Football, or football as it is known in the United States, continues to be the most popular sport around the world. The state of California plays a special role in this – not only because of its large, multinational audience, which actively supports many international clubs, but also because of its well-developed infrastructure, rich sporting heritage and active support from local authorities.

According to ccsoccernews.com, California has been the centre of major football events for decades and has hosted both national and international tournaments. In 2026, when the United States will be one of the host countries of the FIFA World Cup, the importance of California as a key region for the development of this sport will again be in the spotlight.

In this article, we will look at the historical context of California’s involvement for world football, its role in hosting landmark tournaments, examine key stadiums and infrastructure, up-and-coming clubs and academies, and the state’s influence on the development of football not only in the United States but also abroad

California’s Place in the Development of Football

California is the most populous state in the United States, now home to more than 39 million residents, including a huge number from Latin America and Asia, where football is the most popular sport.

For example, in Los Angeles, home to one of the largest Mexican diasporas, every match of the Mexican national team or local clubs attracts full stadiums. This creates a high commercial potential for international matches and tournaments

With its Mediterranean climate, extensive transport network, international airports and hotel facilities, California is able to host delegations, fans and teams in their thousands throughout the year. This makes the state an ideal location for world-class competitions.

The state also plays a vital role in the development of women’s football: it is home to some of the strongest college programmes in the world and has produced many talented female athletes. California is also home to key stages of the NWSL (Women’s Professional Soccer League).

California is also a leader in the training of young footballers. There are academies at MLS clubs, independent football schools, and NCAA university programmes. Many American stars, including Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, have trained in California or travelled here for tournaments.

California’s Historic Participation in Major Tournaments

California began actively hosting football events in the 20th century, but its participation in the 1990s and 2000s was particularly significant. Let’s take a look at the main events of those times.

1994 FIFA World Cup

In 1994, the United States hosted the World Cup for the first time, and as a result, Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena hosted several group stage matches. It also hosted the tournament final between Brazil and Italy, which drew more than 94,000 spectators. The event is still considered the most attended in World Cup history.

Confederations Cup 1999

Despite the more modest scale of the tournament, it confirmed California’s status as a reliable FIFA partner. Once again, the state’s stadiums hosted world-class national teams.

Women’s World Cup 1999

The 1999 Women’s World Cup was also a turning point in California’s football history. The final at the Rose Bowl, where the United States defeated China, caused quite a sensation, and California once again proved its ability to host such large-scale events.

California and the Upcoming 2026 World Cup

But California’s major accomplishments, it seems, are yet to come. The United States will co-host the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico. This will be the second opportunity for the state to host this prestigious tournament and a chance to once again demonstrate its international relevance in the world of football.

Expected Host Cities

So far, only two California cities are known to have been included in the list of 2026 FIFA World Cup hosts. They are Los Angeles with SoFi Stadium (Inglewood) and San Francisco with Levi’s Stadium.

Both venues are multi-purpose, state-of-the-art facilities that have hosted international matches, including the CONCACAF Gold Cup and friendly games of European grandees.

California’s Key Football Stadiums

Let’s take a look at which venues are most popular when hosting major championships.

Rose Bowl

Located in Pasadena and has a capacity of over 88,000 spectators. Hosted the 1994 World Cup final and the 1999 Women’s World Cup final. Often used for friendly matches between national teams, including Mexico.

SoFi Stadium

Was built in 2020 in Inglewood. Today, it is one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world and is planned to be used as a World Cup 2026 arena. It is also used for NFL matches and major concerts.

Levi’s Stadium

It was opened in 2014 and has a capacity of around 68,000 people. The stadium has already hosted many friendly matches between world clubs. It also hosted the 2016 America’s Cup. 

International Matches and Commercial Tournaments

California regularly hosts:

• Friendly games of European and South American grandees – Real Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan, Boca Juniors;
• CONCACAF Champions Cup;
• Tournaments like the International Champions Cup.

It is difficult to call these events just sporting events – more like cultural festivals bringing together tens of thousands of spectators.

Future and Prospects

Today, California authorities continue to invest in football infrastructure:

• New stadiums are being planned;
• They create regional academies;
• Strengthen partnerships with international clubs.

Among the most promising areas are participation in the 2028 Olympics (Los Angeles), development of the USL league, strengthening ties with Liga MX (Mexico) and CONMEBOL.

California is a football metropolis that brings together dozens of cultures, clubs, fans and tournaments. Thanks to its climate, population, infrastructure and experience, the state is deservedly considered the centre of American and international football. The 2026 World Cup will be the next step in establishing its global significance. But it is already clear: California is an integral part of the global football ecosystem.