Los Angeles is already gearing up for an influx of international visitors when it plays host to eight FIFA World Cup matches in 2026.
The SoFi Stadium will host five group-stage fixtures, two Round of 32 matches and a Quarter-Final. In addition to the U.S. Men’s national team’s opening match on June 12, the stadium will host another group-stage game on June 25. Fans can also book stadium tours to experience the venue before or after matchdays.
The city’s World Cup vibe will extend far beyond the stadium, with 39 days of celebrations planned across Los Angeles from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Highlights will include an official FIFA Fan Festival and multiple Fan Zones throughout the region.
For those watching from the city, LA’s football pub culture will be in full swing. Nearly 40 LAFC-affiliated bars and eateries will host screenings, from La Chuperia in Lincoln Heights to The Sunset Room in Hacienda Heights.
Fans from abroad will find a taste of home at British-themed pubs such as Ye Olde King’s Head in Santa Monica and The Cat and Fiddle in Hollywood, or at Irish favourites like Tom Bergins and Ireland’s 32 (although it doesn’t look like the Ireland team will make the final cut of nations at the tournament).
Los Angeles is positioning itself as more than just a host city. Visitors can pair matchdays with beaches, global cuisine, vibrant neighbourhoods and year-round entertainment.
Fans can catch Angel City FC or LAFC matches (soccer) at BMO Stadium, watch the Dodgers (baseball), see Lakers and Clippers (basketball) games at Crypto.com Arena or the new Intuit Dome, or experience the Rams and Chargers (NFL) at SoFi Stadium.
City options during the World Cup include the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, new hotels like Hotel Lucille and Mama Shelter DTLA, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Fast and Furious Rollercoaster, Noma’s Los Angeles residency and the return of Dine LA Restaurant Week.
Transport improvements will help visitors move smoothly around the city. LA Metro is introducing a dedicated SoFi Stadium Shuttle and expanding rail service, while LAX’s ongoing modernization – including the Automated People Mover – will streamline airport transfers by linking terminals directly to the Metro network.
