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The FIFA world championship in 2026 is just under a year away, and Los Angeles Chargers’ head coach Jim Harbaugh is already looking forward to it.
There are 16 stadiums in 16 different host cities, and one of them is Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Laders play their home matches at Sofi Stadium, and Harbaugh said he is looking forward to “Vibe” the tournament will bring.
“I just look forward to the mood, I look forward to what I see on TV. It brings people together, you roll out the pelota, you roll out the ball and all cultural barriers are broken,” Harbaugh told Pakinomist Digital.
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Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh during a press conference at Bolt on May 7, 2025 in El Segundo, California. (Kirby Lee-Preferred Pictures)
“To see all the different countries that come to our city, just to imagine what it will be like. Just these gatherings, the tens of thousands of people gathered and the way they support their team, because it is when the magic happens. It happens in real time, it happens when the crowd is there and the crowds are so into it.”
Harbaugh said he is also looking forward to seeing competition “at his highest level.”
The 61-year-old coach is also looking forward to the influence the World Cup will have on not only the host city but also the country.
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Head coach of Los Angeles Chargers Jim Harbaugh and his wife Sarah Harbaugh is for a photo on the red carpet in “One year to go” to FIFA World Cup 26 -event at Fox Studio Lot in Los Angeles, California, June 11, 2025. (Jessica Alcheh-Preferred Pictures)
“What I am looking forward to and it will do for our country and our city. I’ve seen it before, the world championship in the US in the 90s. ’94 US (Lord) team, just how the sport exploded after it, so I look forward to all these things.”
Last season was Harbaugh’s first season as Charger’s main coach when he left Michigan after he led them to a national championship win in the 2023-2024 season.
Ladders went 11-6 in Harbaugh’s first season at the helm and came to the playoffs. They were jumped in the AFC Wild Card Round by Houston Texans 32-12.
Los Angeles Charger’s principal coach Jim Harbaugh congratulates running back Hassan Haskins (28) after a touchdown in the second half against Denver Broncos at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, California, December 19, 2024. (Jayne Kamin-Concea-Published Pictures)
Harbaugh said his team is “back to work” with the goal of winning a Super Bowl in mind.
“There’s only a happy team in the NFL, that’s Philadelphia Eagles just because they won the Super Bowl,” Harbaugh said. “The rest of us are disappointed and the rest of us are back at work, we chase the super bowl. To be called world champions, that’s our goal.”
