Thirty-two years after hosting the 1994 FIFA World Cup Final, Los Angeles is back on the world stage — this time with eight matches, 39 days of events, and a city that has only gotten bigger since.
The World Cup in LA means six weeks of international energy spread across every area, beach, and bar in one of the most electric cities on earth. Whether you’re flying in from abroad or making the drive from another state, this guide covers everything you need: the match schedule, how to get around, what to do between games, and how to get the most out of every day you’re here.
When you’re in one of the most iconic cities in the world, you’ll want to see as much of it as possible. Our highly-rated tours cover all the highlights — the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica, and more — without the stress of navigating city traffic.
Book your Hollywood Bus Tour and make the most of every day in LA.
The Beautiful Game Returns to Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a longer soccer history than most people realize. The city hosted the 1984 Olympic Soccer Tournament, and a decade later, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup Final — the most-watched match in tournament history at the time. That Final drew over 94,000 fans and remains one of the defining moments in American soccer.
Today, LA is home to three professional clubs — LA Galaxy, LAFC, and Angel City FC — and a fanbase that has grown alongside the sport. The city that once introduced soccer to a generation of American viewers is now ready to host the world again.
The FIFA World Cup 26™ arrives as the largest single-sport event ever staged, with 48 nations, 104 matches, and 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Los Angeles is one of those host cities — and right here in LA, the beautiful game gets 39 days it won’t forget.
The 2026 World Cup Match Schedule at SoFi Stadium
Los Angeles will host eight matches at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, running from June 12 through July 10. The stadium — known as Los Angeles Stadium during the tournament — seats approximately 70,000 fans for World Cup matches, making it one of the largest and most impressive venues in the tournament.
The U.S. Men’s National Team opens the tournament right here in Los Angeles on June 12, making the USMNT opening match one of the most in-demand tickets in World Cup history. Here’s the full LA schedule:
- June 12: USA vs. Paraguay — Group Stage (USMNT Opening Match)
- June 15: Iran vs. New Zealand — Group Stage
- June 18: Switzerland vs. TBD — Group Stage
- June 21: Belgium vs. Iran — Group Stage
- June 25: USA vs. TBD — Group Stage
- June 28: Round of 32
- July 2: Round of 32
- July 10: One Quarterfinal
The group stage matches alone make Los Angeles the most exciting place to be in early summer 2026. If you’re planning around the US games specifically, book accommodation and tickets as early as possible — those matches will sell out faster than anything else on the schedule.
Getting to the Los Angeles Region
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary gateway for World Cup visitors, offering nonstop service to 90+ international markets and hundreds of daily domestic flights. One of the most useful facts for match-day planning: LAX sits close to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, making it one of the most conveniently located arrival points for fans coming in from abroad.
Domestic visitors have additional options across the region. Hollywood Burbank Airport serves the north side of the city, Long Beach Airport is a straightforward option for visitors staying on the south side, and Ontario International Airport is a solid choice for those arriving from the Inland Empire or Orange County. San Diego County visitors making the drive up will find the I-5 and I-405 both connect directly to the Inglewood area.
One thing worth planning for regardless of where you land: LA traffic is always a factor, and during World Cup summer it will be worse than usual. Build extra time into every transfer, especially on match days, and look into public transportation options early — more on that in the next section.
Getting to SoFi Stadium and Around Los Angeles
Getting to the stadium on match days requires a plan. Parking at SoFi Stadium is limited and significantly more expensive during World Cup matches than a typical NFL game, and traffic in the Inglewood area will be heavy from several hours before kickoff.
Your best options:
- LA Metro direct bus service: $1.75 each way from nine locations across LA County. Service begins four hours before each match and runs 90 minutes after the final whistle. Key hubs include the LAX/Metro Transit Center (C and K Lines) and Hawthorne/Lennox Station.
- Rideshare: Reliable across Los Angeles on non-match days. Expect surge pricing near the stadium on game days. International visitors should download Uber and Lyft before landing.
- Driving: Not recommended on match days. If you plan to drive, arrive early and budget for premium parking costs.
Getting around the city on non-match days:
Los Angeles spans 500 square miles, and the neighborhoods worth visiting — Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu — don’t connect easily on foot or by rail.
Renting a car gives you freedom across the city — or leave the driving to us and see more with less effort. Our expert driver-guides take you through the best of LA in open-air vans, climate-controlled coaches, or private luxury SUVs, so you can focus on the experience instead of the traffic.
The FIFA Fan Festival and Fan Zones Across Los Angeles
The FIFA Fan Festival™ Los Angeles will transform the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum into a global celebration of football and culture from June 11–15. Live match broadcasts, cultural programming, interactive experiences, live music, and food representing communities from across the world — all free to attend, right in the heart of Exposition Park.
The Coliseum is walkable from the Metro E Line’s Expo Park/USC station, making it one of the easiest venues in the city to reach by public transportation.
Beyond opening weekend, the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 community fan zones bring the energy across the county throughout the tournament:
- Original Farmers Market: June 18–21
- Union Station / LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes: June 25–28
- Hansen Dam Lake: July 2–5
- Venice Beach: July 11
- West Harbor: July 14–15 and July 18–19
- Plus: Downey, Whittier Narrows, Magic Johnson Park, and Fairplex
Leading the celebration is the local host committee for Los Angeles, with Community Chairman Snoop Dogg and ambassadors including soccer legend Cobi Jones, Magic Johnson, Eva Longoria, and Mia Hamm. The host committee has also recognized 26 Community Champions and launched a Grow the Game of Soccer clinic series across the region — a legacy program designed to outlast the tournament itself.
Where to Watch World Cup Games Without a Ticket
Not every match requires a stadium seat. Los Angeles has one of the most vibrant sports bar and watch party scenes in the country, and during the World Cup it will be fully activated for all 104 matches across the tournament.
L.A. LIVE in downtown is the natural hub — Tom’s Watch Bar and the surrounding plaza will run live match screenings throughout the tournament, with the kind of crowd energy that makes even a group stage match feel like an event.
Koreatown is another can’t-miss destination for watch parties. The neighborhood runs late, the food is excellent, and the atmosphere is electric. For US games specifically, arrive early — popular venues will fill up fast.
The Fan Zones listed above cover the rest of the county, bringing free community viewing around the Los Angeles area from June through July.
Experience Hollywood and LA Between Matches at SoFi Stadium
Los Angeles has 39 days of World Cup energy on offer — and the city delivers well beyond the stadium. Whether you have one non-game day or ten, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and more are all within easy reach.
Our tours are designed to show you the best of the city efficiently, with expert driver-guides who know every story worth telling.
And with LA’s 2026 events calendar already stacking up, there’s no shortage of reasons to extend your stay — see everything happening in the city this year.
Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Celebrity Homes Open Air Tour
The star-studded open-air experience through LA’s most iconic neighborhoods, in a small-group van that takes you places larger tours simply can’t reach.
Highlights include:
- The Hollywood Sign
- Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre
- Sunset Strip and West Hollywood
- Mulholland Drive and the Hollywood Hills
- Beverly Hills Sign (photo stop)
- Rodeo Drive
- Celebrity homes — Tom Cruise, Rihanna, Leonardo DiCaprio, and more
Departs hourly with two convenient departure locations — Hollywood Boulevard and Santa Monica Pier.
Half Day Best of LA Tour
The only half-day tour in LA that covers all the major city highlights — three extended stops, one seamless 5.5-hour experience in a climate-controlled coach with big windows and expert narration throughout.
Highlights include:
- Hollywood Walk of Fame or Santa Monica Pier
- The Farmers Market and The Grove
- Griffith Observatory with views of the Hollywood Sign
- Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Bel Air, Melrose Avenue, Museum Row, Paramount Studios, and more along the way
VIP Private SUV Experience
For groups who want a fully customized LA experience, our VIP Private SUV Experience puts a luxury vehicle and expert driver-guide entirely at your disposal. Choose your own itinerary, set your own pace, and see exactly what you want to see — right here in Los Angeles on your terms.
Practical Tips for World Cup Visitors
A little planning goes a long way in LA, especially during one of the biggest major events the city has ever hosted.
If this is your first time in the city, check out our Los Angeles first-timer’s guide.
Weather
June and July in Los Angeles are warm and dry, with temperatures typically ranging from 75–85°F inland. Mornings and evenings near the coast run cooler — a light layer is worth packing if you’re spending time in Santa Monica or at the beach.
Traffic
LA traffic is always a factor, and World Cup summer will be busier than usual across the entire region. Build extra time into every transfer, and treat match days as peak traffic days from several hours before kickoff.
Getting Around
Public transportation is your best friend on match days. For everything else, rideshare is widely available — international visitors should download Uber and Lyft before landing at LAX.
Currency and Payments
The US dollar is the currency across the city. Cards and contactless payments are accepted virtually everywhere; cash is rarely necessary but useful at street vendors and parking meters.
Time Zone
Los Angeles runs on Pacific Time — three hours behind New York and eight hours behind London.
Visa Information
International visitors traveling on a World Cup ticket are eligible for FIFA’s Priority Appointment Scheduling System for US visa appointments. Plan well ahead — processing times vary by country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from LAX to SoFi Stadium?
LAX is one of the most conveniently located airports for World Cup visitors — SoFi Stadium is just a short distance away in Inglewood. On match days, LA Metro runs direct bus service from the LAX/Metro Transit Center to the stadium for $1.75 each way. Rideshare is also available from LAX but expect higher prices on game days. Plan your transfer well in advance and allow extra time for match day traffic.
What is there to do in Los Angeles on non-game days?
Los Angeles has enough to fill every day of a 39-day trip. Hollywood Boulevard, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory, the Farmers Market, and dozens of world-class museums are all within reach. The easiest way to cover the highlights efficiently is with one of our highly-rated Hollywood Bus Tours — our guides handle the driving and the storytelling while you take in the city.
Where will the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final be held?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 19, 2026. Los Angeles is hosting eight matches at SoFi Stadium, including the USMNT opening and a Quarterfinal on July 10.
Are FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets on sale for Los Angeles?
Tickets for all Los Angeles games are available through the official FIFA ticketing platform at FIFA.com. Resale tickets are also available through third-party marketplaces — prices vary significantly depending on the game and seat category.
How much are FIFA World Cup tickets in Los Angeles?
Official ticket prices vary by match and category. Group stage tickets start at lower price points, while knockout stage matches and high-demand games like the USMNT are priced higher. Resale market prices reflect demand and can exceed face value considerably for US games.
How can I buy FIFA World Cup tickets for Los Angeles games?
The official source for tickets is FIFA.com/tickets. For sold-out games, verified resale platforms are the next option. Be cautious of unofficial sources — always purchase through verified sellers to avoid counterfeit tickets.
Do I need a ticket to experience the World Cup in Los Angeles?
Not at all. The FIFA Fan Festival at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the Fan Zones across the county, and the city’s sports bars and watch party venues mean the World Cup experience in LA extends well beyond the stadium.
Make the Most of Your Time Around the World Cup in LA
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a once-in-a-generation event for Los Angeles. The city last hosted in 1994, and the energy, the crowds, and the global attention that come with the world’s largest single-sport event won’t be back for a long time.
The games at SoFi Stadium are the main event — but the days around them are where LA opens up. From Hollywood and Beverly Hills to Santa Monica and beyond, this city has more to offer than most visitors ever get to see. With a little planning, you can do it all.
Our Hollywood Bus Tours are designed for exactly this kind of trip — visitors who want to see the best of LA efficiently, with expert driver-guides who know every story worth telling. Whether you choose our Hollywood, Beverly Hills, & Celebrity Homes Open Air Tour, the Half Day Best of LA Tour, or a fully customized Private SUV Experience, we’ll make sure every day in the city counts.
Book your Hollywood Bus Tour today and see LA the way it’s meant to be seen.
