Estadio Los Angeles
Los Angeles, USA · Capacity 70 000
The turf gamble in SoFi’s oven
FIFA approved SoFi’s artificial surface despite player concerns, banking on cooling systems to mitigate LA’s June heat. The stadium hit 94°F during a 2022 NFL game — worrying for knockout matches like the July 4 quarterfinal. Mexico’s 2015 Copa América turf debacle at the Rose Bowl lingers as a cautionary tale.
Inglewood’s transit trap
No metro line reaches SoFi directly, forcing shuttle buses from Hawthorne/Lennox station. Uber surges post-match can hit $150 to Downtown LA. Locals recommend pre-gaming at The Fields LA near USC or Greyhound Bar in Highland Park, both soccer hubs with cheaper pints than stadium $18 beers.
Five matches, one semifinal dry run
SoFi gets Group D and E fixtures plus the July 4 quarterfinal — likely a CONCACAF vs CONMEBOL clash. The stadium previously hosted the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup final, where Mexico’s fans overwhelmed security. FIFA will deploy 1,500 stewards after that debacle.
The secret football bars
Skip Hollywood. The best pre-match scenes are at The Fox & Hounds in Studio City (EPL mornings) or La Chupería in Boyle Heights for Latino supporters. Casablanca in Westlake does $5 micheladas until noon — key for 9am group stage kickoffs.
| 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 |
Frequently asked questions
How many World Cup 2026 matches will SoFi Stadium host?+
Five: three group stage games (two in Group D, one in Group E), a Round of 32 match, and a quarterfinal on July 4.
Is SoFi Stadium using real grass for the World Cup?+
No. FIFA granted an exemption allowing their proprietary artificial turf, though players like Weston McKennie have criticized synthetic surfaces for injury risks.
What’s the cheapest way to reach SoFi Stadium?+
Take the Metro K Line to Hawthorne/Lennox station ($1.75), then a 15-minute shuttle ($5) or 30-minute walk. Parking costs $75+ at the stadium.
Where do Mexico fans gather in LA for World Cup matches?+
La Chupería in Boyle Heights and El Barrio in Downey are hubs. During the 2022 World Cup, fans blocked Alvarado Street outside MacArthur Park after goals.
Has SoFi Stadium hosted soccer matches before?+
Yes, including the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup final (Mexico vs Panama) and 2022 Campeón de Campeones. Pitch issues arose during a 2022 Chelsea vs Club América friendly.