8 matches. SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu, West Hollywood, and 300+ days of Southern California sunshine.
Los Angeles Overview
Los Angeles brings together world-class football and one of the most spectacular city backdrops on the planet. SoFi Stadium in Inglewood hosts 8 World Cup 2026 matches — including knockout stage games — in a $5.5 billion venue widely considered the finest stadium in North America. Beyond the pitch, visitors have access to Santa Monica's beaches, Beverly Hills luxury, Malibu's Pacific coastline, West Hollywood nightlife, and a food scene that rivals any city in the world. For fans who want the World Cup plus a genuine California experience, Los Angeles is the top choice.
The stadium sits just 15 minutes from LAX, making arrival straightforward even for international travelers. Most major hotel districts — Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Downtown — are 25–45 minutes away depending on traffic. Plan your base around the LA trip you want, not just the match. LA is that rare city where the World Cup is almost an excuse to come.
Where To Stay
LA is a spread-out city — your neighborhood choice determines your entire trip. Each zone below has a distinct character. Pick based on the experience you want, then commute to SoFi Stadium on match day. For deeper hotel research by zone, see our Los Angeles World Cup Hotels guide.
The most practical choice for fans who want to walk to the stadium. Inglewood has been revitalizing rapidly since SoFi opened, with new hotels, restaurants, and bars filling in around the complex. You'll trade LA character for supreme match-day convenience — ideal for groups with early flights out the next morning. See our full guide to hotels near SoFi Stadium.
Hotels in Inglewood →Arguably the finest World Cup base in LA. Santa Monica delivers beachfront luxury, a genuinely walkable lifestyle, the iconic Pier at the end of Route 66, and Third Street Promenade for shopping and dining. Sunsets here rival anywhere in the world, and the Pacific is right outside your hotel window. About 35 minutes to SoFi in match-day traffic.
📍 Full guide at TourismSantaMonica.com → Hotels in Santa Monica →WeHo is the energy center of Los Angeles. The Sunset Strip, rooftop bars, live venues, and the city's most vibrant restaurant scene are all here. It's loud, electric, and perfectly positioned between Beverly Hills and Hollywood. After a World Cup match, WeHo is where the city comes to celebrate. The Pendry, Andaz, and Mondrian are standout options.
📍 WeHo guide at TourismWestHollywood.com → Hotels in West Hollywood →DTLA has transformed in recent years. The Arts District buzzes with galleries, craft breweries, and acclaimed restaurants. Grand Central Market is one of the city's best food experiences. The Metro provides direct connectivity to most of the city, making this the strongest car-free base for World Cup visitors. Rates tend to be lower than the Westside.
Hotels in Downtown LA →If you're flying in specifically for the match and departing the next morning, an LAX-area hotel eliminates all commute stress. Multiple properties offer stadium shuttles during events. Rates are generally lower than other neighborhoods, and proximity to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood is outstanding. Best for efficiency over experience.
Hotels near LAX →Home to some of the most celebrated hotels on earth — The Beverly Hills Hotel, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, and the Four Seasons lead a deep list. Rodeo Drive, Wilshire Boulevard dining, and the proximity to West Hollywood make this the definitive premium base for the World Cup. Book six months out; these properties fill early during major events.
Hotels in Beverly Hills →The Venue
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood is one of the most technologically advanced sports venues ever built. Opened in 2020 after a $5.5 billion construction, it features a translucent roof, a double-sided video board the size of a football field, and premium club experiences throughout. For the World Cup, it will host 8 matches — one of the highest allocations of any North American venue — including at minimum one knockout stage game.
The Metro C Line stops directly at Inglewood and connects to LAX via the K Line. This is the most reliable route on match day — trains run frequently and bypass road congestion entirely. Buy a TAP card ($1.75/ride) at any Metro station.
Expect surge pricing of 2–4× on match days. Pre-schedule your pickup at least 90 minutes before kickoff. Pick up and drop-off zones at SoFi are designated — follow the app instructions carefully to avoid long waits after the final whistle.
SoFi Stadium's on-site parking is limited and will sell out long before match day. Nearby lots fill within 2 hours of kickoff. If you plan to drive, purchase a parking pass in advance or find a spot in surrounding Inglewood neighborhoods and walk (15–25 min).
Day Trips
LA's location gives visitors access to extraordinary day trips — desert, mountains, wine country, and the open Pacific Coast Highway. A rental car opens all of them. Plan at least one day trip into your World Cup itinerary.
Malibu is the definitive Southern California day trip. Drive north on Pacific Coast Highway with the ocean on your left and the Santa Monica Mountains on your right. Stop at El Matador State Beach for dramatic sea stacks and turquoise water, check out Point Dume for sweeping views, and end the day with fresh seafood at Nobu Malibu or Moonshadows. In June, the light here is extraordinary. Planning a Malibu day trip? See TourismMalibu.com for full beach and restaurant guides.
Hotels in Malibu →Las Vegas is within reach for a 2-night extension — make it a long weekend add-on to your World Cup trip. Drive the scenic I-15 through the Mojave Desert or book a quick Southwest flight for under $100. Vegas will be running its own World Cup events and watch parties during the tournament. The Strip hotels book out fast during major sporting events — plan this add-on early if you want the marquee properties. A fly-drive combo from LAX works well.
Search Las Vegas Flights →Santa Barbara earns its nickname as the American Riviera. Spanish colonial architecture, a palm-lined State Street, boutique wineries in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley, and beaches calmer and less crowded than LA. The harbor area is excellent for lunch before heading back south. For wine country fans, pair Santa Barbara with Solvang and the Santa Rita Hills — one of California's finest Pinot Noir regions, just 30 minutes further inland.
Hotels in Santa Barbara →Palm Springs is the perfect desert counterpoint to LA's coastal vibe. Mid-century modern architecture, world-class golf, the aerial tramway up to 8,516 feet, and the quirky Coachella Valley floor below. The boutique hotel scene is exceptional — think design-forward pools, mountain backdrops, and temperatures that make June feel dramatic. Great for visitors who want one day of desert heat and luxury poolside time before or after the match.
Hotels in Palm Springs →Experiences
Los Angeles offers more iconic experiences per square mile than almost any city in North America. Book in advance — attractions and tours fill up fast during major international events. Use Viator for the best guided experiences with reliable operators.
The legendary boardwalk with street performers, Muscle Beach outdoor gym, food stands, the famous skatepark, and a canal district behind it that most tourists miss.
Book LA Tours →The historic pier at the western end of Route 66 — featuring Pacific Park's solar-powered Ferris wheel, seafood shacks, the trapeze school, and the best Pacific sunsets in the city.
Book LA Tours →Over 2,700 stars embedded in the sidewalk from Vine Street to La Brea. Pair with TCL Chinese Theatre, the Dolby Theatre, and the Ovation Hollywood dining and shopping complex.
Book LA Tours →Free admission to the hilltop observatory with unobstructed views of the Hollywood Sign, the LA basin, and the Pacific horizon. Best visited at dusk when the city lights begin to glow.
Book LA Tours →World-class art collection in a Richard Meier-designed campus perched above Brentwood. The gardens, architecture, and panoramic views of LA and the Pacific are worth the visit alone. Free admission.
Book LA Tours →Guided food tours through Grand Central Market, the Arts District, Koreatown, and Silver Lake. LA's food scene is one of the world's best — a guided tour helps you experience it properly in limited time.
Book LA Tours →Car Rental
The honest answer: yes, for most visitors. Los Angeles was built around the car. Metro coverage is improving but won't get you to Malibu, the Getty, or the PCH. If your World Cup trip includes any day trips, beach driving, or visits to spread-out neighborhoods, a rental car transforms your trip from good to exceptional. Book as early as possible — rental rates surge dramatically in the weeks before the World Cup.
Staying in Santa Monica? See TourismSantaMonica.com for neighborhood parking tips and car-free itinerary options along the beach.
Compare prices across Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National. Book early for World Cup dates — inventory runs out fast at the best rates.
Search LA Car Rentals →Fan Experience
Los Angeles will come alive for the World Cup in ways the city rarely does for any event. From official FIFA Fan Festivals to rooftop bars and neighborhood watch parties, here's where to find the best fan atmosphere.
FIFA's official Fan Festival is expected to be staged in a central Downtown LA location — likely near LA Live, the Crypto.com Arena, or Grand Park. These free events feature live music, sponsor activations, giant screens, food and drink, and the full World Cup match broadcast experience. Arrival is typically ticketed (free) — secure your passes early through FIFA's official channels.
The sports bar ecosystem around Crypto.com Arena and LA Live is among the best in the country. Yard House, Rock & Brews, and Trademark Brewing all screen major matches. During the World Cup, this area will be packed with international fans — expect street closures, outdoor screens, and an electric pre- and post-match atmosphere. Plan to arrive early for the best viewing spots.
Santa Monica's bars along Main Street and Ocean Avenue will run World Cup programming throughout the tournament. Britannia Pub, The Auld Dubliner, and Buffalo Club are favorites for international football fans. The beach-town atmosphere and walkable layout make Santa Monica one of the most enjoyable viewing spots in the city for fans who want a relaxed, neighborhood feel between matches. Staying in Santa Monica? See TourismSantaMonica.com for a full neighborhood bar guide.
WeHo's rooftop scene is unmatched in LA. The Highlight Room at Kimpton La Peer, RoofTop at the 1 Hotel, and Agua at Mondrian will run World Cup watch events with open-air screens, cocktail menus, and views across the Hollywood Hills. These venues require reservations during the World Cup — book as soon as the match schedule drops. See the full West Hollywood nightlife guide at TourismWestHollywood.com.
West Hollywood nightlife guide at TourismWestHollywood.com →FAQ
The most common questions from travelers planning a World Cup trip to Los Angeles.
Hotels sell out fast for major international events. Lock in your LA accommodation now and search flights before prices spike. Southern California in June is as good as it gets.