FIFA announced that the Los Angeles Rams’ SoFi Stadium will host eight matches, including the U.S. Men’s National Team’s opening match on June 12, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The United States, Mexico and Canada will be the three host countries with 16 total cities set to hold 104 matches during the prestigious event.
SoFi Stadium is home to the Los Angeles Rams but the team will share their field with the best soccer players in the world.
Rams owner Stan Kroenke expressed his eagerness to showcase the stadium to the world, via TheRams.com:
“We built our stadium to showcase the world’s most spectacular sports and entertainment events, and we are thrilled to host eight marquee World Cup matches at Hollywood Park, including the opening match for the U.S. Men’s National Team,” Kroenke said. “As evidenced by the billions of fans who followed the 2022 World Cup, there will be great excitement around having the best players in the world take the field at our stadium to represent their countries and inspire future generations of athletes. We look forward to working with FIFA and the Los Angeles Host Committee to develop programs that will leave a lasting economic and community impact on both Inglewood and the entire greater Los Angeles region.”
Larry Freedman, Co-President, Los Angeles Football Club and Co-Chairman, Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee echoed Kroenke’s comments:
“Los Angeles has been at the center of soccer’s biggest moments in North America for decades and now, hosting the U.S. Men’s National Team opening match will write another chapter in the sport’s history on the world’s stage,” Freedman said. “All eight matches will collectively lift the profile of our region as the premier destination for the world’s game in North America.”
Lastly, Chris Klein the Co-Chairman, Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee believes this will be a watershed moment for the city of Los Angeles:
“We are incredibly proud that Los Angeles was chosen to host the U.S. Men’s National Team opening match at the most spectacular venue in North America,” said Klein said. “Based on soccer’s history in the LA region and as a former USMNT player, I can’t think of a more impactful moment for Los Angeles to host—a match that will capture the eyes of the world and the hearts of America. The countdown to hosting the U.S. Men’s National Team opening match starts today.”
Los Angeles has truly become one of the global centers of sports and their opportunity to host the World Cup is an exciting moment for U.S. soccer fans.
SoFi Stadium will need to have field widened before 2026 FIFA World Cup
Although Sofi Stadium will be hosting the games, the field needs to be widened before the World Cup. Grass will also need to replace the turf that is currently in place.
More must-reads: