[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]he World Cup is the biggest event in the world, capturing the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life. While Team USA didn’t qualify this year, you’ll see below that it won’t really matter here.
Home to immigrants, refugees, and jet-setters from over 150 countries, speaking more than 220 languages, L.A. has always held a passion for the international affair. From plazas to parks, markets to museums, thousands of Angelenos will forego watching matches in the comfort of their own homes and share the experience with others, wherever they can.
Welcome to Los Angeles, the headquarter of America’s (other) team(s).
(New viewings are being announced every day. For an up-to-date list, check out worldcupla.com throughout the tournament.)
Plazas
The plaza in front of the RadioKorea building in Koreatown will once again host what may be the largest — if not most exciting — public viewings in Los Angeles. Expect enormous LED screens, performers, and a sea of red as South Korea takes on Sweden on June 18 at 5am, Mexico on June 23 at 8am, and Germany on June 27 at 7am. 3700 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90010, radiokorea.com.
Supermarkets
Started as a small grocery store in Anaheim, family-owned Northgate Gonzalez Markets grew throughout Southern California to become one of the largest Latino market chains in the country. Big screens, Mexican futbol stars, prize giveaways, and human foosball (yes, you read that right) will bring their parking lots to life during Saturdays at rotating locations. Bring your entire family and get what you need to throw your own viewing parties at home! Norwalk, La Puente, Anaheim, San Diego, and La Habra locations, northgatemarket.com.
Churches
Glory Church of Jesus Christ, formerly known at the Grand Olympic Auditorium, was originally built for the 1932 Olympics. The 7,000-seat space is now home to a growing Korean American church. Expect nothing less than epic (and 500 parking spaces) for all of South Korea’s matches. 1801 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015, kbs-america.com.
Parks
The city of Bell is pulling out all of the stops at Veterans’ Memorial Park for Mexico’s first match against Germany on June 17th at 8am. The LA Galaxy, Border X Brewery, Mega 96.3, and Northgate will all be there (as should you). 6500 Wilcox Ave, Bell, CA 90201, cityofbell.org.
Cultural Organizations
In the city of Artesia, local Portuguese organization Artesia Divino Espirito Santo will host the first round Portugal versus Spain match on Friday, June 15th at 11am. They will also be selling Bifana sandwiches, which is marinated pork steak topped with grainy mustard and caramelized onions, served on a soft chewy bun along with beer specials, for the perfect taste of the perhaps lesser-known but not less important area of the Iberian coast.11903 Ashworth St., Artesia, California 90701, artesiades.org.
Minimalls
The granddaddy of all of things German in the L.A. area, it’s no surprise that Alpine Village brings it for their World Cup viewings. Stock up on all things German at their grocery beforehand and sample some of their fare with a special brunch menu. For the Mexico vs. Germany game they are hosting a contest for 20-dollar pitchers of both Spaten and Jalisco Estrella, whichever brew gets drank the most wins! It’s perfect for Father’s Day. Hi 33 W. Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90502 alpinevillagecenter.com
Brazilians across the city have gathered at Supermercado Brazil, aka Brazilian Mall, for several World Cups and this year should be no exception. Stop by before June 17 when Brazil plays its first match (or arrive early) to buy a shirt so you can cheer properly! 10826 Venice Blvd #105, Culver City, CA 90232, brazilianshop.com.
Carnicerias
El Gaucho in Redondo Beach has long been a go-to for Argentines and Latin Americans in the South Bay. Cuts of asado, empanadas, and futbol fill the small market throughout the year so you better get there early to grab a seat. 2715 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278, gauchomeatmarket.com.
Auditoriums
Riverside Municipal Auditorium, a landmark designed by the same architects as the beautiful Mission Inn, will be the site of a free viewing party on Sunday, June 17th. 3485 Mission Inn Avenue Riverside, CA 92501, venue.riversiderma.com.
Historic Movie Theaters
The Long Beach Art Theater on June 23 will be the site of a viewing party and clothing collection launch by the LA Galaxy and a local fashion boutique. Accompanied by a soccer tournament, street festival, and food and drink, the event will remind you that the LAFC aren’t the only cool kids in town. 2025 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814, lagalaxy.com
Museums
Home to L.A. TACO’s own Taco Madness, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is hosting viewing parties with McDonald’s on June 17, 23, and July 15. McDonald's breakfast (no joke), live entertainment, and photo ops will definitely make this a family-friendly event. 501 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, lapca.org
Around the corner from Rodeo Drive, the Paley Center for Media will again host live viewings of several matches. What better place to gather around a screen than what was originally the Museum of Broadcasting? 465 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, paleycenter.org
Further out on the west side of town, the Hammer Museum in Westwood will be hosting free viewings on their big screens for the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final match. If you feel like flexing some of your hometown after your team wins, check out the Made in L.A. exhibition, the museum’s biennial celebration of art created in Los Angeles. 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024 hammer.ucla.edu.
RELATED: The L.A. Taco Guide to the 30 Best World Cup Viewing Parties in Los Angeles ~ 2018
