Although the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end, its impact is still being felt in Los Angeles, where organisers are already applying valuable lessons as preparations continue for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Los Angeles hosted eight World Cup matches, giving city officials and the LA28 organising committee an opportunity to test key aspects of event planning, including transport, security, crowd management and inter-agency coordination.
LA28 Chief Executive Reynold Hoover had previously described the World Cup as a vital rehearsal for the Olympics, and local officials believe the tournament has provided much more than operational experience.
Paul Krekorian, Executive Director of the Office of Major Events for the City of Los Angeles, said the tournament demonstrated the importance of close cooperation between public authorities and event organisers. The city worked alongside FIFA officials to oversee transport, public safety, permits and the operation of fan zones throughout the competition.
According to Krekorian, the experience strengthened collaboration between government departments and different jurisdictions, providing valuable data and practical knowledge that will help shape planning for the 2028 Games.
However, cooperation between the city and LA28 has not always been straightforward. Los Angeles councilwoman Monica Rodriguez has publicly criticised the organising committee, claiming it has not acted as a true partner while negotiations continue over the Enhanced City Resources Master Agreement.
Experts have also stressed the need for greater transparency as Olympic preparations intensify. UCLA School of Law professor Stephen Bank argued that city authorities and organisers must clearly define responsibilities, public spending and decision-making powers, while ensuring taxpayers fully understand the financial implications of hosting the Games.
California Senator Ben Allen echoed those concerns, urging LA28 to strengthen coordination between government agencies and ensure that the economic and social benefits of the Olympics are shared across the wider region. He also called for long-term employment opportunities that continue beyond the Games themselves.
Economic issues remain another significant challenge. Labour disputes have continued between hospitality workers and employers, particularly after changes to the city’s Living Wage and Hotel Workers Minimum Wage ordinance. While the legislation initially approved higher wages, implementation has since been delayed until 2030, prompting criticism from worker groups and uncertainty within the hotel industry.
Economists have also warned against placing unrealistic expectations on the financial impact of major sporting events. Stafford Nichols, research manager at Beacon Economics, noted that hotel revenues generated during the World Cup fell short of early projections. While the tournament delivered a welcome economic boost, he cautioned against overestimating its long-term financial benefits or introducing measures that could undermine public support ahead of the Olympics.
Earlier this year, LA28 unveiled an economic strategy aimed at maximising local benefits, with plans for 75% of procurement spending to remain within the Greater Los Angeles area and 25% allocated to small businesses.
Stephen Cheung, chief executive of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, said local businesses, particularly bars and restaurants, benefited from the World Cup, but believes greater education is needed to help companies understand the opportunities available during the Olympics.
As procurement for LA28 gathers pace, Cheung has urged organisers to establish clear participation targets before awarding contracts and to measure whether the Games create lasting employment, business growth and economic opportunities long after the Olympic flame is extinguished.
