World Cup 2026 — Los Angeles
USA · 4 scheduled matches
SoFi Stadium's turf gamble in 100-degree heat
SoFi Stadium's artificial surface becomes a tactical wildcard when temperatures hit triple digits in June. The NFL-caliber turf favors physical teams like Mexico or the USA, while technical sides risk muscle injuries. FIFA mandated cooling breaks during Copa América 2024 here — a clear trial run. Night matches bring relief, but 3pm kickoffs (Portugal vs Czechia on June 18) could see players hitting IV drips at halftime.
Inglewood's logistical nightmare for foot traffic
SoFi Stadium sits 12 miles southwest of downtown LA with no direct metro link. The K Line's 2024 extension still requires a shuttle from Downtown Inglewood station. Pre-match options are bleak: chain restaurants dominate the area around the $5 billion venue. Savvy fans take the Silver Line bus from Union Station or book rideshares early — surge pricing hits hard post-match.
LA's secret football bars beyond the stadium
Skip generic sports bars. The Greyhound in Highland Park shows Liga MX with micheladas. The Fox & Hounds in Studio City has hosted England fans since 1966. For late-night replays, Casablanca in Venice stays open until 2am with projectors. LAFC's 3252 supporters group takes over La Chupería on matchdays — expect flares and anti-Galaxy chants even during WC games.
Stadiums in Los Angeles
Matches in Los Angeles
| Match | Date | Group | Score | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Switzerland vs  Bosnia and HerzegovinaEstadio Los Angeles | Thu, Jun 18, 2026 · 20:00 ET | b | – | Scheduled |
 United States vs  ParaguayEstadio Los Angeles | Fri, Jun 12, 2026 · 02:00 ET | d | – | Scheduled |
 Turkey vs United StatesEstadio Los Angeles | Fri, Jun 26, 2026 · 03:00 ET | d | – | Scheduled |
 Iran vs  New ZealandEstadio Los Angeles | Tue, Jun 16, 2026 · 02:00 ET | g | – | Scheduled |
Travel
Traffic on I-405 and US-101 is brutal—use rail where possible and pad arrival time.
Tickets
Premium categories are pricey; budget fans should target group-stage midweek games.
Ticket guide →Related host cities
Frequently asked questions
How many World Cup matches does Los Angeles host?+
Eight: five group stage games, two Round of 32 matches, and one quarterfinal between July 4-9, 2026.
Does SoFi Stadium have air conditioning?+
No. The open-air design relies on natural ventilation, with partial shade from the canopy. Night matches average 72°F (22°C), but day games exceed 95°F (35°C) in June.
Where should international fans stay in LA?+
Culver City offers the best balance: metro access to SoFi via the K Line, walkable bars, and fewer tourist markups than Santa Monica. Avoid airport hotels — the 405 freeway becomes a parking lot on matchdays.
Which teams are likely to play in Los Angeles?+
USA will play at least one group match here if drawn in West Coast clusters. Mexico and Canada also have high odds due to CONCACAF seeding. The quarterfinal could feature Brazil or Argentina if they win their groups.
Is tailgating allowed at SoFi Stadium?+
Officially no — the parking lots open just 4 hours before kickoff. Underground fan zones will operate at Hollywood Park's casino complex next door, with beer gardens and food trucks.