Los Angeles 2026: What you need to know about World Cup preparations
Los Angeles isn't just waiting. The Californian metropolis is already in full swing to host eight matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026, a tournament that will take place from June 11 to July 19 simultaneously in three countries. Canada, Mexico, United States: a first in the history of the competition. And LA wants to live up to it.
Los Angeles prepares for World Cup 2026
With 8 matches on the program and 39 days of tournament-related activities, the city is sparing no effort. The local organizing committee, Los Angeles FWC26, orchestrates coordination between federal authorities, municipal services, and private partners. Working groups dedicated to security, logistical planning for visitor flows, adaptation of public transport: each aspect progresses in parallel.
Investments are concrete. Not just announcements.
What SoFi Stadium has already changed
On March 5, 2025, a FIFA-compliant test pitch was planted at SoFi Stadium for a month of evaluation. Technical teams are currently testing lighting conditions, mowing protocols, and all criteria imposed by the international federation. Nothing is left to chance. For transportation, access to the stadium in Inglewood is undergoing targeted adjustments to absorb the tens of thousands of spectators expected at each match.
To follow progress in other American cities, the preparations in San Francisco offer an interesting point of comparison.
What this World Cup will leave the city
- SoFi Stadium, recently inaugurated, will be reused for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, making current investments largely profitable.
- Los Angeles hosts a 48-team tournament, the first expanded format since 1998: unprecedented media exposure for the city.
- Security protocols and logistical solutions developed for this event will be directly reusable for future large gatherings.
- Modernized reception infrastructures, improved transport, and redesigned tourist areas will remain accessible long after the final whistle.
SoFi Stadium, the venue that hosts everything
Located in Inglewood, in southwest California, SoFi Stadium is the only venue selected for Los Angeles matches. Its capacity is around 70,000 seats, under a translucent roof that protects the stands without blocking natural light.
What strikes first is the Infinity Screen: a 360° suspended screen broadcasting 4K images all around the field. A system designed for both spectators in the stands and global television broadcasting. Wide corridors and oversized catering areas were designed from construction to absorb large flows during major events.
Of the 16 stadiums selected worldwide for this edition, SoFi is among the most recent venues. It will also serve as the main site for the opening ceremony of the 2028 Olympics.
Match schedule and economic impact
FIFA published the full schedule on February 4, 2024. Los Angeles is assigned 8 matches spread over three phases.
Matches officially allocated to LA
| Match Type | Number |
| Group Stage | 5 matches |
| Round of 32 | 2 matches |
| Quarter-finals | 1 match |
| Total | 8 matches |
Confirmed matches in Los Angeles:
- June 12, 2026: USA vs Paraguay (USMNT opener)
- June 15, 2026: Iran vs New Zealand
- June 18, 2026: Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
- June 21, 2026: Additional group stage match
- June 26, 2026: Additional group stage match
- June 28, 2026: Round of 32 match
- Dates to be confirmed: Second Round of 32 match and quarter-final
What this means economically
More than 10,772 tickets are available for the USA-Paraguay opening match alone. International demand is already strong. Hospitality, restaurants, transport, retail: each sector anticipates a significant increase in activity over the 39 days the event lasts in the city.
Satellite events complement the system to distribute flows across the region:
- Earvin "Magic" Johnson Park (July 4-5)
- Whittier Narrows (July 9-11)
- Venice Beach (July 11)
- Fairplex (July 14-15, July 18-19)
The continuous presence of international visitors during three phases of competition guarantees prolonged media exposure, well beyond a simple match weekend.
To go further
Los Angeles is moving fast, and preparations are taking shape week after week. Infrastructure, schedule, local organization: the city is building something that will last beyond the final whistle. To follow all the host cities and stadiums involved in this edition, find all the information on our dedicated World Cup 2026 portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Los Angeles match schedule be announced?
It's already done. FIFA published the full schedule on February 4, 2024. The 8 matches in Los Angeles are spread from June 12 to June 28, 2026, with group stages, round of 32, and a quarter-final.
Which stadium will host the matches in Los Angeles?
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, and only it. Approximately 70,000 seats, translucent roof, 360° 4K Infinity Screen. It is one of the most modern venues among the 16 selected worldwide for this tournament.
How will Los Angeles manage the influx of visitors during the World Cup?
Public transport, stadium access, and reception areas are undergoing ongoing adjustments. Satellite events distributed in several districts of the region will help decentralize part of the flows. The stadium itself was designed to absorb large crowds thanks to its wide corridors and appropriately sized catering areas.
Will the 2026 World Cup final be held in Los Angeles?
No. The final will be played at MetLife Stadium, in New York/New Jersey, on July 19, 2026. Los Angeles hosts a quarter-final, which remains a high-stakes match with a massive international audience.
What legacy will the 2026 World Cup leave for Los Angeles?
SoFi Stadium and related infrastructures will be directly reused for the 2028 Olympic Games. The logistical protocols developed for the World Cup will serve as a basis for subsequent events. And the urban developments carried out by then will remain available to visitors long after the competition.