Planning your trip to Los Angeles for the FIFA World Cup 2026? You’re in for one of the greatest sporting experiences of your lifetime. LA is set to host 8 matches at SoFi Stadium (officially renamed “Los Angeles Stadium” during the tournament), including two USA national team games and a quarterfinal – more knockout-stage action than any other US city. This travel guide to Los Angeles covers everything you need: the full World Cup Los Angeles 2026 schedule, how to get tickets, the best fan zones, where to stay, how to get around, and what to do beyond the stadium.
Best Travel Guide to Los Angeles for FIFA 2026
Are you planning your ultimate soccer pilgrimage to Southern California? The beautiful game is officially taking over the City of Angels. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is bringing the world’s biggest football celebration to North America, and Los Angeles is ready to welcome fans from across the globe. Known for its beaches, entertainment industry, diverse culture, and iconic landmarks, Los Angeles will offer much more than football. Whether you are planning a short football trip or a complete California adventure, this guide will help you enjoy the tournament like a local.
Quick Facts: FIFA World Cup 2026 Los Angeles at a Glance
Your international trip to the Los Angeles will become a cakewalk this FIFA season. The travel tips provided by expert travelers will help you navigate every situation. We have shared the important details for the FIFA 2026 World Cup below.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Venue | SoFi Stadium (officially: Los Angeles Stadium) |
| Address | 1001 Stadium Drive, Inglewood, CA 90301 |
| Capacity | ~70,240 (soccer configuration) |
| Matches Hosted | 8 total (5 group stage + 2 Round of 32 + 1 Quarterfinal) |
| Tournament Dates in LA | June 12 – July 10, 2026 |
| FIFA Fan Festival | June 11-14, LA Memorial Coliseum |
| Nearest Airport | LAX (~3 miles away) |
World Cup 2026 Los Angeles Schedule: All 8 Matches at SoFi Stadium
Here is the confirmed World Cup 2026 Los Angeles schedule at SoFi Stadium:
Group Stage (June 12-25)
| Date | Match | Kickoff (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| June 12 | USA vs. Paraguay | 9:00 PM |
| June 15 | Iran vs. New Zealand | 9:00 PM |
| June 18 | Switzerland vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina | 3:00 PM |
| June 21 | Belgium vs. Iran | 3:00 PM |
| June 25 | USA vs. Türkiye | 10:00 PM |
Knockout Rounds
| Date | Match | Kickoff (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| June 28 | Round of 32 – Group A 2nd vs. Group B 2nd | TBD |
| July 2 | Round of 32 – Group H Winner vs. TBD | TBD |
| July 10 | Quarterfinal | 12:00 PM |
Pro Tip: Los Angeles is the only US city hosting a quarterfinal in 2026. If you’re aiming for the highest-stakes match on the West Coast, July 10 is the date to lock in.
SoFi Stadium World Cup 2026: What You Need to Know
SoFi Stadium is one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world. During FIFA World Cup 2026, it will be officially referred to as “Los Angeles Stadium” – FIFA drops commercial naming rights for all venues during the tournament.
Key Features of Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium)
- The Infinity Screen: A double-sided, center-hung video board with nearly 70,000 square feet of LED display — you won’t miss a moment of action.
- Partially covered design: An innovative translucent roof shields fans from sun and light rain while keeping an open-air feel.
- Steep seating bowl: Every seat offers a close, intimate view of the pitch — even the upper tiers.
- Home teams: The LA Rams and LA Chargers (NFL) call this venue home.
Getting to Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium)
The single best advice: don’t drive. Traffic around Inglewood on match days will be severe. Instead:
- Metro K Line (Crenshaw/LAX Line): This is the top recommendation. Exit at Westchester/Veterans station — it’s roughly a 15-minute walk to the stadium gates. From LAX, take the free LAX People Mover to Aviation/LAX station, then board the K Line. The total trip from LAX takes 25–35 minutes and bypasses all road traffic entirely.
- Metro C Line: Also connects to the LAX/Metro Transit Center and links to official event shuttles.
- Official Match-Day Shuttles: LA Metro and SoFi Stadium partner to run direct shuttle buses from designated pick-up zones across the city on match days. Check the LA Metro World Cup information page for final routes and timetables closer to each date.
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Drop-offs will be routed to designated zones. Expect surge pricing and long wait times post-match, so build extra time into your plan.
- Parking: Lots 1–3 adjacent to the stadium sell out quickly. If you must drive, book parking through the SoFi Stadium app the moment your match ticket is confirmed. Expect prices of $50–$150+.
Arrive Early: Plan to be at the stadium at least 90 minutes before kickoff. Security lines are long during major tournaments.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Los Angeles Tickets: How to Buy
Tickets for games in Los Angeles 2026 are mobile-only and sold exclusively through the FIFA app – not Ticketmaster, not AXS.
Ticket Tips
- Official source only: FIFA.com/tickets is the only legitimate ticketing platform. Beware of third-party resellers charging inflated prices.
- Group stage tickets are assigned by group at purchase time – you won’t know the exact teams until the draw.
- Quarterfinal tickets (July 10) are the most coveted in the LA schedule. Resale prices are already reaching $400–$2,500+ on secondary markets.
- USA match tickets (June 12 and June 25) sold out in the first sales windows. Check official resale and the FIFA app for released inventory.
- Check frequently: FIFA releases batches of tickets at different stages. Setting up alerts on the FIFA app is the most reliable method.
FIFA Fan Festival 2026 Los Angeles: Everything to Know
Can’t get match tickets? The FIFA Fan Festival Los Angeles is the next best thing — and arguably the best pure atmosphere event of the entire World Cup.
FIFA Fan Festival Basics
- Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, 3911 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90037
- Dates: June 11–14, 2026 (opening week of the tournament)
- Hours: Thu June 11 (10 AM–4 PM), Fri June 12 (11 AM–9 PM), Sat June 13 (1 PM–9 PM), Sun June 14 (TBD)
- Tickets: Start at $10 on Ticketmaster. Children 12 and under are free with a paid adult (General Admission only).
What to Expect at the FIFA Fan Festival
- Live match broadcasts on massive screens inside the historic Coliseum bowl
- World-class entertainment: Confirmed performers include Steve Aoki, Normani, Deorro, Los Lobos, Capital Cities, Sickick, and DJ Ravidrums
- Interactive fan activations from global sponsors
- International cuisine representing nations from across the tournament
- Fully accessible venue with ASL interpretation, accessible seating, and a quiet sensory space
Getting to the FIFA Fan Festival
- Metro E (Expo) Line: Take to Expo Park/USC or Expo/Vermont station — both are walking distance from the Coliseum.
- Rideshare drop-off: Vermont Avenue between Exposition Blvd and Downey Way.
- Parking: Very limited. Use transit whenever possible.
- Cash is not accepted – bring a card or mobile payment.
Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Fan Zones: 10 Locations Across the Region
Beyond the official FIFA Fan Festival, Los Angeles is hosting 10 Official World Cup 26 Fan Zones spread across Southern California. These are free or low-cost community events with live match viewing, food, music, and cultural programming.
Fan Zone Schedule & Locations
| Fan Zone | Dates |
|---|---|
| FIFA Fan Festival – LA Memorial Coliseum | June 11–14 |
| The Original Farmers Market (3rd & Fairfax) | June 18–21 |
| City of Downey | June 20 |
| Los Angeles Union Station | June 25–28 |
| Hansen Dam Lake | July 2–5 |
| Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park (LA County) | July 4–5 |
| Whittier Narrows (LA County) | July 9–11 |
| Venice Beach | July 10–11 |
| Fairplex (Pomona) | July 14–15 & July 18–19 |
| West Harbor | July 14–15 & July 18–19 |
| Downtown Burbank | July 18–19 |
Spotlight: Union Station Fan Zone (June 25–28)
The Heart of the City Fan Zone at Los Angeles Union Station is one of the most exciting community events on the calendar. It’s free to attend (tickets required for entry), runs from 10:30 AM daily, and features:
- Live match viewing on large screens
- Music and cultural programming
- Food and immersive fan experiences
- Connection to El Pueblo de Los Angeles and LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes next door
Best for: Fans attending the USA vs. Türkiye match on June 25, who want to pre-game in the heart of LA before heading to SoFi.
Where to Stay in Los Angeles for the World Cup
Hotel availability in LA during June and July 2026 is tightening fast. Book now — and book refundable rates where possible so you can adjust if schedules shift.
Best Areas to Stay Based on Your Priority
Closest to SoFi Stadium (Best for match days):
- Inglewood – Walking or short rideshare distance to the stadium. New hotels and dining have opened near Hollywood Park. Top pick: Hilton Garden Inn Inglewood.
- Westchester / Century Boulevard (LAX Corridor) – Easy Metro K Line access, good value for money, and very convenient if you’re flying in and out.
- El Segundo – Quiet, close to LAX, and well-connected to Inglewood.
Best for sightseeing + match days:
- Downtown Los Angeles – Walking access to LA Live, Grand Central Market, The Broad museum, and Union Station. Easy Metro connections citywide.
- Koreatown – Dense dining scene, late-night energy, and great rideshare/rail links to SoFi and LAX.
- Santa Monica / Venice – Ideal if you want a beach base between fixtures. Slightly longer travel to the stadium, but worth it for the coastal experience.
Book Now: Properties within 5 miles of SoFi Stadium are filling rapidly, especially for the USA vs. Turkey match (June 25) and Quarterfinal weekend (July 9–11).
Why Visit Los Angeles for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Los Angeles is one of the most exciting host cities for the 2026 tournament. The city combines world-class sports facilities with endless entertainment options.
Here’s why fans should consider LA:
- Watch international football at a world-famous stadium.
- Experience the energy of global fans gathering together.
- Explore Hollywood, beaches, museums, and food destinations.
- Enjoy a city that celebrates different cultures.
For many travelers, LA will become the perfect mix of football and vacation.
Getting Around Los Angeles During the World Cup
LA is a car city by habit – but during the World Cup, public transit and rideshare are your best friends.
Transit Options
- Metro K Line (Crenshaw/LAX): Direct connection from LAX to walking distance of SoFi Stadium. Use this.
- Metro E Line (Expo): Links downtown LA and Santa Monica to the USC/Coliseum area (great for the Fan Festival).
- Metro D Line (Purple): Connects Koreatown and Westside neighborhoods.
- Metrolink: Regional rail for fans coming from Ventura, Riverside, or Orange County.
Driving Tips (If You Must)
- Allow at least 2 extra hours on match days around Inglewood.
- Use Waze or Google Maps with real-time traffic enabled.
- Avoid the I-405 and I-105 near the stadium in the 3 hours before kickoff.
Rideshare
- Pre-schedule your rideshare pickup location using in-app tools.
- For post-match, walk several blocks from the stadium before requesting a pickup to reduce wait time.
What to Do in Los Angeles Beyond the Matches
Los Angeles is one of the world’s great cities. If you’re coming for the World Cup, plan extra days around your matches to experience it fully.
Top Neighborhoods to Explore
- Santa Monica & Venice Beach: 75 miles of LA coastline, the iconic Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park, and the Venice Boardwalk with skaters, street performers, and open-air cafés.
- Hollywood: Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and Runyon Canyon for city views.
- Koreatown: Korean BBQ, karaoke rooms, and cafés open well into the early hours.
- Little Ethiopia (Fairfax Ave): Family-run restaurants, traditional coffee ceremonies, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
- Downtown LA: The Broad contemporary art museum, Grand Central Market, and LA Live’s restaurants and entertainment complex.
Must-Try Food Experiences
- Grand Central Market (Downtown): Global street food under one roof.
- Original Farmers Market (3rd & Fairfax): Also an official Fan Zone (June 18–21) with 40+ eateries.
- Koreatown KBBQ: Try Genwa or Park’s BBQ for the full experience.
- Tacos: LA’s taco scene is legendary. Mariscos Jalisco and Leo’s Tacos are fan favorites.
Key Tips for World Cup Visitors to Los Angeles
Before you go:
- Book hotels now – refundable rates give flexibility.
- Get the FIFA app and register for ticket alerts.
- Download the LA Metro app and load a TAP card for transit.
- Check the official LA World Cup 26 website (losangelesfwc26.com) for event updates.
On match day:
- Arrive at SoFi Stadium at least 90 minutes before kickoff.
- Bring only a clear bag (12″ x 6″ x 12″ max) – FIFA security rules apply.
- This is a cashless venue. Cards and mobile pay only.
- Wear your team’s jersey proudly the atmosphere inside is electric.
Safety and practical info:
- LA weather in June-July is warm and mostly sunny (70s-80s°F/21-27°C). Sunscreen is essential.
- The stadium has limited shade in some sections. Consider a hat.
- Emergency and medical services are on-site at every match.
- For the Fan Festival, a sensory quiet space and prayer room are available at the South Hospitality Office.
Final Word
Los Angeles is ready for the world. With 8 matches at one of the most advanced stadiums on the planet, 10 community fan zones, an official FIFA Fan Festival, and 39 days of World Cup celebration, LA is offering a football experience unlike anything the United States has seen before. This best travel guide to Los Angeles for FIFA 2026 will help you enjoy this Hollywood destination to the fullest.
Whether you’re coming for USA vs. Paraguay on opening weekend or the Quarterfinal on July 10, start planning now. Book your hotel, register for tickets through FIFA.com, and get ready to experience the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the city that does everything bigger and brighter.
The world is coming to Los Angeles. Make sure you’re there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stadium is hosting the World Cup in Los Angeles? SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. During the tournament, FIFA officially calls it “Los Angeles Stadium” due to naming rights policies. It’s the same venue at 1001 Stadium Drive, Inglewood, CA 90301.
How many World Cup matches are in Los Angeles 2026? Los Angeles hosts 8 total matches: 5 group stage games, 2 Round of 32 matches, and 1 Quarterfinal on July 10.
When is the USA playing in Los Angeles? The US Men’s National Team plays in LA twice: vs. Paraguay on June 12 and vs. Türkiye on June 25.
Where is the FIFA Fan Festival in Los Angeles? The official FIFA Fan Festival is at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, 3911 South Figueroa Street, from June 11-14. Tickets start at $10 via Ticketmaster.
How do I get from LAX to SoFi Stadium? Take the free LAX People Mover to Aviation/LAX station, then board the Metro K Line and exit at Westchester/Veterans – approximately a 15-minute walk to the stadium. Total journey: 25–35 minutes, no traffic issues.
Are there free fan zones in Los Angeles for the World Cup? Yes. Ten official World Cup 26 Fan Zones are spread across LA County, including free events at Venice Beach, Union Station, Farmers Market, and more. See the full schedule above.