Los Angeles 2026 FIFA World Cup City Guide
Los Angeles hosts 8 matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including two matches for host USA. This complete guide covers everything World Cup fans need for visiting Los Angeles in June and July 2026.
Quick Navigation
- City Overview
- Match Schedule
- Getting There
- Where to Stay
- Soccer Culture
- Soccer Bars
- Must-See vs Local Favorites
- Local Resources
- Walk/Bike Guide
- Local Creators
- Pickup Soccer
- Outdoor Activities
City Overview & Practical Information
- Official Sites:
- Weather in June/July:
- June average: High 79°F (26°C), Low 61°F (16°C), Precipitation: <0.2in (dry, sunny, coastal breezes).
- July average: High 83°F (28°C), Low 65°F (18°C), Precipitation: <0.1in.
- Tips: Sunblock, hats, and hydration essential; evenings cool near coast.
- Local Phrases/Customs:
- No unique customs required, but LA is famously diverse and laid-back. “The Westside” means Santa Monica/Brentwood; locals call Inglewood “City of Champions” for its stadiums.
- Tipping 18–20% is expected at restaurants/bars.
- Safety Tips:
- Tourist areas (Downtown, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Inglewood) are well-patrolled, but remain street-smart especially after dark.
- Watch transit schedules at night; avoid walking alone in sparsely populated neighborhoods near stadium.
- Traffic volume and congestion are major challenges; recommend public transit or rideshare for matches.
- Essential Apps:
- Metro Micro (App Store, Google Play) – LA Metro rideshare/microtransit.
- Transit LA (App Store, Google Play) – trip planner, real-time arrivals.
- Uber (App Store, Google Play) and Lyft (App Store, Google Play).
- Lime (App Store, Google Play) and Bird (App Store, Google Play) for scooter rentals.
- Airport Information:
- Main Airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Hub airlines: American, Delta, United, Alaska, Southwest.
- Flight Booking: Google Flights, Expedia, Skyscanner
Match Schedule & Host City Details
All matches will be played at SoFi Stadium (venue name for FIFA: Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood).
| Match Number | Date | Kickoff Time | Round Type | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | June 12, 2026 | TBD | Group Stage | TBD |
| 15 | June 15, 2026 | TBD | Group Stage | TBD |
| 26 | June 18, 2026 | TBD | Group Stage | TBD |
| 39 | June 21, 2026 | TBD | Group Stage | TBD |
| 59 | June 25, 2026 | TBD | Group Stage | TBD |
| 73 | June 29, 2026 | TBD | Round of 32 | TBD |
| 84 | July 5, 2026 | TBD | Round of 32 | TBD |
| 98 | July 10, 2026 | TBD | Quarterfinal | TBD |
- Stadium Capacity: 70,240 (expandable for FIFA matches)
- Stadium Review: SoFi Stadium – Stadium Guide
- Fan Zone: Main FIFA Fan Fest planned for Exposition Park near downtown; additional official viewings in Hollywood Park and LA Live expected.
- Official FIFA Schedule: World Cup 2026 Match Schedule
- Fan Fest Info: Los Angeles Host Committee
Getting to the Stadium & Fan Fest
Stadium: SoFi Stadium (1001 Stadium Dr, Inglewood, CA 90301)
- Public Transport:
- Board LA Metro C Line (Green) to Hawthorne/Lennox, connect free shuttle or Metro Micro to stadium.
- Use Transit LA for real-time arrivals and shuttle notifications.
- Dedicated FIFA shuttle service expected during match days—check official FIFA LA Travel Guide for updates.
- Driving & Parking:
- Onsite lots require advance booking (ParkWhiz), expect lengthy traffic delays.
- Rideshare drop-off—designated zones off Kareem Court and Pincay Dr, follows live event traffic advisories.
- Walking & Biking:
- Walk from Inglewood’s main hotel strip or Park/Entertainment district: 12–40 min, safe daylight hours.
- Dedicated bike racks available at stadium (LADOT Bike Program).
- Scooter rentals (Bird, Lime) permitted in Inglewood core but not inside stadium; follow geofence maps in-app.
- Event days: Streets closed to non-residents, follow FIFA/Metro detour warnings.
Fan Fest: Exposition Park (700 Exposition Park Dr, LA, CA 90037)
- Public Transport:
- LA Metro Expo Line (E) to Expo Park/USC station, direct access to park.
- Driving/Parking:
- Paid garages at park, limited surface lots, recommend rideshare/public transit.
- Best Practices:
- Arrive early for major matches/events—security screenings and queues.
- Follow FIFA’s app and host committee social feeds for temporary street closures.
Top Neighborhoods to Stay In
| Neighborhood | Description & Vibe | Safety & Transit | Verification Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown LA | Urban, vibrant, arts/events, walkable | High, Metro hub | Discover LA – Downtown |
| Culver City | Trendy, central, near stadium | Very high, Metro G/E lines | Timeout LA – Culver City |
| Inglewood | Stadium city, mixed lodging, local eats | Good, walkable, Metro C | LA Times – Inglewood |
| Santa Monica | Beach, nightlife, luxury/hostels | High, Expo Line, Big Blue Bus | Santa Monica Travel & Tourism |
| West Hollywood | Entertainment, LGBTQ+, food/bars | Very high, Metro, walkable | Visit West Hollywood |
| Koreatown | Food, dense, nightlife, budget hotels | High, Metro Red/Purple | Discover LA – Koreatown |
Lodging Booking Sites:
Soccer Culture & History
- MLS Clubs: LA Galaxy, LAFC, plus Angel City FC (NWSL).
- Historic Soccer Venues: Rose Bowl (1994 final), Banc of California Stadium – both host major club/international matches.
- Supporter Cultures: Galaxians (Galaxy), The 3252 (LAFC), Angel City Brigade (ACFC) with loud, creative, inclusive matchday events.
- Murals & Art: Soccer murals throughout LA Arts District, Pico-Union, Koreatown; official World Cup art installations planned for Hollywood Park and Exposition Park.
- Community Groups: Soccer Without Borders LA, LA Soccer Club, frequent community pop-ups & tournaments.
Top Soccer Bars & Watch Spots
| Venue | Address | Transit | Atmosphere / Crowd | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Greyhound Bar & Grill | 5570 N Figueroa St, Highland Park | Metro Gold Line Highland Park | Local supporters, big screens, lively | Yelp |
| Legends Sports Bar | 5236 E 2nd St, Long Beach | Metro Blue Line | Famous for World Cup watch parties | TripAdvisor |
| The Irish Times Pub & Restaurant | 3267 Motor Ave, Palms | Metro Expo Line | Soccer loyalists, family-friendly | Google Maps |
| 2nd Half Sports Grill | 206 S Manhattan Pl, Koreatown | Metro Wilshire/Western | EPL/MLS/World Cup fans, food specials | Yelp |
| Banc of California Stadium – Founders Club | 3939 S Figueroa St, LA | Metro Expo Line | Official club watch parties, open to public | Timeout LA |
Further Research Sources:
Tourist Hits vs Local Favorites
Tourist Must-Sees
| Attraction | Visiting Info & Link |
|---|---|
| The Getty Center | Art, architecture, panoramic views; free entry, shuttle access |
| Hollywood Walk of Fame | Iconic sidewalk, museums, event spaces |
| Griffith Observatory | Hiking, views; free entry, paid parking |
| Santa Monica Pier | Beach, amusement park, food/shops |
| Universal Studios Hollywood | Rides, studio tours, events |
Local Favorites
| Spot | Description & Verification | Link |
|---|---|---|
| LACMA Urban Light | Iconic photo spot, evening walks—near Metro | LACMA Urban Light |
| El Matador Beach | Malibu hideaway, scenic cliffs—best with car/Uber | Visit California |
| Grand Central Market | Street food, local events—walkable from Metro Pershing Square | Timeout LA |
| Echo Park Lake | Pedal boats, walking loops, skyline views | LA Parks |
| Arts District Murals | Public art walks, breweries, events | Discover LA |
Best Local Blogs & Curated Sites
To Do:
Food:
Nightlife:
Bike/Walk Friendly Score & Articles
- Walk Score: 67/100 (“Somewhat Walkable”; DTLA, Santa Monica, West Hollywood rated highest) – WalkScore LA
- Bike Score: 55/100; wide lanes, best in Santa Monica, Venice, Downtown, and Long Beach – WalkScore LA.
- Best Neighborhoods for Biking/Walking: Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Culver City, Silver Lake, West Hollywood.
- Bike Rental/Share: Metro Bike Share (App Store, Google Play), Santa Monica Breeze Bike, Lime.
- Walking Tours:
- Safety Tips: Helmet required under 18, signal at crossings; use bike lanes, hydrate.
- Transit/Bike Integration: Metro rail covers all stadium/fan fest neighborhoods and has bike racks; see Metro Trip Planner.
Modern Explorer: Creators to Follow
TikTok Creators
| Handle | Content Focus | Why Relevant | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| @losangeles_eats | LA food, hidden gems | Trending restaurants, diverse cultures | TikTok @losangeles_eats |
| @lacitylife | Events, local life | Neighborhood tips, event coverage | TikTok @lacitylife |
Instagram Creators
| Handle | Content Focus | Why Relevant | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| @infatuation_la | Food, restaurant culture | Up-to-date food scene, hotspots | Instagram @infatuation_la |
| @whatsonla | City events, attractions | Neighborhood stories, festival updates | Instagram @whatsonla |
| @lovelosangeles | Local photography, culture | Insider views, art walks, scenery | Instagram @lovelosangeles |
YouTube Content
| Channel | Video Title | Focus | Why Valuable | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wolters World | Tips for Visiting LA | Neighborhoods, tips | Practical and honest city travel guide | YouTube |
| Kara & Nate | Exploring Los Angeles | Food, neighborhoods | First-time visitor essentials | YouTube |
| Here Be Barr | What To Do + Eat in LA | Food, attractions | Hidden gems & city-wide itineraries | YouTube |
Pickup Soccer & Casual Play
| Location | Address | Transit | Details | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar Vista Recreation Center | 11430 Woodbine St, LA | Metro Bus | Organized pickup, adult/youth, rec fields | Mar Vista Rec Center |
| LA State Historic Park | 1245 N Spring St, LA | Metro Gold Line | Pickup/casual play, scenic setting, open grass | LA State Park |
| Griffith Park Soccer Fields | 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, LA | Metro Bus | Pickup & leagues, family friendly, multiple fields | Griffith Park |
| Balboa Sports Complex | 17015 Burbank Blvd, Encino, CA | Metro Bus | Open play, youth clubs, app groups | Balboa Sports Complex |
| South Gate Sports Center | 4900 Southern Ave, South Gate, CA | Metro Blue Line | Organized leagues, casual play, evenings | South Gate |
- Most sites use Meetup LA Soccer and OpenPlay for group listings.
- Weekends and evenings most popular; all skill levels; most fields free, some clubs charge league fees.
Outdoors & Hiking Trail Recommendations
| Trail | Distance, Difficulty | Public Transit Access | Family-Friendly | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runyon Canyon Park | 3 miles, moderate | Metro Red Line + walk | Yes | Runyon Canyon |
| Griffith Park Trails | 50+ mi (options), easy to hard | Metro Bus/Red Line | Yes | Griffith Park |
| Temescal Canyon Trail | 2.8 miles, moderate | Big Blue Bus + walk | Yes | Temescal Canyon |
| Eaton Canyon Nature Center | 3.5 miles, easy | Metro Gold Line + bus | Yes | Eaton Canyon |
| Kenneth Hahn Park | Multiple loops, easy | Metro Bus | Yes | Kenneth Hahn Park |
- All parks open sunrise–sunset. Most have parking fees <$10; bring water/sun protection.
- Public transit recommended for central hikes; Uber/Lyft best for beaches or canyon trails.
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