The $30 million security bill

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles promises to be a month of soccer, politics, and security. With eight matches in L.A., Metro is adding 300 buses for enhanced service, but the impact remins to be seen.

The security operation is one of the largest in L.A. history, and some organizers see it as the start of a new security state.

300 buses, but will it make a difference?

Metro's spokesperson Jose Ubaldo told The LA Local that the agency is working 'with a coalition of regional transit providers' to add 300 buses with direct service to the games.

Services are aimed at helping fans reach matches, fan festivals, and relatd events throughout Southern California.

But given that it takes me an hour and a half to get from Koreatown to Southeast L.A. any given afternoon, it will remain to be seen if more buses can make a major impact.

Unprecedented scrutiny and a new security state?

The security operation as one of the largest in L.A. history , and that kind of language usually means more police, more cameras,more checkpoints, and more of the feeling that ordinary public space is suddenly a highly-secure government office building.

Some organizers feel this could be the start of a new security state, where everyday Angelenos are forced to navigate a complex web of security measures just to attend a soccer match.

A month of soccer, politics, and security

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles promises to be a month of soccer, politics, and security.

With eight matches in L.A., Metro is adding 300 buses for enhanced service, but the impact remains to be seen.

The security operation is one of the largest in L.A. history, and some organizers see it as the start of a new security state.