Los Angeles City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez recently joined the Urban Pitch Podcast for a deep dive into the beautiful game, his personal fandom, and the monumental task of preparing a city for the World Cup spotlight.

A true LA native and a passionate soccer supporter, Soto-Martinez didn't just talk policy—he represented, sporting LAFC gear while discussing the city's vibrant and diverse soccer culture. The conversation highlighted the critical work of making the sport more accessible to all communities, a mission that resonates deeply within the sport's core values.

Beyond the obvious hype, hosting a World Cup presents complex, behind-the-scenes challenges. Councilmember Soto-Martinez provided a unique political and logistical perspective on what it truly takes for a metropolis like Los Angeles to welcome the world's biggest sporting event, from infrastructure to community impact.

For the full discussion on fandom, football, and the future, you can catch the complete episode on YouTube or stream the audio on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.