International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry said on Wednesday she remained confident that Los Angeles would successfully host the 2028 Summer Olympics despite challenges currently affecting the FIFA World Cup.
The World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, is due to begin on Thursday. Preparations for the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19, have faced difficulties after fans, a leading referee and team officials were denied entry to the competition.
A record 48 teams and millions of supporters are expected across the three host nations for the largest and most logistically demanding World Cup in history.
Concerns over United States immigration policies intensified after Somali referee Omar Artan, one of Africa’s leading match officials, was refused entry by US immigration authorities.
Speaking at a press conference, Coventry said the IOC was closely monitoring developments ahead of the World Cup.
“We're obviously very aware and following the World Cup as it gets closer and closer to kick-off time,” she said.
“I am confident that in two years we will be able to overcome a number of the challenges that the World Cup are facing right now.”
Coventry said progress would depend on collaboration and lessons learned from the tournament.
She said organisers, the local organising committee and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee were working closely together while gathering feedback from stakeholders.
Coventry added that the IOC would continue to monitor developments and advocate for athletes and their support teams to ensure their participation at the Los Angeles Games.
She expressed confidence that the Olympic movement and organisers would continue working together and that Los Angeles 2028 would be a successful event.
The Los Angeles Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 14 to July 30, 2028, during President Donald Trump’s term in office.
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