2026 World Cup at SoFi Stadium: Dates, Tickets, and Travel Tips

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be one of those once-in-a-lifetime events, and Los Angeles will be right in the middle of it all.

SoFi Stadium in Inglewood is hosting eight matches, including games for the USMNT and even a quarter-final. With only so many seats and fans flying in from everywhere, grabbing tickets early and sorting your travel plans isn’t just smart—it’s pretty much necessary.

If you’re not feeling the whole official FIFA lottery stress, Barry’s Ticket Service might be worth checking out. They’ve got verified ticket listings with authenticity guarantees, so you know you’re not taking a gamble.

For games like the USMNT opener on June 12, 2026, that extra peace of mind is huge because those tickets will sell out quickly.

Key Dates for World Cup Matches at SoFi Stadium

SoFi Stadium’s match schedule makes it one of the premier destinations for the 2026 World Cup. The venue will host:

Five group stage matches, including two featuring the USMNT
Two Round of 32 knockout matches
One quarter-final on July 10, 2026

The USMNT opener will be the centerpiece of Los Angeles’ World Cup experience, drawing fans from across the country. Tickets for this game are expected to be among the hardest to secure in the entire tournament.

How to Buy Tickets for the 2026 World Cup

FIFA is selling tickets in stages. The first shot comes on September 10, 2025, when a global lottery opens. Fans basically throw their name in the hat before the matchups are even set, and then the winners get picked randomly.

Later phases happen after the team draws and then again as the tournament gets closer.

Didn’t land tickets through FIFA? You’re not out of luck. Secondary markets like Barry’s Ticket Service list verified seats from sellers, so at least you’re protected.

Prices there are higher, yeah, but if you want a guaranteed spot so you can book flights and hotels without stressing—it’s the way to go.

Ticket Price Expectations

While official FIFA pricing will be lower, secondary market ranges for SoFi Stadium matches are expected to be:

Group Stage: $1,700 – $8,000
USMNT Matches: $3,000 – $15,000
Knockout Rounds: $5,000 – $20,000+

Prices will likely rise as the tournament approaches, particularly for USMNT and elimination matches.

Choosing The Best Seats At SoFi Stadium For 2026 FIFA World Cup Matches

SoFi Stadium’s soccer configuration seats approximately 70,000 fans. Options range from premium field-level seats to panoramic upper-deck views:

100 Level: Closest to the pitch for an immersive experience
200 Level: Premium club seating with enhanced amenities
300 Level: Balanced views at a moderate price point
400–500 Levels: Budget-friendly with a bird’s-eye perspective
Luxury Suites: Private, climate-controlled with VIP perks

Choosing a seat depends on your budget, desired atmosphere, and how close you want to be to the action.

Getting to SoFi Stadium

Located just three miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), SoFi Stadium is accessible by public transit, rideshare, and shuttle services.

Parking will be limited and costly, making public transportation a smart choice. The stadium is surrounded by hotels and entertainment areas, allowing fans to make the most of their visit.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

To avoid long commutes on match days, consider accommodations in Inglewood, El Segundo, or nearby beach cities like Manhattan Beach.

Downtown Los Angeles is also an option, offering cultural attractions and nightlife within a 30–40 minute drive of the stadium.

Travel Tips for a Smooth World Cup Experience

Book early: Flights and hotels are going to fill up way ahead of time.
Stay flexible: Multiple ticket options give you better odds.
Go digital: All tickets will be mobile-only through the FIFA app.
Plan extra time: Security lines and traffic will be brutal on match days.

Why Planning Ahead Matters

Only eight matches will be played at SoFi Stadium.

There is a global demand for the tickets.

How Is Los Angeles And The Entire USA Gearing Up For The FIFA World Cup 2026?

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 2028 Summer Olympics impending in 2028, Los Angeles is getting ready to revive its sports tourism scenario.

In fact, the U.S. Travel Association has formed America’s Sports and Travel Mega Event Coalition (ASTMEC) to take care of the planning and preparation of these two mega sports events.

Furthermore, the Trump Administration will have a task force in Los Angeles for managing the 2028 Summer Olympics. These task forces and associations ensure smooth management of the crowd. This is crucial as there will be a major international tourist inflow as the country is hosting the Summer Olympics after 1984.

Other states chosen as the venues for these gala events are:

Dallas
Chicago
New York

So, overall, these global tourism events have given Los Angeles and other states in the USA a massive chance to improve their infrastructure and facilities.

How Is America’s Sports And Travel Mega Event Coalition (ASTMEC) Helping In The Sports Tourism Boom?

ASTMEC is working with various stakeholders to make these events a gala success. These stakeholders include:

Travel and Tourism Industries
Security
Defense
The US Travel Association
Foreign Stakeholders
Federal Officers

Moreover, ASTMEC will ensure that all visitors to the event get a seamless entry and exit from the country. This is also applicable to the participants of the sports events.

Another major area to take care of is providing accommodation for the tourists and participants. However, the changing policies of the Trump Administration and strained international relations caused by them remain a challenge for ASTMEC.