Host City: Los Angeles

The city gained international attention in the 1970s with the Los Angeles Aztecs of the NASL, who brought global stars like Johan Cruyff and George Best to American audiences. The momentum continued with the launch of Major League Soccer in 1996, as LA Galaxy became one of the league’s most successful franchises, later joined by LAFC in 2018. Their fierce rivalry, known as “El Tráfico" or the Los Angeles Derby has become one of the most compelling in American sports.

SoFi Stadium in Inglewood will host five group matches, two Round of 32 match, and one quarter-final match, including the USA’s opening match on June 12th, 2026. Opened in 2020, SoFi Stadium is home to the NFL’s Rams and Chargers and hosted Super Bowl LVI. Its Infinity Screen and canopy roof, part of the Hollywood Park development, set new architectural standards, with prior concerts by Swift, BTS and Ed Sheeran showcasing its entertainment versatility.

Today, Los Angeles, being home to both Dignity Health Sports Park and BMO Stadium, has established itself as a massive sports hub in the United States. The city has hosted major international tournaments, including the 1994 FIFA World Cup and the 1999 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cups. As a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026, LA will once again showcase its deep soccer heritage on a massive stage.