Los Angeles and SoFi Stadium: the World Cup comes to Hollywood
Los Angeles is hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, just south of LAX and 13 miles from Downtown LA. For many fans, a World Cup trip to LA represents the chance to combine elite football with one of the world's most mythologised cities — the beaches of Santa Monica and Malibu, the palm-lined boulevards of Beverly Hills, the hills of Griffith Park, and the perpetual sunshine that makes the city famous.
SoFi Stadium opened in 2020 as the most expensive stadium ever built (approximately $5.5 billion). It is a genuinely spectacular venue — enclosed roof, massive video screen visible from outside, 70,000-seat capacity (expandable to over 100,000 for major events), and a design that frames panoramic views of the surrounding city. For the World Cup, it will host several matches across the group stage and knockout rounds.
LA in late June and July is in peak summer: hot, sunny, and with low humidity compared to the East Coast or Texas. Temperatures typically reach 27–32°C (80–90°F) inland and 20–25°C (68–77°F) on the coast due to the marine layer. The stadium's enclosed design provides shade — a significant advantage over open-air venues.
Getting to SoFi Stadium from Los Angeles
SoFi Stadium is in Inglewood, which has historically been poorly served by public transport. However, the Metro K Line (Crenshaw/LAX Line) now provides rail access, substantially changing the situation.
Metro K Line (recommended): Take the K Line to the Inglewood/Downtown Inglewood station, then walk approximately 15–20 minutes to the stadium, or catch a shuttle. The K Line connects to the E Line (Expo Line) at Crenshaw/Exposition, giving you access from Santa Monica, Culver City, and Downtown LA. Journey time from Downtown Santa Monica to the stadium area: approximately 45 minutes. From Downtown LA (7th St/Metro Center): approximately 35 minutes. Metro runs extended service on event days — check metro.net for schedules.
Rideshare: Uber or Lyft from most of LA takes 20–50 minutes depending on location and time. Expect surge pricing on match days — $40–$100+ from central locations. The stadium has a dedicated rideshare drop-off zone. If using rideshare, set your destination to 'SoFi Stadium rideshare' to be routed correctly.
Driving and parking: The stadium has extensive parking on site and in the surrounding area ($50–$80 per event day). Interstate 405 (San Diego Freeway) and Interstate 105 both serve the area. Budget significant time for traffic on match days — Los Angeles traffic is notoriously difficult and event days amplify this considerably. Add 1–1.5 hours to your estimated drive time.
LAX proximity: SoFi Stadium is approximately 3 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). If arriving on match day, you can take a rideshare direct from the terminal — but factor in that the entire LAX area is congested on busy event days.
Where to stay in Los Angeles for the World Cup
LA is a sprawling city — where you stay shapes your entire experience. There is no single obvious choice; it depends on whether you prioritise beach access, walkability, nightlife, or proximity to the stadium.
Santa Monica and Venice (best beach base): The classic LA experience. Hotels along Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica offer Pacific Ocean views and access to the beach, the Third Street Promenade, and the Santa Monica Pier. Venice Beach adds bohemian character. Metro K/E Line gives stadium access. Rates: $250–$500/night for mid-range seafront options.
West Hollywood and Hollywood: Central to LA's entertainment district, Sunset Strip, and nightlife. Good for the full LA pop-culture experience. Rideshare to the stadium is straightforward. Rates: $200–$450/night.
Downtown LA: More affordable, walkable, and convenient for the Metro system. The Arts District, Grand Central Market, and the Broad museum are excellent. Metro access to the stadium via the E Line connection. Rates: $150–$350/night.
Inglewood (closest to stadium): Several hotel options within 1–2 miles of SoFi Stadium in the Renaissance and Hilton properties near the forum complex. Least suited to general LA tourism but maximally convenient for match days. Rates: $180–$350/night.
Beverly Hills: Expensive ($400–$900/night) but an iconic LA address for those who want the full Hollywood experience. Rodeo Drive is walkable.
Los Angeles beyond the stadium: what to see and do
LA is a car-centric city built for discovery — but with the Metro K and E lines now running, more of it is accessible without driving than at any previous point in the city's history.
Beaches: Santa Monica Beach and the Santa Monica Pier are the iconic entry point. Drive or cycle north along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to Malibu (32 miles) for more dramatic scenery and celebrity beach hangouts. Manhattan Beach (south of Santa Monica) is a beautiful alternative with a more local, less touristy feel.
Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park: The single best viewpoint for the LA skyline, the Hollywood Sign, and the Pacific on clear days. The observatory is free to enter and perched above the city in a large urban park. The hike from Los Feliz takes about 45 minutes; rideshare or drive up directly.
The Getty Center: One of the world's great art museums, free to enter (parking charge applies), with extraordinary architecture and gardens overlooking the city. Allow 3–4 hours.
Universal Studios Hollywood: If travelling with family or wanting the theme park experience, this is a full day. On busy summer days, expect long queues — buy FastPass in advance.
Food culture: LA's food scene is extraordinary — and more diverse than its international reputation as an avocado-toast city suggests. Koreatown (4 miles east of Hollywood) is one of the world's best Korean dining concentrations. Thai Town (East Hollywood) is equally excellent. Grand Central Market in Downtown has excellent tacos, pupusas, and ramen. In-N-Out Burger is a California institution — go once.
World Cup fan zones: Expect major fan zones in Downtown LA and possibly Santa Monica. The city's large Latin American population means the World Cup atmosphere will be extraordinary on match days for teams from Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia.
The SoFi Stadium match day experience
SoFi Stadium offers one of the most technically sophisticated match-day experiences in world football. The stadium's defining feature is its translucent ETFE roof — it provides shade while allowing natural light in, eliminating the oppressive heat-trap effect of some covered venues.
The Oculus screen: A 70,000 sq ft double-sided video board circles the field — the largest in any sports venue in the world. Pre-match and half-time entertainment will utilise this to extraordinary effect.
Arrival and security: Plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before kick-off. Security at American football events is strict — bags must be clear (4.5 gallon transparent bags, or no bags at all). Check FIFA's specific bag policy for World Cup events as it may differ from standard NFL events. Metal detector wands or walk-through scanners are standard.
Food and drink: SoFi has an extensive food hall concept with dozens of local LA restaurant and food brand partners — far superior to typical stadium food. Expect burritos, sushi burritos, acai bowls, gourmet burgers, and LA-specific food culture alongside standard stadium fare.
Access for international fans: International fans should be aware that US stadium security is more stringent than in many countries — leave bags at the hotel, carry only essentials in a clear bag, and avoid bringing anything that might cause delays at security.
Sample 5-day Los Angeles World Cup itinerary
Day 1 — Arrive and settle: Check in, walk the beach at Santa Monica or Venice, dinner on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice (LA's most interesting restaurant street).
Day 2 — Classic LA: Morning at Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign viewpoint. Drive down Sunset Boulevard through Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills. Afternoon on Rodeo Drive. Evening in West Hollywood — Sunset Strip bars and restaurants.
Day 3 — Match day: Metro K/E Line to Inglewood or rideshare direct. Arrive 2 hours early. Full match experience at SoFi Stadium. Return by Metro (fastest option post-match).
Day 4 — Culture day: Morning at the Getty Center (3–4 hours). Lunch in Brentwood or Bel-Air. Afternoon at the Broad or MOCA in Downtown LA. Evening at Grand Central Market, then walk the Arts District.
Day 5 — Beach and departure: Morning swim at Santa Monica or Manhattan Beach. Late breakfast. Transfer to LAX (allow 90 minutes for check-in including potential traffic).
For a longer trip, add: a day at Universal Studios Hollywood, a drive to Joshua Tree National Park (2.5 hours), or a day trip to San Diego (2 hours south — a World Cup host city in its own right) for the Balboa Park museums and Gaslamp Quarter.
Planning tips for a World Cup trip to Los Angeles
Book early: Hotel inventory in LA drops fast for major events. The city receives 50 million visitors annually even without the World Cup — add international football fans and expect limited availability at short notice.
Rent a car only if you're leaving the city: Within the LA metro area, a combination of rideshare and Metro rail is more practical than renting a car, which requires parking ($25–$60/day) and navigating LA traffic. Rent only if you plan to drive to Malibu, Joshua Tree, or San Diego.
LA is big: The city is 44 miles across. If you're trying to see Venice Beach, the Getty, Griffith Park, and Koreatown in a single day, you will spend half of it in traffic. Cluster activities by neighbourhood and plan geographically.
Sunshine protection: UV index in LA in July is 'Very High' to 'Extreme'. Sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses, and a hat are non-negotiable at outdoor venues or on the beach.
Tipping: Same as the rest of the US — 18–22% at restaurants is standard and expected. Factor this into your food budget.