Soccer has come a long way in the US since George Best’s razzmatazz and Diana Ross’s mishit but we’re all set for kick-off in LA.
With Team USA better placed and Americans more invested for World Cup MkII.
With the hosts coming to the party next year on June 12 where they left off in 1994, in Los Angeles.
Now, many of our countries, and our wee one Scotland hasn’t qualified for nearly 30 years, are still dreaming of getting there.
But there’s no harm in planning ahead.
And if we’re really lucky our country will get placed in the City of Angels, ranked the No. 1 US city for football fans.
But if not the neutral will get to see a feast of international football, including eight matches at the SoFi Stadium.
Just the ticket
The first phase of FIFA World Cup 26 ticket sales is now open with the Visa Presale Draw.
Which gives fans their first chance to secure seats.
You need to register at FIFA.com/tickets and create a FIFA ID.
And registered fans will receive updates on sale dates and details of the ticketing process.
Additional phases will roll out through the start of the event.
With Phase 2, the Early Ticket Draw, running from October 27–31 October.
With successful fans invited to purchase tickets from mid-November to early December.
Phase 3 is the Random Selection Draw, beginning shortly after the Final Draw on December 5.
When fans can apply for specific matches based on revealed group-stage matchups.
Closer to the tournament, any remaining tickets will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Festival for fans
So we’ve been well briefed then so back to everything around the tourney in one of our favourite cities in the Oo Es of Eh.
From the eve of Team USA’s big kick-off, June 11-July 19 there will be World Cup-related events across the city.
Highlights include an official FIFA Fan Festival, along with additional Fan Zones.
Best bar none
For those looking to watch with locals, Los Angeles offers countless football-friendly eateries and bars.
With nearly 40 LAFC-affiliated pubs, from La Chuperia in Lincoln Heights to The Sunset Room in Hacienda Heights.
Global supporters also bring their passion to LA’s pubs and neighbourhoods.
And fans from this side of the pond will feel at home at British-themed pubs including Ye Olde King’s Head in Santa Monica and The Cat and Fiddle in Hollywood.
And popular Irish pubs Tom Bergins in Mid-City and Ireland’s 32 in the Valley.
Deal us in
So they’re all set for kick-off in LA, we’re all set, so it’s just down to the players to make sure we get there.
We find the best way to get to America from Europe is through Ireland with pre-clearance.
And we found a sample Aer Lingus return flight from Edinburgh through Dublin for LAX from £1,406.19.
