Los Angeles is bracing for a historic football summer as SoFi Stadium—officially renamed “Los Angeles Stadium” by FIFA—prepares to welcome 70,000 fans for eight matches during the 2026 World Cup. The expanded tournament, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across the US, Mexico, and Canada, will turn Inglewood into a global crossroads from June 11 to July 19.
The highlight for local fans is the US men's national team's group-stage opener against Paraguay on Friday, June 12. It's the Americans' twelfth World Cup appearance, and they'll need a strong start in Group D to advance. Paraguay, a perennial South American contender, will bring its own passionate following, adding a distinctly Latino flavor to the stands.
Full Match Schedule at SoFi Stadium
FIFA has confirmed the following slate for Los Angeles, covering group play and knockout rounds:
Group Stage
- Friday, June 12: United States vs. Paraguay (Match 4 – Group D)
- Monday, June 15: Iran vs. New Zealand (Match 15 – Group G)
- Thursday, June 18: Switzerland vs. Bosnia (Match 26 – Group B)
- Sunday, June 21: Belgium vs. Iran (Match 39 – Group G)
- Thursday, June 25: Turkey vs. United States (Match 59 – Group D)
Knockout Rounds
- Sunday, June 28: Round of 32 (Group A runner-up vs. Group B runner-up)
- Thursday, July 2: Round of 32 (Group H winner vs. Group J runner-up)
- Friday, July 10: Quarter-finals (winners of brackets 93 and 94)
The quarter-final match on July 10 could feature any of the tournament's top teams, making it one of the most anticipated fixtures in the city. For a broader look at the tournament's key matchups and Latino teams to watch, check out our full 2026 World Cup schedule guide.
Getting to SoFi Stadium: Transport Tips
Inglewood traffic is legendary, and World Cup crowds will test the limits of the area's infrastructure. The city has reinforced access routes, but officials strongly recommend public transit. The Metro C Line and K Line both serve the LAX/Metro Transit Center station, where free shuttles will run directly to the stadium starting three hours before each match. For those driving, the 405 freeway (Manchester or Century Blvd exits) and the 105 freeway (Prairie or Crenshaw exits) are the main arteries—but parking must be reserved in advance. Bus routes 115, 117, and 212 also stop near the stadium entrances. For more detailed advice on navigating the parking crunch, read our parking guide for SoFi Stadium.
Security and fan zones are also being expanded. The city plans to set up giant screens in major plazas and offer a global food lineup that reflects Los Angeles's multicultural character. For specifics on stadium rules and fan amenities, see our detailed breakdown of SoFi Stadium security and fan zones.
This World Cup is more than a sporting event—it's a logistical feat involving 48 nations, and Los Angeles is leaning into its role as a host city with confidence. The region's hotel capacity, event experience, and cultural diversity make it a natural fit for the tournament's largest edition ever. As May 2026 approaches, the city already buzzes with anticipation. From Boyle Heights to Koreatown, from East LA to the San Fernando Valley, Angelenos are ready to show the world why this remains one of the planet's great sports capitals.
