The Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee has announced details for the 10 Official Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zones, bringing World Cup excitement to communities across the region.

Taking place during the 39 days of the World Cup, the Fan Zones will give fans accessible ways to come together, watch live match broadcasts, enjoy fan activations, and celebrate the global game close to home.

The celebration begins with the Official World Cup Fan Festival in LA opening weekend, taking place June 11–14 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which will serve as the central gathering point for fans to kick off the tournament experience.

“These events will create accessible, vibrant gathering places where fans can come together to celebrate the global game.”

Kathryn Schloessman, President & CEO, Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee

From iconic landmarks to neighborhood hubs, the Fan Zones will help transform Los Angeles into a region-wide celebration of football, culture, and community.

Cal South and Valvoline Instant Oil Change are proud to acknowledge this month’s Difference Maker of the Month award winner. This award is presented to an individual who has gone above and beyond to provide a great experience for members, teams, and the broader soccer community.

This month’s award winner is Ana Sofia Valdez.

“Soccer means so much to me because of everything it has given me throughout my life. I am incredibly grateful to the coaches, teammates, referee mentors, and peers who have supported and guided me—creating lasting memories and lessons that have shaped me both on and off the field. Receiving this Difference Maker award is truly meaningful, because it reflects my commitment to giving back what was so generously given to me, while continuing to grow and share my love for the game.”

— Ana Sofia Valdez

Ana is a 6th-year Regional Referee and a 12-year USSF referee who also holds USSF Mentor Plus and Assignor certifications. Her love for the game began at age 7, growing up on the soccer fields and inspired by her father’s passion for the sport.

She began refereeing in 2014 at just 15 years old in San Diego County while continuing to play competitively within the Cal South system. While officiating in the Inland Empire during college, Ana quickly earned recognition across the referee community — including a 2017 Best New Referee nomination, 2019 Referee of the Year honors from the Temecula Valley Soccer Referee Association, and the 2021 Gwen Keck Female Referee of the Year award from Cal South.

Ana’s officiating journey has included top youth competitions with US Youth Soccer, earning final assignments at Regionals and National Championships — including serving as center referee for the U19 Girls Final in 2022.

Now officiating at the professional and NCAA Division I levels, Ana remains deeply committed to developing the referee community. In 2024, she became a referee mentor and currently serves as an administrator for the Female Development Initiative, helping recruit, develop, and empower female referees across all levels of the game.

The Initiative supports referees ranging from beginners to advanced officials, with participants spanning ages 13 to 55+.

Ana continues to inspire the next generation while pursuing her National Badge for 2027. In July 2025, she stepped up to lead the Female Referee Camp in Ojai when both the program director and lead instructor were unexpectedly unable to attend — successfully managing the camp and ensuring a seamless experience for all participants.

Congratulations Ana for going above and beyond to support and grow the referee community.

Cal South Member Benefit

Winners receive a special offer from Valvoline Instant Oil Change, and all Cal South members also receive a discount for $10 off an oil change.

Get to the pitch with confidence.

Scan the QR code or download the image below to redeem your Cal South member benefit in store.

Scan or download your discount

Save the QR code to your phone or open it in a new tab to scan and redeem your Cal South member benefit in store.

Download QR Code

Valvoline Instant Oil Change and Cal South are proud to announce this month’s VIOC Difference Maker of the Month award winner, Myra Cortez.

Myra is from North Hollywood FC, where her two boys play. In addition to her role as a dedicated soccer mom, she also serves as Team Manager for North Hollywood FC and consistently goes beyond the call of duty to support players and families across the club.

She helps organize team registration, player registration, and tournament participation alongside her husband, who also coaches the team. Her work behind the scenes helps create opportunities for players to stay involved, compete, and grow through the game.

Myra was the main reason the team was able to travel and participate in President’s Regionals last year. She did everything within her power to make sure players facing financial challenges could still travel with their teammates by organizing food fundraisers, car washes, and other efforts to help cover costs.

She even personally drove the majority of players from California to Boise, Idaho, helping ensure they could be part of an experience that otherwise may have been out of reach.

Congratulations Myra for your selflessness, dedication, and time.

Cal South Member Benefit

Winners receive a special offer from Valvoline Instant Oil Change, and all Cal South members also receive a discount from VIOC for $10 off an oil change.

Get to the pitch with confidence.

Scan the QR code or download the image below to redeem your Cal South member benefit in store.

Scan or download your discount

Save the QR code to your phone or open it in a new tab to scan and redeem your Cal South member benefit in store.

Download QR Code