La Copa: Los Angeles: Rhythm and fan culture at the Copa America

Words: Christian Wise

Images: Christian Wise

The Beautiful Game has always had a home here.

Copa America 2024’s arrival in Los Angeles, featuring two group stage matches held at SoFi Stadium, brought out the best of why we love the sport. The Brazilian drums beating pregame, fans of the Selecao donned in the world famous yellow and green kits.

The Costa Ricans, far outnumbered, were the loudest of the bunch postgame as they celebrated Los Ticos’ first result against Brazil since 1960.

And of course there’s Mexico. The streets and parking lots surrounding SoFi were filled with green and red as El Tri once again felt right at home in Southern California. The Mexican supporters groups, Cielito Lindo, Pancho Villa’s Army and Patrones FC, put on a spectacle with their march to the stadium, popping smoke and playing music along the way.

In the end though, it was Venezuela with the shocking 1-0 upset, their first win vs El Tri since 1982 which catapulted them to winning all three group stage games for the first time in their history.

Los Angeles is an epicenter for the world’s game. The 2024 edition of the Copa America adds another chapter to the city’s and region’s rich history of the sport, and serves as a preview of the scenes we all hope to see play out at the 2026 World Cup.

©Christian Wise/ Terrace Edition. Brazil vs Costa Rica. Los Angeles.

©Christian Wise/ Terrace Edition. Brazil vs Costa Rica. Lost Angeles.

©Christian Wise/ Terrace Edition. Mexico vs Venezuela. Los Angeles.

You can find Christian on Instagram: @christianxwise

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