Jim Harbaugh on Excitement in LA for USA World Cup Opener

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has voiced his anticipation for the United States' FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Paraguay, set to take place at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday. In an interview with FIFA, Harbaugh described the atmosphere in the city as one of "extreme excitement" for the event.

Harbaugh's Connection to the Venue

As the coach of the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers, Harbaugh is intimately familiar with Los Angeles Stadium, which he considers "one of the most spectacular places to play." The venue has hosted numerous high-profile events since its opening, including the college football championship game and the Concacaf Gold Cup final in 2023.

A Fan's Perspective

Harbaugh, who will be attending his first soccer match on Friday alongside his two sons, expressed his eagerness to experience the World Cup as a fan. "To see the World Cup here, obviously we're rooting for the United States and some magic to happen. It's that anticipation that makes the excitement so high," he told FIFA.

Los Angeles as a Hub for Major Events

Harbaugh highlighted the city's upcoming slate of major sporting events, noting, "We have the World Cup this summer, the Super Bowl next year and then the Olympics. It doesn't get any better than that." The Super Bowl is scheduled to be held at the same stadium in 2027, while Los Angeles will host the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Harbaugh's comments underscore the significance of the World Cup opener for the city and the nation, as the U.S. men's national team looks to make a strong start in the tournament.