Los Angeles shares him with Washington these days, but Earvin “Magic” Johnson is Mr Los Angeles. With the City of Angels playing host to some blockbuster events, it was only logical to call upon their walking symbol to lead the way. The FIFA World Cup is coming to the US next year and to unite the fans is the Dream Team co-captain who’s global stature went beyond basketball.
The Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission announced the Lakers legend as the Official Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Community Ambassador. The announcement came in an Instagram post with Magic wearing a familiar scarf. The same pastel orange and blue FIFA scarf was draped on Snoop Dogg a few weeks ago when he was named the Community Chairman for the world cup in LA. Snoop’s involvement in sports from opening the Paris Olympics to owning a soccer team, is partly inspired by his friend, Magic.
“LA is ready to make MAGIC on and off the pitch
leaves a lasting legacy in Los Angeles—while inspiring fans and welcoming the world for this once-in-a-generation event.”
Although we’re missing an official Magic Johnson social media essay, he did respond to the honor in a statement. He stated he was, “honored to serve as an official community ambassador for the Los Angeles World Cup 2026.” He added, “I’ve lived in Los Angeles for over four decades and have seen how the power of sports can inspire, uplift, and unite people from all walks of life. I’m committed to supporting the host committee’s efforts to leave a lasting legacy throughout the tournament, ensuring Los Angeles shines on the world stage.”
Magic now officially joins a star-studded host committee that includes Snoop Dogg and Eva Longoria. As a co-owner of LAFC in the MLS and Washington Spirit in the NWSL, this opportunity comes full circle.
This isn’t merely some title for funsies. LA as a whole is hosting thousands of soccer maniacs in 2026 for over a month. They’re going to need to turn to someone to represent LA culture.
LA is ready to make MAGIC on and off the pitch
We are honored to welcome one of the most influential leaders in sports and business, @MagicJohnson, as an Official Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Community Ambassador!
Magic’s commitment to community, excellence, and global impact… pic.twitter.com/6oxIyqmz02
— FIFA World Cup 26 Los Angeles
(@LosAngelesFWC26) October 9, 2025
To put it in perspective, 27% of the sports fan base pie is dedicated to the soccer craze. A legitimate research into the US sports scene estimates there are 83 million soccer fans in this country alone. That’s 83 million pairs of eyeballs on LA in 2026 for the biggest event in this sport’s calendar.
Soccer is a massive marketing opportunity that has drawn Magic and Snoop Dogg into the business. And Magic could soon win a NWSL chip throught the Spirit amid some drama at Sparks. An average soccer fan spends more on merchandse and tickets than on any other sport – a data-backed study confirmed. That’s why the LA commission is creative a major star-powered fan experience.
The SoFi Stadium will host fans for 39 days of fan events and experiences across the region for the world cup. Stars like Johnson, Snoop and Longoria help engage the local community as hosts for thousands of football fans. The tournament will feature 48 teams from the US, Canada, and Mexico. The same report claimed that US fans buy tickets to watch these teams play at least once a season.
It also sets the tone for the upcoming 2026 NBA All-Star Game and the 2028, Olympics and Paralympics all hosted by Angelites. It comes a day after Magic was selected as Grand Marshal for the Rose Parade that will take place in Pasadena a little farther from LA for the 2026 New Year. It just proves, when you think Los Angeles, you think Magic Johnson.
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