Washington Elementary Soccer Champions Score a FIFA World Cup 2026 Experience

What began as a typical day for Washington Elementary’s Bobcats soccer team turned into the surprise of a lifetime when 11 students learned they would attend the Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina FIFA World Cup 2026 match at SoFi Stadium on June 18.

For Washington Elementary 6th-grade student Mia Delgadillo, the announcement was a moment she will never forget. 

“I was shocked to find out about the opportunity to attend a World Cup game. I couldn’t believe it,” said Delgadillo.

“This opportunity means a lot to me, not only to go watch a game at SoFi Stadium in person, but also that I get to go with my teammates.”

The students earned the trip through Lynwood Unified's elementary intramural soccer program, part of LevelUp Lynwood, the district's expanded learning program. 

Through LevelUp Lynwood and its various partners, such as Think Together, CodeCampus, and iAttend, students participate in before-school, after-school, intersession, and summer enrichment opportunities, including organized sports that promote teamwork, leadership, physical wellness, and school pride.

“Our goal through LevelUp Lynwood is to provide students with opportunities they may not otherwise have access to,” said Thelma Gonzalez, Expanded Learning Program Opportunity Coordinator at Lynwood Unified School District.

“To see our Washington Elementary scholars win the championship and be rewarded with the opportunity to attend a FIFA World Cup match is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a moment they will remember forever.”

The Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation (LPEF) is also a recipient of the LA84 Foundation's World Cup 26™ Community Champions Grant. Through this funding, LPEF has supported equipment, uniforms, and program enhancements that have strengthened the district's elementary and middle school intramural soccer program and increased students' access to organized sports. LPEF's selection as a Community Champions Grant recipient also helped make this experience possible for Lynwood Unified students. 

"Our intramural soccer program allows students to build teamwork, confidence, and school pride. To see that journey lead to a FIFA World Cup match is incredibly exciting,” said Elsa Chagolla, Executive Director of the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation.

“We are grateful to the LA84 Foundation and the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee for helping create experiences that inspire our students on and off the field.”

See the moment the Bobcats learned they were headed to the FIFA World Cup 2026 match on CALÓ News.