SoFi Stadium

Venue Information

For fans journeying to the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, stands ready as a premier host venue. Known as "Los Angeles Stadium" for the tournament, this state-of-the-art facility promises an unforgettable soccer experience, blending cutting-edge design with Southern California's vibrant culture.

Venue Overview

SoFi Stadium, located in Inglewood, California, is a remarkable multi-purpose indoor-outdoor stadium that officially opened on September 8, 2020. It is the centerpiece of the Hollywood Park complex, a vast mixed-use development, and serves as the home for both the NFL's Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. The stadium's construction cost an estimated $5-6 billion, making it one of the most expensive sports venues ever built.

Its significance for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is immense, as it's one of the key venues in the United States, hosting eight matches, including the U.S. Men's National Team's opening fixture. Beyond the group stage, SoFi Stadium will also host two Round of 32 knockout matches and a coveted Quarter-Final on July 10, making Los Angeles the only U.S. city to host a Quarter-Final.

Match Schedule & Events

SoFi Stadium is set to host eight thrilling matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026. The schedule includes a mix of group stage clashes and crucial knockout rounds. All times listed are in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).

• Friday, June 12, 2026, 6 PM PT: USA vs Paraguay (Group Stage - U.S. Men's National Team Opener)
• Monday, June 15, 2026, 6 PM PT: Iran vs New Zealand (Group Stage)
• Thursday, June 18, 2026, 12 PM PT: Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group Stage)
• Sunday, June 21, 2026, 12 PM PT: Belgium vs Iran (Group Stage)
• Thursday, June 25, 2026, 7 PM PT: Türkiye vs USA (Group Stage - U.S. Men's National Team Game 3)
• Sunday, June 28, 2026, 12 PM PT: Round of 32 (South Africa vs Canada)
• Thursday, July 2, 2026, 12 PM PT: Round of 32 (Spain vs Austria)
• Friday, July 10, 2026, 12 PM PT: Quarter-Final (Spain vs Belgium)

Getting There — Transport & Access

SoFi Stadium is located in Inglewood, a suburb of Los Angeles, approximately 3-4 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Navigating the area on match days will require planning due to anticipated heavy traffic.

Nearest Airports:

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): The closest and most convenient major airport, just a few miles from the stadium. Many nearby hotels cater to LAX travelers.
• Hawthorne Municipal Airport (HHR): Even closer at 2.6 miles, primarily for private and corporate aviation.
• Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): Located about 16.9 miles away, offering another option for domestic flights.

Public Transit Options:

LA Metro is significantly enhancing its services for the World Cup, making public transit a highly recommended option to avoid traffic and parking costs.

• Metro K Line (Crenshaw Line): Take the K Line to Westchester/Veterans Station, which is a short walk from the stadium's south entrance.
• From LAX: Take the free LAX shuttle to Aviation/LAX Station and transfer directly to the K Line.
• Metro C Line (Green Line): Connect to the SoFi Stadium Shuttle at Hawthorne/Lennox Station.
• SoFi Stadium Express Shuttle: Free shuttle service operates between the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station (Bus Bay 8) and SoFi Stadium during major events, running every 3-5 minutes, starting 3 hours before kickoff and continuing for 90 minutes after the game.
• Regional Bus Lines: Metro Bus Line 115 (Manchester Av), Line 117 (Century Bl), and Line 212 (La Brea Av/Prairie Av) offer year-round service to the area.
• Culver CityBus SoFi Express (Line S9): A direct connection from the Culver City Transit Center at Westfield Mall, operating approximately every 20 minutes, starting three hours before kickoff. Fare is $1.75 each way.
• Metrolink: For those coming from further afield in Southern California, Metrolink offers service, with connections to Metro lines and shuttles to the stadium.

Parking & Recommended Routes:

Driving to SoFi Stadium is possible, but extreme traffic congestion is expected on match days, especially given its proximity to LAX and major freeways (I-405, I-105, I-110).

• On-site Parking: SoFi Stadium offers multiple large on-site parking lots. Advance purchase of parking passes is highly recommended, as drive-up and walk-up rates will be more expensive, and spaces are not guaranteed without pre-booking. Parking passes are tied to color-coded zones, so ensure you are heading to the correct entrance. Parking lots typically open 2 to 4 hours prior to the event.
• Inglewood Park & Go: The City of Inglewood offers remote parking locations with shuttle services to the Intermodal Transit Facility next to the stadium. This is a convenient and affordable option.
• Rideshare: Designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up zones are located on Pincay Drive. Expect surge pricing and significant wait times post-match.
• Street Parking: Residential and commercial streets around SoFi Stadium have very limited legal parking due to extensive permit-only and event-day restrictions, with strict enforcement. Do not rely on finding street parking.

Recommendation: Public transport, especially the enhanced Metro shuttle services, is strongly advised to minimize stress and delays. Arrive early, regardless of your chosen transport method.

Fan Experience & Atmosphere

SoFi Stadium is designed to deliver a premium fan experience, both inside and out.

• Seating and Views: The stadium offers a capacity of 70,240, expandable to over 100,000 for major events. There are more than 260 luxury suites and over 13,000 premium seats. Club Seats along the 100 and 200 levels are highly regarded for their amenities and sightlines. The stadium's design ensures excellent views of the action, complemented by the massive 360-degree, dual-sided 4K HDR Infinity Screen (formerly known as "the Oculus") suspended above the field.
• Food & Drink Options: SoFi Stadium boasts a wide array of food and beverage options, catering to diverse tastes. You'll find classic stadium fare like hot dogs and nachos, alongside a taste of Los Angeles with options like LA Street Dogs (bacon-wrapped with caramelized onions and jalapeño aioli), Baja fish tacos, poke, bulgogi bowls, and loaded barbecue fries. There are also grab-and-go markets, self-ordering kiosks, and several full-service bars. Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted, with exceptions for one factory-sealed 20 oz. or less water bottle.
• Nearby Attractions & Fan Zones: The stadium is part of the larger Hollywood Park complex, which will feature retail, office space, and residential areas. The adjacent American Airlines Plaza and the 6,000-seat YouTube Theater also sit under the same roof canopy. Beyond the immediate vicinity, fans can explore the diverse attractions of Los Angeles, including downtown LA, Hollywood, Santa Monica's beaches, and the cultural offerings in Torrance.
• Official FIFA Fan Festival™ Los Angeles: The primary fan festival will be a ticketed event held at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum during the opening days of the tournament (June 11-14).
• Regional Fan Zones: Throughout the tournament, ten Official Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zones will extend the celebrations across the region. Locations include the Original Farmers' Market, the City of Downey (Stonewood Center), Los Angeles Union Station, Hansen Dam Lake, Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park, Whittier Narrows, Venice Beach, Fairplex in Pomona, West Harbor, and Downtown Burbank. These zones will offer live match screenings, interactive activities, and various vendors.

Stadium Features & Specifications

SoFi Stadium is an architectural marvel designed by HKS.

• Capacity: 70,240 fixed seats, expandable to over 100,000 for major events.
• Surface Type: For the FIFA World Cup 2026, the stadium's usual artificial turf will be replaced with a revolutionary hybrid natural-grass pitch. This system uses a living carpet of Kentucky bluegrass reinforced with synthetic fibers, ensuring FIFA's natural grass requirements are met while maintaining durability.
• Roof: Features an independently supported translucent canopy made of 302 ETFE panels, 46 of which can be opened for ventilation. This innovative roof provides shelter from weather elements while allowing natural light to flood the venue. The canopy also has 27,000 embedded LED pucks that can display images and video, visible even from planes flying into LAX.
• Year Opened: September 8, 2020.
• Notable Architectural Features:
• Sunken Bowl: The stadium bowl is built 100 feet below ground level to comply with height restrictions due to its proximity to LAX flight paths, a distinctive and impressive engineering feat.
• Infinity Screen by Samsung: An ovular, double-sided 4K HDR video board, the first of its kind, suspended from the roof. It weighs 2.2 million pounds and features nearly 80 million pixels, ensuring visibility from every seat.
• Indoor-Outdoor Design: Despite being covered by a roof, the stadium maintains an open-air feel with open sides, blending indoor comfort with the Southern California climate.
• Renovations for 2026: Beyond the significant installation of the hybrid natural-grass pitch, minor renovations were undertaken to increase the field size to meet FIFA requirements.

Tips for Visiting Fans

• Arrival Times: Arrive at the stadium well in advance of kickoff, typically 2-4 hours before, to navigate security, find your seats, and enjoy the pre-match atmosphere. Public transport shuttles also begin service 3 hours before games.
• Bag Policy: SoFi Stadium enforces a strict clear bag policy. Permitted bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and no larger than 12" x 6" x 12". Small non-clear clutch bags (up to 4.5" x 6.5") are also allowed. Traditional backpacks and large purses are prohibited. Bag valet services are available for a fee if you arrive with a non-compliant bag.
• Weather Considerations: Games in June and July in Inglewood will be warm and sunny, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 20.8°C to 24.4°C (69.4°F to 75.9°F), and highs sometimes approaching 30°C (86°F). Rainfall during these months is minimal to non-existent. While the stadium has a roof, its open sides allow for airflow. Dress in layers, stay hydrated, and be prepared for sun exposure when outside the stadium.
• Accessibility: SoFi Stadium prioritizes accessibility. Wheelchair and companion seating are available on every level and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. The stadium offers mobility ambassadors, wheelchair escorts from entries to seats, accessible restrooms, elevators, and an assistive listening system. Service animals are welcome. ADA parking is available in all zones on a first-come, first-served basis with a valid ADA placard and prepaid parking pass.
• Local Tips:
• Hydration: Bring one factory-sealed water bottle (20 oz. or less) into the stadium and utilize hydration stations.
• Explore Hollywood Park: Arrive early to explore the surrounding Hollywood Park complex and its amenities.
• Fan Zones: Take advantage of the official FIFA Fan Festival at the LA Memorial Coliseum and the numerous regional fan zones across Los Angeles County for additional celebrations and viewing parties.