World Cup 2026 Host Cities Guide
Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium, Inglewood)
A comprehensive guide for singles & families—by a football‑mad Angeleno-at-heart
Los Angeles is where the U.S. Men's National Team kicks off its World Cup—and where it closes out the group on home soil—inside the sport's most jaw‑dropping modern stage, SoFi Stadium (marketed by FIFA as "Los Angeles Stadium"). L.A. has been awarded eight matches in all: the USMNT opener on Fri, June 12, 2026, four additional group games (including the U.S. third group match on Thu, June 25), two Round of 32 ties, and one quarterfinal. That's a blockbuster match load, backed by a region that's hosted some of North American soccer's most iconic moments ('94 men's final, '99 women's final, multiple Gold Cup finals).
Match calendar (SoFi / "Los Angeles Stadium" as per FIFA):
- Fri, June 12 — USMNT Opening Match (Match 4)
- Mon, June 15 — Group Stage (Match 15)
- Thu, June 18 — Group Stage (Match 26)
- Sun, June 21 — Group Stage (Match 39)
- Thu, June 25 — USMNT Group Match 3 (Match 59)
- Sun, June 28 — Round of 32 (Match 73)
- Thu, July 2 — Round of 32 (Match 84)
- Fri, July 10 — Quarterfinal (Match 98)
Bookmark: The official L.A. 2026 host portal is where fan activations and hospitality info drop first. losangelesfwc26.com
What it is: a 2020‑opened, ~70,000‑seat, indoor‑outdoor colossus under a translucent ETFE canopy, home to the Rams and Chargers, and host of Super Bowl LVI—now prepped for FIFA with a natural-grass surface and a widened pitch to meet tournament specs. Whether you call it SoFi or "Los Angeles Stadium," it's the same magnificent bowl in Inglewood, minutes from LAX.
Clear‑bag policy & entry basics (don't get turned away):
Bags must be totally clear (plastic/vinyl/PVC), max 12" × 6" × 12"; a small non‑clear clutch up to 4.5" × 6.5" is allowed. Expect airport‑style screening, cashless concessions, and bag‑valet options if you misjudge. Always re‑check the venue's Know‑Before‑You‑Go email the week of your match.
Rail + free shuttle = the smart default
Los Angeles has finally stitched a reliable rail link near the airport with the opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center (serving the C Line and K Line) on June 6, 2025—a huge win for visitors. From that station, Metro's free SoFi Stadium Shuttle runs for NFL games and select special events, boarding at Bus Bay 8; it typically begins 3 hours before kickoff and returns for ~90 minutes after the event. Expect similar operations (or enhanced service) around World Cup matchdays; Metro has publicly scoped additional resources for the tournament.
How to do it, step‑by‑step:
- Ride C Line or K Line to LAX/Metro Transit Center.
- Walk to Bay 8 and board the free shuttle to SoFi.
- After full‑time, follow signage back to the shuttle queue; it's "load‑and‑go" for 90 minutes.
What changed:
In 2025, the shuttle moved from the Hawthorne/Lennox stop to the new LAX/Metro Transit Center. Plan accordingly; the K Line now runs seamlessly past LAX into the South Bay leg that used to be the C Line spur.
The LAX link you've heard about (and the one still to come)
Now open: LAX/Metro Transit Center (C & K Lines) makes getting near the airport and SoFi by rail dramatically easier.
Still forthcoming: The LAX Automated People Mover—the inside‑the‑airport tram—has been delayed to the early‑2026 window. If you're landing in June, plan on shuttles and the new transit hub rather than a direct people‑mover link inside the terminals.
What happened to Inglewood's people mover?
The originally proposed Inglewood Transit Connector—a $2.4B elevated APM from the K Line (Downtown Inglewood) to SoFi/Intuit Dome/Forum—lost critical support and funding. In 2025 the city pivoted to a "rephased" plan: bus‑only lanes, mobility hubs, signal priority and walkability upgrades as the near‑term solution for mega‑events (while preserving the alignment for a future APM). Translation: expect more shuttles and bus priority in 2026, not an elevated train.
Fly into LAX for shortest hops to Inglewood and Westside stays; the new LAX/Metro Transit Center drastically improves rail access (C & K Lines), even before the airport people mover is live.
Alternate fields that can be easier for some itineraries: Burbank (BUR) for Hollywood/Downtown/Pasadena, Long Beach (LGB) for South Bay/Orange County access, John Wayne (SNA) for OC bases, Ontario (ONT) for Inland Empire.
Pick your base by transit and vibe:
Culver City / Palms / West Adams
Quick links to the E Line and a straight hop to the K Line corridor toward SoFi; food scene is strong, nights are lively but not chaotic. (You'll rail to LAX/Metro Transit Center and shuttle in.)
Downtown L.A. (DTLA)
Easy B/D/E Lines, cultural heavyweights (The Broad, Walt Disney Concert Hall), and direct bus/rail to the LAX transit hub; good if you're chasing late‑night eats.
South Bay (El Segundo / Manhattan / Hermosa / Redondo)
Beach mornings + straightforward C/K Line access to LAX/Transit Center, then shuttle. Great for rest days.
Near‑stadium overnights
A handful of Inglewood hotels cluster along Century and Prairie; note: walking to gates can still be long across the campus, and event‑day closures may redirect footpaths.
As of now, L.A. hasn't publicly named its official FIFA Fan Festival site; the Host Committee has emphasized 39 days of "fan engagement," with updates to roll out on the official portal, and FIFA's global Fan Festival page will list all sanctioned sites once final. Expect a central, transit‑friendly location, free entry, giant screens and big‑name music on rest days—mirroring what's confirmed in NY/NJ and other cities.
Base smart, roam wide.
If your matchdays start at SoFi and your off‑days run late, Culver City or DTLA give you a perfect triangle: fast rail to the LAX/Metro Transit Center (C/K Lines → free SoFi shuttle), plus nightlife arteries (Koreatown, Arts District, Silver Lake) a short rideshare away.
Matchday ritual that works:
Pre‑game: Coffee & tacos (it's L.A.—this is law), then rail to LAX/Metro Transit Center and hop the free shuttle 3 hours out to catch the plaza buzz without the security crush.
Post‑game: If the queue is thicc, linger 20–30 minutes, then ride back to LAX/Metro Transit Center and decide: DTLA nightcap? K‑Town karaoke? South Bay beach bonfire vibes? Your call.
Rest days you'll remember:
- Beach circuit (Hermosa → Manhattan pier walk),
- Griffith sunset & Observatory (pair it with Los Feliz eats),
- Arts District breweries → Little Tokyo ramen,
- Venice canals → Abbot Kinney stroll → Santa Monica sunset.
Use rail when feasible, rideshare for late returns; L.A. distances melt when you anchor near a Metro trunk line.
Ticket strategy:
Buy only via FIFA.com or the official hospitality portal; ignore random "too‑good" offers. Local outlets will amplify match‑week resale chatter, but stick to sanctioned channels to avoid heartbreak.
1) Metro, but make it yours
Load a TAP card or the TAP app with round‑trip fare before you head out; it's $1.75 each way, with free interline transfers in a 2‑hour window. The SoFi Stadium Shuttle is free from LAX/Metro Transit Center during NFL games (and select special events). Expect a similar game plan for the World Cup, with Metro's 2026 plan sketching hundreds of extra buses and extended service windows.
2) Driving? Reserve & budget for walking
SoFi event parking sells out and can leave you with a sizable walk across Hollywood Park. If you must drive, pre‑purchase parking through the venue and build a cushion for street closures; frankly, the rail + shuttle combo is calmer.
3) Stadium rules—no surprises at the gate
Re‑check SoFi's bag policy and prohibited items the week of your match; sizes are enforced, and most concessions are cashless. Clear 12"×6"×12" or a small clutch (≤4.5"×6.5")—anything else stays home.
4) Heat, hydration, and coastal microclimates
June–July in L.A. is warm and dry inland, cooler on the coast. Sunscreen, hats, and water strategy will make or break your day; SoFi's canopy traps sound and some heat—hydrate early.
5) Alternate airports = smoother arrivals
If your itinerary skews Hollywood/Downtown/Pasadena, Burbank (BUR) can beat LAX's sprawl. For South Bay/OC bases, consider LGB or SNA. These tips often save families an hour of sanity on travel day.
A) Singles — "Sunrise surf, night‑game lights" (4 days)
- Day 1 (Arrival): Land at LAX → rail (C or K) to LAX/Metro Transit Center → quick rideshare to Culver City hotel. Food crawl along Washington Blvd; nightcap in Arts District or K‑Town.
- Day 2 (Matchday): Late breakfast → rail back to LAX/Metro Transit Center → free SoFi shuttle (aim ~3 hours early). After the match, hang 20 minutes, then reverse. Hit Little Tokyo or DTLA rooftops to celebrate (or console).
- Day 3 (Rest): Hermosa‑to‑Manhattan strand walk + fish tacos; sunset on the sand; keep it low‑key before the next fixture.
- Day 4 (Match or day trip): If it's a non‑match day, Griffith Park → Observatory → Los Feliz dinner, then pack for your next host city hop.
B) Families — "Kid‑happy days, zero‑stress nights" (4 days)
- Day 1: Fly LAX → base in South Bay (quiet nights) or DTLA (central rail). Early dinner, early bed.
- Day 2 (Matchday): Late breakfast, rail to LAX/Metro Transit Center → free shuttle. Bring a clear tote (12"×6"×12"), sunscreen, ear protection; leave 10–15 min after the whistle to miss the crush.
- Day 3: California Science Center & Exposition Park, short E‑Line ride, nap window; evening gelato near your hotel.
- Day 4 (Beach day): Sand castles at Manhattan Beach, lunch on the pier, back by mid‑afternoon; rinse and repeat for the next match.
Is the U.S. definitely opening in L.A.?
Yes—Friday, June 12, 2026 at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi). The U.S. then plays June 19 in Seattle, and June 25 back in Los Angeles. Opponents follow the draw.
How many matches total in L.A.?
Eight: five group‑stage (including two USMNT), two Round of 32, one quarterfinal.
Is there a direct train to the stadium?
Not right to the gates; you'll train to LAX/Metro Transit Center and use the free SoFi Stadium Shuttle (NFL & select events; Metro is planning enhanced service for 2026).
What happened to the Inglewood people‑mover?
The city pivoted in 2025 to bus‑lane & shuttle improvements; a future APM remains "preserved" as an option.
Where will L.A.'s Fan Festival be?
TBD (watch the L.A. Host Committee site and FIFA Fan Festival page for the official reveal).
L.A. is the USMNT's launchpad and a World Cup weekender's dream: matches that matter, a stadium built for spectacle, and a transit plan that—finally—makes without‑a‑car football plausible. Anchor near rail, ride to LAX/Metro Transit Center, grab the free shuttle, and let the rest of your time swing from beach sunrises to SoFi roars to midnight tacos. That's a winning bracket.