While the MetLife Stadium is expected to be the pinnacle of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, it is Los Angeles that hosts the United States opener on June 12, 2026, in what’s likely to be the most consequential American football match since the 1994 World Cup Final.
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood becomes the stage where £4.3 billion ($5.5 billion) of infrastructure meets tournament reality, where 70,240 supporters witness whether the host nation navigates group play pressure, and where it all begins for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
Los Angeles will welcome a total of eight World Cup matches. This includes five group stage fixtures, two Round of 32 clashes, and a quarter-final game. The home fans will be happy to hear that this schedule includes both USA group matches, the Paraguay opener, and the June 25 fixture versus the UEFA Playoff C winner, in a match highly likely to determine advancement.
SoccerNews.com has already brought you the full 2026 FIFA World Cup guide, but this one is here to address the practical questions LA supporters and visitors face: which matches justify attendance, what tickets actually cost, how to reach a stadium with no direct rail service, where to stay across LA’s sprawling geography, and whether the logistics reward the effort.
SoFi Stadium: The Venue
Capacity: 70,240 (World Cup configuration)
Location: 1001 Stadium Drive, Inglewood, CA 90301
Opened: September 2020
Cost: £4.3 billion ($5.5 billion)
Distance from LAX: 3 miles
SoFi Stadium occupies the former Hollywood Park Racetrack site in Inglewood. The translucent canopy floating 100 feet above the playing surface creates an indoor-outdoor hybrid. This weather protection without the enclosed atmosphere is a stark contrast to the one that plagued earlier American World Cup venues.
The 70,000-square-foot video board spans the entire field length. The concourse width accommodates crowds without bottlenecks. Sightlines function from all tiers, though upper sections obviously sacrifice proximity.
FIFA modifications include field width adjustments and natural grass replacing artificial turf used for NFL games.
The stadium itself presents the fans with a transport challenge. With no subway or light rail directly serving the stadium, the supporters will have to navigate Metro shuttle buses or confront Los Angeles traffic.
Complete SoFi Stadium Match Schedule
With eight matches to be played at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the image below shows the full breakdown.
Source: FIFA Official Schedule
USA’s Two Defining Matches
As mentioned, Team USA will play two of their group matches in Los Angeles. Both games are expected to attract huge viewership with the Americans heading into the competition with high hopes.
June 12: USA vs Paraguay (6:00 PM PT)
Paraguay secured their 2026 World Cup qualification through South American competition, much thanks to their defensive organization and counter-attacking threat. The hosts have big expectations for the match in which victory establishes confidence. Draw or loss creates immediate pressure for the remaining two group matches, and both teams are well aware of that.
The match kicks off at 6:00 PM Pacific time, thus accommodating primetime American viewing and manageable European broadcasts (2:00 AM London).
June 25: USA vs UEFA Playoff C Winner (7:00 PM PT)
The Americans are yet to learn the name of the opponent. It will be one of Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo, which will be determined in March 2026 playoffs. This match is likely to decide group advancement. Win and the USA progresses; draw requires favorable Australia result; loss risks elimination.
Notable Neutral Fixtures at SoFi Stadium
Belgium vs Iran (June 21, 12:00 PM PT): Belgium’s aging golden generation against Iran’s defensive structure offers Group G quality without USA premiums. It might not be a blockbuster but it’s still a match to keep a close eye on.
Quarter-Final (July 10, 12:00 PM PT): The deepest Los Angeles penetrates into knockout rounds, featuring quality teams and peak stakes. Quarter-finals have been known to produce some interesting and unexpected matchups, as true soccer aficionados would attest.
For detailed match predictions and analysis, make sure to visit this page.
USA Group Stage Analysis
Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro typically employs compact defensive shapes with rapid transitions, which is particularly effective against possession-dominant opponents. They’re organized, disciplined, and difficult to break down, traits of which Mauricio Pochettino will be well aware of.
The United States faces expectations beyond reasonable bounds: home advantage, a generation raised on European club football, and MLS expansion creating domestic infrastructure.
To meet the high standards of the supporting fandom, the USA will have to be on top of their game. In addition to Paraguay and a yet-to-be-determined opponent, Group D includes Australia, an experienced, physically imposing side. It’s safe to say this isn’t a soft group.
USA’s Requirements:
- Patience against Paraguay’s compact defense
- Width to stretch defensive shapes
- Clinical finishing (not always evident in CONCACAF qualifying)
- Managing home crowd expectations
Key Battle: Christian Pulisic’s attacking output versus Paraguay’s defensive structure. Supporting cast (Folarin Balogun, Yunus Musah) must deliver.
Prediction: USA 2-1 Paraguay. Victory through individual quality rather than tactical dominance.
Ticket Prices: USA Premium vs Neutral Value
Pricing Disclaimer: Based on FIFA official pricing as of December 2025. Includes mandatory 15% processing fee. Secondary market prices fluctuate based on demand.
Official FIFA Pricing & the USA Premium
USA matches command 30-50% premiums over neutral group fixtures. The June 12 opener lists at £489-631 ($620-$800) for Category 1 through FIFA’s lottery. Secondary markets quote £710-946 ($900-$1,200) for equivalent seats.
Value Strategy: Category 2 seats (£315-473 / $400-$600) offer adequate sightlines without Category 1 costs. Category 3 (£158-237 / $200-$300) delivers participation at manageable prices.
Neutral Fixture Value
Iran vs New Zealand and Belgium vs Iran offer World Cup atmosphere at £158-315 ($200-$400) for Category 2. This is half the USA match cost for comparable football quality.
Secondary Market Access
TicketCenter.com provides verified inventory with guaranteed delivery. With current pricing running 30-50% above face value for most fixtures, and doubling for USA matches, sites like these allow you to shop for the best deals. Do note, however, that premium prices buy certainty versus gambling on February 2026 lottery results.
Budget Approach: One USA match plus neutral fixtures. Total: £631-946 ($800-$1,200) for three matches.
Transportation: Navigating LA’s Transit Challenge
SoFi Stadium sits 3 miles from LAX with no direct subway or light rail service. Supporters will have to navigate Metro shuttle buses, confront traffic, or pay surge-priced rideshares.
Metro + Shuttle (Recommended)
LA Metro operates free shuttles from LAX/Metro Transit Center Station to SoFi Stadium during major events.
Route: 1. Take Metro C Line (Green) or K Line (Crenshaw) to LAX/Metro Transit Center 2. Board free SoFi Stadium Shuttle (Bus Bay 8) 3. Journey time: 10-15 minutes from the transit center to the stadium
Service:
- Shuttles begin 3 hours before kickoff
- Operate every 3-5 minutes during peak
- Continue 90 minutes after match
Cost: £2.77 ($3.50) Metro round-trip + free shuttle
From Specific Locations:
LAX Airport:
- LAX Shuttle to LAX/Metro Transit Center (free, 10 min)
- Board C or K Line to shuttle
Total: 30-40 minutes, £2.77 ($3.50)
Downtown LA:
- E Line (Expo) to Expo/Crenshaw
- Transfer to K Line toward Redondo Beach
- Exit at LAX/Metro Transit Center
- Board stadium shuttle
Total: 45-60 minutes, £2.77 ($3.50)
Santa Monica:
- E Line (Expo) to Expo/Crenshaw
- K Line to LAX/Metro Transit Center
- Stadium shuttle
Total: 60-75 minutes, £2.77 ($3.50)
Post-Match Reality: Shuttle queues extend 30-60 minutes. Last shuttles depart 90 minutes after the match ends. Make sure to purchase a Metro TAP card in advance.
Metro Info: metro.net/riding/sofi-stadium
Parking
- Costs: £39.50-63.19 ($50-$80) depending on proximity
- Inglewood Park & Ride: £23.70-31.60 ($30-$40) with shuttle
- Reservation: Strongly recommended via SoFi Stadium website
- Post-Match Egress: Expect 60-90 minutes as 70,000 vehicles attempt simultaneous departure.
Strategy: The ideal arrival time is 3-4 hours before kickoff for reasonable parking positions near exits.
Rideshare
Costs:
- From LAX: £23.70-39.50 ($30-$50) normal; surge 2-3x
- From Downtown LA: £31.60-47.40 ($40-$60)
- From Santa Monica: £23.70-31.60 ($30-$40)
- Common post-match surge: £78.99-157.99 ($100-$200)
Strategy: Use rideshare for drop-off only. Return via Metro to avoid surge pricing.
Accommodation: Geographic & Financial Trade-Offs
Los Angeles accommodation divides along location and cost. Beach communities offer a California coastal experience at premium rates. On the other side, downtown LA provides urban amenities with Metro access. Ultimately, Inglewood minimizes commute while sacrificing neighborhood character.
Santa Monica & Venice Beach
Cost: £197-394 ($250-$500) per night
- Advantages: Classic beach experience, Third Street Promenade, E Line Metro access
- Disadvantages: 60-75 minute stadium journey, tourist-saturated
- Best For: First-time LA visitors prioritizing beach experience
Downtown Los Angeles
- Cost: £158-237 ($200-$300) per night
- Advantages: Central location, E Line to stadium shuttle, diverse dining
- Disadvantages: 45-60 minute stadium journey, urban environment
- Best For: Business travelers, those prioritizing Metro access
- Hotels: Ace Hotel, Freehand LA (£158-197 / $200-$250); Intercontinental, JW Marriott (£237-315 / $300-$400)
Inglewood
- Cost: £118-158 ($150-$200) per night
- Advantages: Minimal commute, K Line Metro access
- Disadvantages: Limited dining/entertainment, no tourist appeal
- Best For: Budget supporters prioritizing stadium access
- Hotels: Hampton Inn Inglewood, Holiday Inn Express, Quality Inn
Manhattan Beach & El Segundo
- Cost: £158-237 ($200-$300) per night
- Advantages: Beach access, C Line Metro direct to stadium shuttle, local dining
- Disadvantages: 30-40 minute stadium journey
- Best For: Beach access with better value than Santa Monica
Fan Experience & Tourism
The LA World Cup Host Committee promises 39 days of activations across the metropolitan area. Specific programming develops closer to the tournament, but historical precedent provides a framework. There is no doubt fans will be met with a variety of activities.
Expected Fan Zones
Downtown LA: Likely Grand Park or LA Live complex with large-screen broadcasts, cultural programming, food vendors, and live entertainment.
Beach Communities: Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, viewing areas creating a Southern California beach-football atmosphere.
LA Tourism Integration
Match-Day Compatible Activities (for 6:00-7:00 PM kickoffs):
- Getty Center art museum (free admission, £15.80/$20 parking)
- Griffith Observatory (free, city views)
- Venice Beach Boardwalk
- Santa Monica Pier
- Hollywood Sign hikes (Griffith Park)
Timing: Morning activities (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) work well before evening matches.
The Bottom Line
Los Angeles is where America’s World Cup moment starts. The June 12 opener against Paraguay is a date no home fan would want to miss, while the June 25 group finale could prove to be crucial for American World Cup aspirations.
SoFi Stadium provides infrastructure matching any global venue and is more than fit to do its role. The logistics present California’s trademark contradiction, however. Spectacular setting requires navigation of frustrating complexity. The stadium functions well. Metro works adequately. Accommodation spans from budget to luxury. But traffic remains challenging, costs approach Manhattan levels, and sprawl creates logistical friction.
Path to Attendance:
- Tickets: Lottery by January 13 or secondary markets (£710-946 / $900-$1,200 for Category 1 USA matches)
- Transport: Master Metro + shuttle or accept parking/rideshare costs
- Accommodation: Book early; beach communities command premiums over proximity
In conclusion, Los Angeles rewards preparation. The city’s immigrant communities create an authentic World Cup atmosphere, unlikely to be matched in other US host stadiums. Entertainment infrastructure promises to deliver spectacle, and June weather provides ideal conditions.
FAQ
When should I book accommodation?
Immediately for USA matches. Six months advance for neutral fixtures. Refundable rates cost £15.80-23.70 ($20-$30) premium per night, but protect against lottery failures.
Is Metro safe and reliable?
Generally yes during daylight and early evening hours. C Line and K Line operate safely. Post-match Metro use around 9:00-10:00 PM remains manageable. Download the Metro app for real-time updates.
Can I walk from LAX to SoFi?
No. It’s a 3-mile distance with no pedestrian infrastructure. Use free LAX Shuttle to LAX/Metro Transit Center, then the SoFi Stadium Shuttle (30 minutes total, £2.77/$3.50).
What’s June weather like?
Temperatures: 65-75°F (18-24°C). Low humidity, minimal rainfall. Stadium’s partial roof provides sun protection. Evening matches mean comfortable conditions, but make sure to bring light jacket as coastal areas cool soon after sunset.
How early should I arrive?
USA matches: 3 hours for security, atmosphere, and transit. Neutral fixtures: 2 hours adequate.
All matches: Extra time if using Metro—shuttle queues build 90 minutes before kickoff.
What is SoFi Stadium bag policy?
Clear bags only (12” x 6” x 12”) or small clutches (4.5” x 6.5”). Backpacks, large purses, outside food/beverage, professional cameras, and umbrellas are prohibited.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
