San Diego Set to Shine: Hosting Key Olympic Soccer Matches in 2028
San Diego has secured a prominent role in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, chosen to host 11 matches of the Olympic Football (Soccer) Tournament. Snapdragon Stadium will be the epicenter of the action, welcoming both men’s and women’s group stage games, a women’s quarterfinal, crucial semifinal matches for both genders, and the bronze medal contests.
A Coast-to-Coast Tournament
The LA28 Games are taking a unique approach to the soccer tournament, spreading the excitement across the United States. Matches will too be held in Columbus, New York, Nashville, St. Louis, San José, and Los Angeles, bringing the Olympic spirit to fans nationwide. This extended schedule, starting July 10, 2028 – four days before the Opening Ceremony – provides athletes with two extra rest days compared to previous Olympic Games, a change implemented by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board.
Snapdragon Stadium’s Schedule Breakdown
San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium will host a diverse range of matches:
- Group Stage: Eleven men’s and women’s group stage matches (July 11, 14, and 17, 2028)
- Quarterfinal: One women’s quarterfinal match (July 21)
- Semifinals: One men’s and one women’s semifinal match (July 24-25)
- Bronze Medal Matches: Both men’s and women’s bronze medal matches (July 27-28)
Ticket Information and How to Secure Your Spot
Fans eager to witness the Olympic soccer action can register for the LA28 Ticket Draw on the official LA28 website (la28.org). The deadline to register is Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Additional ticket opportunities will be announced as the Games draw closer.
Strategic Venue Selection
LA28 collaborated with Soccer United Marketing (SUM), the commercial arm of Major League Soccer (MLS), to carefully evaluate stadiums across the country. The selection process prioritized purpose-built stadiums and venues capable of hosting world-class competitions although also fostering community engagement. This commitment to existing, top-tier venues underscores LA28’s dedication to delivering a memorable Games experience.
Match Distribution Across Host Cities
Here’s a quick look at the match distribution across the seven host cities:
- New York Stadium: 9 matches
- Columbus Stadium: 9 matches
- Nashville Stadium: 9 matches
- St. Louis Stadium: 8 matches
- San José Stadium: 7 matches
- San Diego Stadium: 11 matches
- Rose Bowl Stadium: 5 matches (including gold medal matches)
Frequently Asked Questions
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets for all Olympic sports go on sale in April. Register for the LA28 Ticket Draw by March 18, 2026, for a chance to purchase.
Where can I find the full schedule?
The full schedule, including kickoff times, will be released later this year. You can view the match dates and locations here.
What was the criteria for selecting host cities?
LA28 prioritized purpose-built stadiums and venues that could meet international standards and engage local communities.
Pro Tip: Mark your calendars for the ticket draw deadline! Registering early increases your chances of securing tickets to these exciting Olympic matches.
Don’t miss out on the action! Explore more about the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games on their official website and stay tuned for further updates on the soccer tournament schedule.
