With just five months to go before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mayor Karen Bass announced that the traditional LA Plaza of Culture and Arts in the El Pueblo neighborhood of Los Angeles will serve as a cultural community center with activities related to Mexico and the world's biggest soccer tournament.

“Los Angeles is a city defined by its connection, its culture, and its “The community,” declared Mayor Karen Bass.

“Casa Mexico will celebrate the passion for sports, while honoring Mexico's vibrant traditions and creativity, uniting people with joy, pride, and unity, and creating opportunities to strengthen those bonds.”

She noted that there is no better place to unite people than Los Angeles: “the city where we were born, honoring our past with pride and looking toward the future, inspiring the next generation of athletes, boosting the local economy for the benefit of Angelenos, and uplifting the millions of Mexican Americans who call Los Angeles home.”

The Plaza de la Cultura y Artes, transformed into Casa Mexico, will function as a vibrant community hub that brings together soccer, culture, flavors, creativity, and traditions of Mexico.

In collaboration with the Consul General of Mexico and the County of Los Angeles, this initiative is based on Mayor Bass's priorities for upcoming major events: celebrating athletic talent, benefiting the entire community, and giving Angelenos the opportunity to participate in sporting events. The Consul of Mexico in Los Angeles, Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez, said that Casa Mexico in Los Angeles will be a meeting point to celebrate the best of Mexico: its culture, creativity, and passion for soccer. “This is a non-profit initiative designed to generate a cultural, community, and social impact, and leave a positive legacy beyond the World Cup,” he stated. I have specified that it would not be possible without the support of sponsors and host committees. “Any remaining funds will be used for the Alas scholarship program.”An initiative sponsored by the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles that serves to support high school students who are accepted into colleges and universities in Southern California.”

He added that Casa Mexico wants to be a model not only for the World Cup but also for the 2028 Olympics, which will also come to Los Angeles.

“The fact that the World Cup is being organized by three countries like Canada, the United States, and Mexico sends a strong message in favor of North American integration. Mexico is the United States' number one trading partner, and North America is the most competitive region in the world. other national teams, music, visual arts, cultural activities, and special events from Mexican states to showcase their culture, gastronomy, crafts, and tourist attractions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Casa Mexico Los Angeles 2026 to LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes at a time when our community needs spaces of joy, belonging, and cultural pride more than ever,” said Leticia Rhi Buckley, executive director of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.

“Soccer is a universal language that unites people from different countries and generations, and this collaboration reflects that spirit. LA Plaza is at the heart of our city's cultural history, making it the ideal location for an event that unites us through our heritage and our hopes. 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

These spaces are more than just places to watch the games: they are vibrant showcases where nations celebrate their athletes, share their traditions, and connect with the world.

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