The FIFA World Cup has returned to the Los Angeles area for the first time in over three decades, with matches scheduled at SoFi Stadium—referred to by FIFA as Los Angeles Stadium—from June 12 to July 10. While the 39-day tournament spans 11 U.S. cities, the region is hosting eight matches, supported by a network of official fan festivals and transit-specific bus services designed to manage expected traffic congestion.
Where is the World Cup being held in Los Angeles?
Matches in the Los Angeles area will take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, according to FIFA. Although typically known as the home of the NFL’s Rams and Chargers, the venue will operate under the unbranded name “Los Angeles Stadium” for the duration of the tournament. The stadium will host matches on select dates throughout the event, which runs globally from June 11 to July 19.
Did You Know? SoFi Stadium is hosting matches in the Los Angeles area for the first time in over 30 years, marking a significant return of the tournament to the region.
How can I get to SoFi Stadium?
Attendees have several transit options, though parking at the stadium is limited, requires advance booking, and costs upwards of $250. According to Metro, the agency is operating direct bus service to SoFi Stadium from approximately 15 rail and bus-connected locations across L.A. County, including Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles, the Westside, the Valley, and the South Bay. These buses cost $1.75 each way, with service beginning four hours before kickoff and continuing until 90 minutes after the match concludes. While walking to the stadium is possible, the nearest public rail option—the K Line’s Downtown Inglewood station—is located about a mile and a half away.
Can I still purchase tickets?
Tickets remain available through the official last-minute sales phase that began in April, though a “notable number” of seats are currently listed at high price points, according to tournament organizers. Prices for the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team matches are reaching into the thousands of dollars. Fans are encouraged to monitor the official resale marketplace or third-party sellers, where, depending on demand, some tickets may occasionally be found for less than face value.
How can I watch matches without a stadium ticket?
The Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee is organizing several public watch parties to accommodate fans without stadium access. The events begin with a $10 ticketed FIFA Fan Festival at the Coliseum, followed by a series of free and ticketed “Fan Zones” at locations including Venice Beach, the Original Farmers Market, Union Station, and the Fairplex. Additionally, local institutions such as the Getty, the Music Center, and the Hammer Museum are expected to host independent viewing events.
What is the match schedule for Los Angeles?
The tournament schedule in Los Angeles features several high-profile matchups, with all times listed in Pacific Daylight Time:
- June 12: USA vs. Paraguay at 6 p.m.
- June 15: IR Iran vs. New Zealand at 6 p.m.
- June 18: Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina at 12 p.m.
- June 21: Belgium vs. IR Iran at 12 p.m.
- June 25: Türkiye vs. USA at 7 p.m.
- June 28: Group A runners-up vs. Group B runners-up at 12 p.m.
- July 2: Group H winners vs. Group J runners-up at 12 p.m.
- July 10: Quarterfinal match at 12 p.m.
Expert Insight: The concentration of matches at a single venue like SoFi Stadium creates a significant logistical challenge for the city. While the tournament is a major cultural event, the combination of high parking costs and surge pricing for rideshare services like Uber, Lyft, and Waymo suggests that public transit will be the most reliable, if not the most essential, way to manage the expected crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive at the stadium?
Generally, stadium gates open three hours before kickoff, though the U.S. opener on June 12 will see gates open four hours prior. Actual transit and security wait times remain to be seen until the first matches occur.
Which teams are confirmed to play in Los Angeles?
The U.S. Men’s National Team is confirmed for two matches in Los Angeles: June 12 against Paraguay and June 25 against Türkiye. Other confirmed participants include IR Iran, New Zealand, Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Belgium.
What is the highest-ranked match occurring in Los Angeles?
The quarterfinal match scheduled for July 10 is the highest-ranked match set to take place at SoFi Stadium during the tournament.
How do you plan to navigate the local transit routes during the upcoming match days?
