The FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone transformed Venice Beach into one of Los Angeles’ premier destinations for soccer fans over the weekend, blending international football, live entertainment, wellness activations, and local culture just steps from the Pacific Ocean.
Venice Beach World Cup 2026 Fanzone. Credit: Amandala Photography
Produced by Jon Cohn, John Besant, and Matt Moreno, the multi-day celebration offered something for every type of fan, from die-hard supporters gathering to watch matches on massive screens to families exploring vendor activations and music lovers closing out the weekend with an unforgettable beachside party. Sweet & Chilli elevated the experience by operating each of the bars while also managing the Fan Zone’s VIP hospitality areas, creating an energetic atmosphere throughout the venue. For lead organizer John Cohn, however, the Fan Zone represented something much bigger than soccer.
A Venice native whose family has called the neighborhood home since 1921, Cohn owns Venice Soleil and has spent years producing community events throughout Los Angeles, from fireworks displays and classic car shows to celebrations honoring veterans and first responders. As a founding member and co-chair of the Venice Pier Association (VPA), he has dedicated the past decade to helping establish Venice Beach as a world-class destination. With the FIFA World Cup bringing global attention to Los Angeles, Cohn envisioned an event that would not only unite soccer fans but also spotlight the businesses and people who make Venice unique. Five percent of the Fan Zone’s net profits will benefit the Venice Pier Association, also known as the Venice Pier District at Washington Square. The nonprofit organization was created by local businesses to invest back into the neighborhood through beautification projects, enhanced security, street and sidewalk maintenance, community programming, and events designed to bring more visitors to the historic pier district.
Saturday featured an exciting day of international football as Norway squared off against England before Argentina battled Switzerland. Fans packed the beachfront venue throughout the afternoon, waving flags, wearing their nation’s colors, and erupting after every goal as Venice Beach became one giant watch party. Adding to the excitement, Manchester United legend and football analyst Rio Ferdinand made a surprise appearance to watch the matches alongside supporters. His arrival quickly drew crowds as fans lined up for photos and enjoyed seeing one of football’s biggest personalities take in the atmosphere. While the matches were the centerpiece, the Fan Zone felt much more like a weekend festival than simply a watch party. Guests could browse official merchandise at the FIFA Store, grab complimentary drinks from Coca-Cola and Vitaminwater, cool off at Primitive Skateboarding’s activation and water station, or explore booths hosted by LAFC, LA Galaxy, Metro, Next Play, Airbnb, VBFC, Nutrl, Sloomoo, AI Wellness, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
The food lineup reflected Los Angeles’ diverse culinary scene. Fans spent the day moving between vendors including Feisty Fish Poke, Teddy’s Red Tacos, Richie’s Hot Chicken, Tacos El Vali, Tropic Truck, Baby’s Burgers, Kalamaki Greek Cuisine, La Sera, Kabobaholic, Golden Dragon, Marisco’s, Dilan’s Caribbean Grill, Cali Sweets, and Edboy’s Fried Chicken N Things. Throughout the venue, complimentary massages gave attendees a chance to relax before returning to the action, creating a unique balance of sports, food, and wellness.
A few vendors at Venice Beach Fan Zone. Credit: Ula Camastro
Sunday showcased another side of the Fan Zone experience. The morning kicked off with the Coffee & Chill Wellness Experience, where more than 300 participants joined a Peloton workout led by celebrity instructors before recovering with ice baths, saunas, red light therapy, and other wellness activations.
The day’s food offerings continued with another rotating lineup of vendors, including Innamorata Gelato, Kona Ice Cream, Salt N Pepper, Yolo Cupz, Musubi Box, Taco Carel, Habibi Shack, Fast Fusion, Wetzel’s Pretzels, and Heritage Kitchen, ensuring guests could spend the entire day at the beach without leaving the festivities. As the sun set over Venice Beach, the Fan Zone transformed once again for its Closing Party. Grammy-nominated duo SIDEPIECE headlined one of the biggest house music events Venice Beach has hosted, joined by Ship Wrek, Martin Ikin, ESSEL, and additional special guests. Thousands packed the sand, dancing well into the evening as the tournament celebration concluded with an unforgettable beachfront finale.
DJ duo SIDEPIECE @ Venice Beach World Cup Fanzone. A few vendors at Venice. Credit: Ula Camastro
The Venice Beach World Cup Fan Zone proved to be far more than a place to watch soccer. By combining world-class football, local restaurants and food trucks, sponsor activations, wellness programming, live music, and the unmistakable energy of Venice Beach, organizers created one of Los Angeles’ most memorable fan experiences.
