Elementary school soccer team goes to SoFi Stadium to watch a World Cup game

When the Washington Elementary School soccer team won first place in a tournament among 11 Lynwood elementary schools, they never imagined the prize they would receive. On June 9, the Bobcats, a team of 11 students, were recognized by the Lynwood Unified School District and other partners for their championship.

And while the students thought they were just getting a medal and a certificate, they were also presented with tickets for the FIFA Men’s World Cup soccer match at the SoFi Stadium, where Switzerland will play against Bosnia-Herzegovina this Thursday. 

Samuel Arias, a fourth grader, couldn't believe he was going to the World Cup. His excitement was visible as soon as he opened the envelope. He said he recently started playing soccer and has learned to appreciate the sport. 

“I am very excited because I have never been to a real game, just watched them on TV,” Samuel said. “My favorite player is Ronaldo.” 

His mother, Maria Arias, said she was unaware of what the prize would be, but she was very excited about the opportunity that the school was giving to her son. 

“The after-school program has helped a lot and I support him,” she said. 

Student Alex Corona said he put a lot of effort into playing soccer with his team and it showed because they won.

“I want to be a soccer player when I grow up,” he said. “Like Messi.”

His mother, Shayla Corona, said she wasn’t expecting this prize but she’s very excited for him because he enjoys playing soccer. 

The elementary intramural soccer program is part of LevelUp Lynwood, the district's expanded learning program. The Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation (LPEF) also funds the program through equipment, uniforms and program enhancements that have strengthened the district's elementary and middle school intramural soccer programs.

“We received a grant from LA84 for the after-school programs,” said Elsa Chagolla, LPEF executive director.

She said it is very exciting to see the outcome of participating in an organized sport like soccer. In total, 14 students and six adults–including the principal and the coach–will attend.

More games at the Los Angeles (SoFi) Stadium 

There have been no problems at the first two games at SoFi Stadium. Even with the threat of immigration enforcement presence, no officers have been seen detaining people. 

On Monday, before the Iran v. New Zealand game, several hot dog and tamales vendors were outside the stadium. Most of them were next to the patrol cars or guards. 

One vendor, identified only as Yahaira, said they haven’t encountered any opposition from federal agents.

“They just tell us to sell across the street so we don’t block the path,” she said in Spanish.

She said during the opening match of USA v. Paraguay on Friday, the Department of Health showed up before the game and confiscated several carts with food, including hers.

“They threw away our hot dogs,” she said. “But we just went back and got more food to sell. We have no choice, we have to work to pay our bills.”

The SoFi site still has six more games to go; four group stage matches, two rounds of 32 and one quarter-final. 

Follow CALÓ News for updates on the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.