A report says Los Angeles could welcome about 180,000 supporters during the tournament, placing pressure on roads, rail services and the areas around match venues.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is reported to have said $9 million has been committed to help fans travel safely. He described the investment by saying the Department of Transportation had “poured $9 MILLION into making sure people can get to and from the events safely”.
The challenge will be keeping supporters moving without allowing congestion to dominate the matchday experience.
For many fans, the journey to a World Cup game will begin on public transport rather than at the stadium gates. LA Metro is therefore expected to play a central role in moving crowds through the city.
Duffy is quoted as saying: “We appreciate the work LA Metro has done to crack down on fare evasion and increase security.”
That focus reflects the wider demands of hosting an international tournament. Trains and stations must feel accessible, well managed and secure, while officials will need to cope with unfamiliar visitors arriving at peak times.
The report says the FBI is working with local law enforcement partners and making specialist resources available ahead of the tournament. Patel is quoted as saying the agency is providing “cross-training on multiple fronts to strengthen the entire team”.
That broad approach underlines how World Cup planning extends beyond football operations. The priority will be protecting supporters while keeping the atmosphere welcoming and allowing the city to function normally.
The next test will come when Los Angeles reaches its first major matchday. By then, fans will discover whether the investment and planning can turn a demanding logistical exercise into a smooth World Cup experience.