This article is part of our World Cup Stadium Guides series, in which we look at the 16 venues that will host matches at the 2026 tournament.
In Los Angeles, big stages are part of everyday life. This is the city of stars, where major stories unfold beneath the Hollywood sign and along the star-studded Walk of Fame.
While iconic teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Dodgers have made the city one of the world’s great sporting capitals, football also has its own story here.
LA has helped bring the global game to new audiences since hosting the 1984 Olympic tournament, and later staged the historic 1994 World Cup final between Brazil and Italy at the Rose Bowl.
An overhead view of the 1994 World Cup final at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena (Mike Powell/AllSport)
Today, the sport thrives, with passionate fans behind clubs such as LA Galaxy, Los Angeles FC, and Angel City.
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the spotlight turns to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood — a spectacular, newly built venue for moments that captivate the world.
In a city known for creating unforgettable moments, here’s all you need to know…
What is it normally called? And what will it be called at the World Cup?
The stadium is usually known as SoFi Stadium, but it will be rebranded as Los Angeles Stadium for the tournament.
The venue will be transformed to meet FIFA requirements, as tournament rules do not allow stadiums to use commercial naming rights during the competition. Existing signage will be covered — except at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
When did it open, how much did it cost, and who plays there?
SoFi Stadium became the most expensive sports stadium in the world thanks to a revolutionary build project of more than $5billion (£3.7bn).
The stadium was primarily funded and developed by Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke, who is also involved with Premier League side Arsenal.
It is the shared home of the NFL’s LA Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, and the stadium’s official opening was in September 2020, when the Rams hosted the Dallas Cowboys.
A view of the stadium during the fourth quarter of the LA Rams’ win against the Dallas Cowboys, with the stadium empty due to Covid restrictions (Harry How/Getty Images)
The stadium is a 30-minute drive from Pasadena’s famous Rose Bowl, which hosted the 1994 World Cup final.
What are the most famous moments there?
A major moment arrived during Super Bowl LVI, when the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals on their home turf in February 2022.
The game itself, combined with a dramatic finish (Rams won 23-20), cemented the stadium’s place in the modern sports landscape.
Beyond the game, SoFi gained global exposure through its Super Bowl half-time show featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige. It is regarded as one of the best half-time performances ever.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
SoFi Stadium continues to expand by hosting other major sporting events, and it is set to play a key role at the 2028 Summer Olympics.
How many fans can it hold? Will it be full for the World Cup?
The stadium is expected to seat around 70,000 people for World Cup matches.
Record attendances have exceeded this number in recent times for NFL games. The Rams set a SoFi Stadium record of 75,545 fans during the November 2025 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
An Ed Sheeran concert brought in 81,000 fans when his Mathematics Tour landed here.
The stadium was built to become expandable up to 100,000, with more than 260 luxury suites and more than 13,000 premium seats.
What kind of pitch does it use?
The synthetic field will be replaced with a natural grass surface, specifically in line to host a FIFA competition. The quality of the natural grass will need to be carefully maintained, and, as such, SoFi will use artificial lighting rigs to simulate natural growing conditions.
The stadium is covered by a canopy roof, which takes away 65 per cent of sunlight, and the plan is to spend around 18 hours a day, between matches, stimulating growth.
What will the weather be like?
This is Southern California, one of the sunniest places in the world.
In June and July, you can expect very warm, dry conditions — and rain is very unlikely.
A huge canopy is fitted on top of the stadium, providing a translucent roof, one million square feet in size, which provides shade, weather protection and an awesome look.
The stadium is designed to allow airflow, but in summer conditions, it can still feel warm.
The effects of ‘June Gloom’ might mean there is coastal clouding that creates some cooler conditions, but typically, it can be expected that high temperatures will sit between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27C).
The two games in July could see higher temperatures.
Are there other changes for the World Cup?
The field at SoFi will be elevated 30 inches from its regular position to align with existing stadium infrastructure.
A regulation soccer pitch is also larger than an NFL field, so sections of the stadium will be adjusted to create more space.
The way the stadium was built means parts of the lower structure are demountable and can be adapted.
How do you get there?
SoFi Stadium is set within Hollywood Park, a stunning 300-acre space that is an entertainment hub surrounded by retail, dining and lifestyle options.
It is just a few miles from LAX and can be accessed by car, via major freeways such as the I-405, I-105, and I-10. Be wary of the infamous LA traffic, and parking will be limited around the stadium. Rideshare is available and drop off is on the northbound curb lane on Kareem Court.
Public transport links include the LA Metro, which will run an enhanced service during the tournament. The suggested station for SoFi Stadium is the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station. Park-and-ride is typically available at stations along the C Line.
What can fans expect?
Watching a game here is one of the most thrilling spectator experiences in sport.
Los Angeles Stadium has a stunning 70,000-square-foot oval Infinity Screen suspended 122 feet above the field. It is unlike anything else in the world and delivers stunning graphics and video coverage that ensures every fan feels fully immersed in every moment.
A six-acre lake surrounding the stadium also provides an incredible setting to take a stroll and get excellent views of the area.
(Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)
Anything else?
LA will be hosting special events around the World Cup and the FIFA Fan Festival in Los Angeles will transform the historic Memorial Coliseum into a global celebration of football and culture.
Fans from across the world can come together to watch live games, while also enjoying music and food that reflects the diversity of LA. The five-day festival, from June 11 to 15, will be used to create a buzz around the start of the tournament.
The stadium itself is set within Hollywood Park. Adjacent to it is a 2.5-acre plaza and the 6,000-seat YouTube Theatre.
Which games will be played there?
LA will host eight World Cup matches this summer and the USMNT begin their campaign here, so their match against Paraguay on June 12 will be one of the early highlights of the tournament.
June 12: Group D, USMNT vs Paraguay, 6pm local time, 2am BST
June 15: Group G, Iran vs New Zealand, 6pm local time, 2am BST
June 18: Group B, Switzerland vs Bosnia & Herzegovina/Italy/Northern Ireland/Wales, 12pm local time, 8pm BST
June 21: Group G, Belgium vs Iran, 12pm local time, 8pm BST
June 25: Group D, Kosovo/Romania/Slovakia/Turkey vs USMNT, 7pm local time, 3am BST
June 28: Round of 32 match
July 2: Round of 32 match
July 10: Quarter-final match
The Stadium Guides series is part of a partnership with StubHub.
The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.