By the time you read this, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and the rest of the world’s top men’s soccer players will have arrived in North America for one of the biggest events in sports history: FIFA World Cup 26™. Ever since Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates lifted the trophy at the end of the 2022 tournament, players from across the globe have spent years preparing for this moment. Few sporting events are as over-the-top exciting as “the beautiful game” as it’s called when performed by the sport’s star athletes.
When the 2026 matches kick off, they’ll herald a new chapter in the region’s collective love affair with “the beautiful game.” Inside packed stadiums, fans from around the world will chant, sing and exhort their teams to victory. After the final whistle, they’ll congregate for watch parties, visit some of the California’s top sites and make memories that last well after the tournament ends in mid-July. Whether you’ve finagled your way into a ticket or are visiting simply to revel in the joyful atmosphere, it will be an unforgettable experience.
So, with kickoff mere days away: Scarves up, soccer fans. The biggest tournament in sports is at your doorstep, and it’s your time to shine. Here’s how to soak up every second of a soccer-filled summer.
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SoFi Stadium
3E53FD5 General overall view of a FIFA World Cup Trophy and soccer ball outside of SoFi Stadium on Monday, Mar 30, 2026, in Inglewood, CA. SoFi Stadium, a.k.a. Los Angeles Stadium, will play host to eight matches during the 2026 World Cup.(Dylan Stewart / Image of Sport)
Matches are scheduled at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood (Los Angeles) and Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara (Bay Area)—from June 11 to July 19, 2026. SoFi Stadium will host eight matches and Levi’s Stadium will host six. The U.S. Men's National Team will play at SoFi Stadium.
LA Fan Fest
Don’t miss the FIFA Fan Festival, June 11-15, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. There, you can expect the excitement to be palpable as fans watch live broadcasts on giant screens. Fans will also enjoy live music and entertainment, foods inspired by Los Angeles’ global culinary scene, and cultural performances and arts celebrating the city’s diversity, as well as plenty of interactive fun.
Learn more about the FIFA Fan Festival in Los Angeles at losangelesfwc26.com/fifa-fan-festival-los-angeles.
Fan Zones
If you live in Los Angeles or surrounding communities, chances are there will be an official fan zone in or near your community where you can celebrate with like-minded fans. From June 18 to July 19, fan zones will feature live match screenings, family-friendly programming and interactive fun, all celebrating the sport’s global spirit.
Find a schedule of official fan zones at discoverlosangeles.com/events/fifaworldcup.
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Los Angelos
Making the Most of LA During World Cup
Plan ahead: If you are visiting Los Angeles for the games, draft out an itinerary well in advance that details lodging, transportation options and reservations for dining and attractions.
Book ahead: Once you have an itinerary drafted, make hotel, restaurant and other reservations as early as possible.
Discover Los Angeles: Get to know the city by browsing the official tourism website, discoverlosangeles.com, for the city’s layout, dining, attractions, lodging and World Cup-related events, like fan zones.
Learn about FIFA World Cup 26™ in LA: Browse the website for the Los Angeles FIFA World Cup 26™ Host Committee, losangelesfwc26.com, for details about matches, the Fan Festival and official fan zones.
Know How to Get Around: Leave the car behind and take Metro. The Metro Mass Transit system in Los Angeles will provide enhanced service during World Cup, making getting around easier. Check the Metro website for maps, fares and routes at metro.net.
Other West Coast World Cup Cities
FIFA World Cup 26™ matches will also take place in three other West Coast cities. Find more information about official events at their host committee websites
Vancouver, British Columbia
Seattle, Washington
Santa Clara, California