Imperfect Paradise: The World Cup is more than just soccer. How it’s a flash point for politics, the economy and ICE for host cities like LA

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of the FIFA World Cup on Los Angeles, focusing on political and economic concerns.

The stakes are high for this year’s FIFA World Cup. For the first time in the tournament's history, 48 national teams will compete across 16 cities. That includes Los Angeles. And despite the sport’s biggest names battling it out on the field, high ticket prices, ICE’s role at the games, and other issues have caused concern among fans. LAist reporter Libby Rainey joins us for an overview of the World Cup and what the historic event will mean for Angelenos and visitors. Check out more of Libby’s reporting and LAist’s World Cup guide at LAist.com/WorldCup Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

People in this episode

Guest: Libby Rainey

Topics covered

• FIFA World Cup
• politics
• economy
• ICE
• Los Angeles
• sports
• community impact

Keywords

• World Cup
• soccer
• Los Angeles
• ICE
• ticket prices
• politics
• economy

Sponsors

SHOPIFY

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: LAist

Places: Los Angeles

More episodes of California City

• Imperfect Paradise: From immigrant roots to celebrities, how LA became a soccer city · June 12, 2026 · 23 min
• Imperfect Paradise: Voter Game Plan Part 5 – Your last chance to cram before the June 2 primary · May 29, 2026 · 25 min
• Imperfect Paradise: Voter Game Plan Part 4 — What you need to know about the key Orange County races · May 22, 2026 · 26 min
• Imperfect Paradise: Voter Game Plan Part 3 — The primary races for LA mayor and LA County sheriff heat up · May 15, 2026 · 25 min
• Imperfect Paradise: Voter Game Plan Part 2 — Voting for judges is one of your toughest ballot tasks. What to consider when making your choices · May 8, 2026 · 25 min
• Imperfect Paradise: Voter Game Plan Part 1 — What you need to know about the June primary elections · May 1, 2026 · 28 min