By Lookout Staff
June 12, 2026 -- The World Cup kicks off in Los Angeles today, and Santa Monica will host three free events featuring live broadcasts of the opening match between USA and Paraguay.
The related activations and community events over the two-week celebration period come as Los Angeles hosts multiple World Cup matches during the tournament.
During the celebration, the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) will enhance its deployment "in a Proactive effort to support safe, welcoming, and well-managed public spaces," police officials said.
Today's kickoff festivities include live match viewing at the Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club, which will also include a “Match Day Live Show” by Men in Blazers, DJs and freestyle performances, soccer-themed games and surprise guest appearances.
The Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club is open to all fans ages 21+ through June 25. Admission to today's kickoff event, which takes place from 3 and 9 p.m., is free but advance registration is required.
Fans can also watch the game at the Fan Festival & Watch Party at Santa Monica Place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., when Center Plaza will be transformed into the Westside’s largest community watch party and match-day destination.
The Kickoff Celebration features live broadcasts of the Canada match at noon and the USA Kickoff Match at 6 p.m. on a massive 30-foot LED screen.
The celebration also includes DJs, fan activations, games, trivia, interactive experiences, giveaways, photo opportunities, and beer gardens for ages 21+ presented by Michelob ULTRA, Stella Artois and NUTRL vodka.
Across the street, the Promenade will present Golden Hour, a new recurring event that transforms the three block walk street "into a vibrant, pedestrian-focused gathering space during tournament season."
Today's inaugural event, which takes place from 2 to 10 p.m., features curated exhibitors, interactive fan experiences, local vendors, an all ages watch party, live music and more.
Guests ages 21+ can also enjoy a drink in the Entertainment Zone or dine outside at a Promenade restaurant while watching the match.
The increased police presence throughout the city wiill be focused on the Pier, Downtown, Santa Monica Place, the Third Street Promenade, transit corridors, beach areas and other high-activity locations, police officials said.
Public safety efforts will include increased foot, bike and vehicle patrols in high-traffic areas, and additional visibility near event sites, parking structures, transit stops and pedestrian corridors.
SMPD will also provide traffic safety and crowd management support as needed and coordinate with event security teams and regional public safety partners, officials said.
The enhanced safety effort will be supported from the department’s new Downtown Substation at Santa Monica Place and its new Santa Monica Analytical Real-Time Center (SMART Center), which monitors incidents as they unfold and provides real-time intelligence to officers in the field.
“Our role is to create the conditions for people to enjoy these events safely," said Police Chief Darrick Jacob. "That means visible presence, strong coordination, clear communication, and a public safety posture that supports both celebration and accountability.”
“This is an opportunity to showcase the best of Santa Monica. We want people to come, enjoy the city, support local businesses, and celebrate responsibly.”
For information about Santa Monica’s World Cup 2026 events, visit the City of Santa Monica’s World Cup 2026 web page, santamonica.gov - World Cup 2026. For public safety updates, follow the Santa Monica Police Department on social media @SantaMonicaPD.
Anyone with public safety concerns during the event period can contact the Santa Monica Police Department’s non-emergency line at 310-458-8491. For emergencies, call 9-1-1.