Amgen Brings Science to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Festival in Los Angeles

Amgen, the multinational biopharmaceutical firm headquartered in Thousand Oaks, opened a high‑tech booth at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum during the FIFA Fan Festival that marked the city’s kickoff of the 2026 World Cup. The festival, held in June 2026, was part of Los Angeles’ role as one of eleven U.S. host cities for the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19.

The Fan Festival is a central gathering for soccer fans across Greater Los Angeles and around the world. As an official biotech partner of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC) and a host‑city supporter, Amgen used the platform to showcase how biology and technology can address serious illnesses while encouraging physical activity. Visitors were invited to create digital avatars wearing an Amgen World Cup jersey, choose a stadium and match, and then test their athletic abilities in a series of interactive challenges.

One attraction, the “Reaching New Heights” challenge, let participants jump to hit buzzers at different heights on a wall. The activity was designed to compare a visitor’s vertical leap to the average nine‑foot jump of a professional soccer player. Those who completed the challenge received an Amgen‑branded cooling towel. Another popular attraction was the Amgen soccer circle challenge, where fans had 20 seconds to kick a ball at flashing targets as many times as possible. Scores were recorded on a leaderboard, and the top ten performers were highlighted.

Throughout the booth, digital displays explained Amgen’s mission to develop innovative medicines for patients worldwide. The content highlighted the company’s work in biotechnology and its efforts to bring new treatments to people living with serious diseases. Interactive educational panels also taught fans about the anatomy of professional soccer players, comparing heart rate, vision, and leg strength to those of the average person.

The Fan Festival itself is a key part of the World Cup’s community outreach strategy. It offers a space for fans to celebrate the sport, learn about health and wellness, and connect with local partners. Los Angeles, which hosted the opening match against Paraguay on June 12, is also scheduled to host eight matches during the tournament, including the U.S. opening game and the final.

Amgen’s participation aligns with its broader public‑health goals. By combining sport‑based engagement with science education, the company aims to inspire healthier lifestyles among the Greater Los Angeles community. The partnership also reflects California’s growing emphasis on biotechnology and innovation, sectors that contribute significantly to the state’s economy.

At the time of the event, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was operating under its joint ownership by the State of California, Los Angeles County, and the City of Los Angeles. The stadium, a National Historic Landmark, has hosted major sporting events for decades, including the 1932 and 1984 Summer Olympics and the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the tournament and the first to be hosted by three nations—United States, Canada, and Mexico—and to feature 48 teams. Los Angeles’ role as a host city brings additional attention to the city’s sports infrastructure and community initiatives.

In summary, Amgen’s presence at the FIFA Fan Festival in Los Angeles demonstrates how a biopharmaceutical company can leverage a global sporting event to promote health, science, and community engagement. The interactive experiences and educational displays provided a memorable experience for fans while reinforcing Amgen’s commitment to improving lives through science and innovation.