City Council Agenda Report
March 17, 2026
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: James C. Parker, Executive Director of Regional Transportation Theresa Clark, Transit Administration Officer
Janet Welde, Special Projects Coordinator
SUBJECT: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDNG – REGIONAL TRANSIT PROVIDER AGREEMENT FOR 2026 FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE DE FOOTBALL
ASSOCIATION FIFA WORLD CUP GAMES ENHANCED TRANSIT SERVICE Background:
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup, held every four years, is a global soccer event that attracts millions of fans. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has led efforts by the region’s transit providers to plan for meeting the transportation needs of general spectators from the region, state, nation, and across the world attending the eight World Cup games at So Fi Stadium in Inglewood. Los Angeles County will host eight FIFA World Cup games at So Fi Stadium this summer. Metro has been designated as the Official Public Transit Provider for the Los Angeles host city during the 2026 World Cup.
Current estimates indicate that approximately 300 buses will be needed to provide additional transit services (beyond the region's transit network) for the 25,000 general spectators from over a dozen transit and park-and-ride hubs across Los Angeles County and Southern California.
As such, Metro has approached Norwalk Transit System (NTS) to become a part of the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiding in transportation. NTS will provide three buses and personnel (i.e. Bus Operators, Transit Supervisors, Mechanic) to support regional transit efforts during the World Cup, which runs from June 12 to July 10, 2026.
The MOU between Metro and NTS establishes a temporary transportation network to move fans for eight matches, ensuring safe and efficient transit for the event.
City Council March 17, 2026
MOU FIFA World Cup Transit Service Page No. 2
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Fiscal Impact:
A one-time payment not to exceed $20,885.28 ($133.88 per revenue service hour; each game estimated at 6.5 revenue service hours). Revenues collected will be credited to NTS.
Event Name and Date Event Amount
USA Opening Game - Friday, June 12, 2026 $2,610.66
Group Stage – Monday, June 15, 2026 $2,610.66
Group Stage – Thursday, June 18, 2026 $2,610.66
Group Stage – Sunday, June 21, 2026 $2,610.66
USA Group Stage – Thursday, June 25, 2026 $2,610.66
Round of 32 – Sunday, June 28, 2026 $2,610.66
Round of 32 – Thursday, July 2, 2026 $2,610.66
Quarterfinal – Friday, July 10, 2026 $2,610.66
TOTAL AGREEMENT COST $20,885.28
Citizens Advised:
N/A
Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:
N/A
Recommended Action:
Staff recommend City Council approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to authorize staff to provide bus service and staffing for the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association World Cup; and authorize the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding and any amendments on behalf of City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Attachments:
MOU – Regional Transit Provider Agreement: 2026 FIFA World Cup Games Enhanced Transit Service