TMZSports.com
The World Cup is the largest sporting occasion of 2026 … however Inglewood’s not sweating being one of many host cities — due to names like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.
We spoke with Mayor James Butts Jr. this week as the town gears as much as welcome soccer followers at SoFi Stadium this June … with of us from all around the globe anticipated to journey to the world for video games.
Mayor Butts mentioned federal presence might be added to the town’s already “sturdy public security matrix” … which already exists due to huge names like Swift and Bey having tour stops within the space in years previous — in addition to the Tremendous Bowl — with numerous spectators flooding the town for these occasions.
Talking of the Tremendous Bowl, Butts mentioned having the World Cup is like internet hosting a number of Tremendous Bowls in a single month … which is fairly bonkers to consider.
Butts says the safety measures is not going to embrace U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, whose actions have sparked unrest all through the nation, together with in Los Angeles.
“To my data, ICE isn’t going to be part of the federal matrix presently — for the World Cup,” Mayor Butts mentioned.
Mayor Betts identified that ICE-related unrest has been in sure elements of L.A., and Inglewood isn’t one in every of them. Nevertheless, if a protest or disruption happens, the town is aware of what to do.
“We at all times have contingency plans, however luckily we’ve got not had unrest right here, so we’re not gonna want that upon ourselves, however we do have contingency plans for all outcomes,” Mayor Butts added.
Total, Mayor Butts — who was sworn in as mayor in 2011 — is wanting ahead to the World Cup, saying the financial enhance and “circulation worth of cash” might be within the billions!
He additionally desires guests to depart with impression of Inglewood … a metropolis the place you will get good leisure, really feel protected, and have an general nice expertise.
“I would like them to proceed to view it as they do now — the sports activities leisure capital of the western United States,” Mayor Butts mentioned.
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Mayor Butts additionally had a message for his metropolis residents planning to lease out their driveways to World Cup followers on the lookout for a greater deal and nearer spot to SoFi Stadium.
“We wish to preserve neighborhood integrity.”