Assemblymember Garcia leads Assembly in welcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup to California

SACRAMENTO — On May 7, 2026, the California State Assembly adopted House Resolution 118, introduced by Assemblymember Garcia, welcoming the 2026 FIFA World Cup to California and formally opening the roll to coauthors. The clerk recorded 64 coauthors, and the chamber adopted the resolution by voice vote.

Garcia, the resolution’s author, told colleagues that "when the World Cup arrives, the world stops," and urged the Assembly to welcome the tournament to the state. She said California will host 14 matches — more than any other U.S. state — and framed the resolution as an opportunity to celebrate the sport's ability to bring people together.

Several members spoke in support. Assemblymember Petrie Norris said her district had hosted the U.S. men's national team for training and "we are looking forward to a summer of incredible games." Assemblymember Haney, representing a host city, noted the logistical and community aspects of hosting teams and millions of visitors and asked for an aye vote. Assemblymember Macedo and others described local watch parties and community engagement, with one member saying a downtown San Jose public watch event had more than 20,000 RSVPs.

Speakers emphasized civic pride, tourism and local events tied to the tournament. Several members used personal anecdotes about national and international World Cup experiences to underscore the resolution’s symbolic value.

The Chamber took a voice vote after coauthors were added and the Speaker declared "The ayes have it." The resolution is ceremonial and does not create binding policy; it was adopted on the Assembly floor and will be printed in the journal.