of the world’s largest single-sport event to create lasting, meaningful impact across the Los Angeles region. Under the theme “Celebrate the Extraordinary,” these initiatives will elevate and engage Angelenos by growing the game of soccer, inspiring future sports professionals, and beautifying neighborhoods.