The FIFA World Cup 2026 is not delivering the expected economic boost to Southern California, with hotel bookings falling short and geopolitical tensions affecting the Persian community in Los Angeles. - FIFA canceled thousands of downtown Los Angeles hotel rooms, dampening forecasts.
- The Iranian team's presence divides the Persian diaspora, with some supporting the team and others opposing the regime. - Local businesses in Westwood report mixed impacts, from empty stores to a spike in travel bookings.
- International visitors are not materializing as expected due to visa barriers, high costs, and uncertainty. The tournament's economic promise remains uneven, with local travelers outpacing international visitors.