2026 World Cup in Los Angeles: Where to Watch and Enjoy the Games This Summer

Posted: June 11, 2026      Reading time:
2026 World Cup in Los Angeles: Where to Watch the Games This Summer

For the first time since 1994, the world’s biggest soccer tournament returns to the United States, and Los Angeles is ready to welcome fans from around the world. Here’s your complete guide to watching every match in LA — from the stadium to your nearest park.

This summer, Los Angeles is one of the main host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. SoFi Stadium in Inglewood will host eight matches — including the United States’ opening game against Paraguay on June 12 and a quarterfinal on July 10.

But you don’t need stadium tickets to experience the World Cup. Los Angeles will host 39 days of World Cup celebrations, including the official FIFA Fan Festival, regional fan zones, free community watch parties, library screenings, and neighborhood events through the city’s Kick It In the Park program. Whether you want to join thousands of fans at a major event or watch with your neighbors at a local park, there’s something for everyone.

Here’s your complete guide to where to watch the games in LA this summer.

Matches at SoFi Stadium

SoFi Stadium in Inglewood will host eight World Cup matches:

Group Stage:

  • June 12: United States vs. Paraguay (6:00 PM PT)
  • June 15: Iran vs. New Zealand
  • June 18: Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • June 21: Belgium vs. Iran
  • June 25: United States vs. Türkiye

Knockout Round:

  • June 28: Round of 32 match
  • July 2: Round of 32 match
  • July 10: Quarterfinal

Match tickets are available through FIFA’s official ticketing channels. Some fan zones and events may require separate tickets. Demand is high, especially for the U.S. matches.

FIFA Fan Festival at the Memorial Coliseum

From June 11 to 14, the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will become the official FIFA Fan Festival — the biggest event of the tournament’s opening weekend.

What to expect:

  • Live match screenings on giant screens
  • Concerts and live entertainment
  • International food reflecting LA’s diversity
  • Interactive fan experiences and activations
  • Cultural programming

This event requires a ticket. Details are expected through the official LA Host Committee channels.

Official World Cup Fan Zones in Los Angeles

Throughout the 39 days of the tournament, at least 10 fan zones will pop up across Los Angeles County, with free events and tickets starting at $5. These locations offer live screenings, food, outdoor entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The county will also host multiple free community celebrations with match screenings and family programming at locations like Hansen Dam Lake and Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park.

Confirmed fan zone schedule:

  • The Original Farmers Market (Fairfax): June 18–21 — Features key matches including USA vs. Australia and Mexico vs. South Korea. Over 40 restaurants and shops, a beer garden, and activities for the whole family. Accessible via Metro Line D (Fairfax station, bus 217 connection).
  • City of Downey: June 20
  • Union Station & LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes (DTLA): June 25–28 — Free fan zone in the historic heart of Los Angeles. The event, hosted alongside El Pueblo de Los Ángeles, features live music, food, family activities, cultural programming, DJ performances, interactive challenges, and international match screenings. Doors open at 10:30 AM.
  • Hansen Dam Lake (Lake View Terrace): July 2–5
  • Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park (LA County): July 4–5
  • Whittier Narrows: July 9–11
  • Venice Beach: July 10-11
  • Fairplex (Pomona): July 14, 15, 18 & 19
  • West Harbor: July 14, 15, 18 & 19
  • Downtown Burbank: July 18–19 — Downtown Burbank will host tournament finals screenings, live entertainment, and an international street fair with flavors from around the world.

Some fan zones are free; others may have an entry fee. Check event details before attending.

Schedule: When Latin American Teams and the U.S. Play

These are the group stage matches for the teams our community cares about most. Not all are played in Los Angeles, but every match will be screened at the city’s fan zones, Kick It In the Park locations, and public libraries.

All times listed in Pacific Time (PT) for Los Angeles.

🇲🇽 Mexico (Group A)

DateMatchVenueTime (PT)
June 11Mexico vs. South AfricaMexico City Stadium12:00 PM
June 18Mexico vs. South KoreaEstadio Akron, Guadalajara7:00 PM
June 24Czechia vs. MexicoMexico City StadiumTBD

Mexico kicks off the entire tournament with the very first match of the World Cup. In LA, fans often gather at Mexican restaurants to watch the national team, with spots like Springbok Bar & Grill in Van Nuys as another popular option.

🇺🇸 United States (Group D)

DateMatchVenueTime (PT)
June 12USA vs. ParaguaySoFi Stadium, Los Angeles6:00 PM
June 19USA vs. AustraliaLumen Field, SeattleTBD
June 25USA vs. TürkiyeSoFi Stadium, Los AngelesTBD

Two of the three U.S. group matches are in Los Angeles. The opener against Paraguay and the group finale against Türkiye are the biggest tournament events in the city. Fans can also follow the team at gathering spots like Tom’s Watch Bar at L.A. LIVE or Dignity Health Sports Park, which has already hosted events in support of the U.S. team.

🇦🇷 Argentina (Group J)

Argentina
DateMatchVenueTime (PT)
June 16Argentina vs. AlgeriaArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City6:00 PM
June 22Argentina vs. AustriaAT&T Stadium, Dallas10:00 AM
June 27Jordan vs. ArgentinaAT&T Stadium, Dallas7:00 PM

Argentina, the reigning world champions, play their group stage matches in Kansas City and Dallas.

🇨🇴 Colombia (Group K)

DateMatchVenueTime (PT)
June 17Uzbekistan vs. ColombiaEstadio Azteca, Mexico City7:00 PM
June 23Colombia vs. DR CongoEstadio Akron, Guadalajara7:00 PM
June 27Colombia vs. PortugalHard Rock Stadium, Miami4:30 PM

Colombia plays two matches in Mexico and closes the group against Portugal in Miami — expected to be one of the most-watched games of the round.

🇪🇨 Ecuador (Group E)

DateMatchVenueTime (PT)
June 14Ivory Coast vs. EcuadorLincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia4:00 PM
June 20Ecuador vs. CuraçaoArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City5:00 PM
June 25Ecuador vs. GermanyMetLife Stadium, New Jersey1:00 PM

Ecuador faces Germany in their final group match — a decisive game that could define their path in the tournament.

🇺🇾 Uruguay (Group H)

DateMatchVenueTime (PT)
June 15Saudi Arabia vs. UruguayHard Rock Stadium, MiamiTBD
June 21Uruguay vs. Cape VerdeHard Rock Stadium, MiamiTBD
June 26Uruguay vs. SpainEstadio Akron, GuadalajaraTBD

Uruguay closes out the group stage against Spain in Guadalajara — a clash between two World Cup champions.

🇧🇷 Brazil (Group C)

Brazil
DateMatchVenueTime (PT)
June 13Brazil vs. MoroccoMetLife Stadium, New Jersey3:00 PM
June 19Brazil vs. HaitiLincoln Financial Field, PhiladelphiaTBD
June 24Scotland vs. BrazilHard Rock Stadium, MiamiTBD

Brazil opens against Morocco in one of the most anticipated matches of the first round.

🇵🇾 Paraguay (Group D)

DateMatchVenueTime (PT)
June 12USA vs. ParaguaySoFi Stadium, Los Angeles6:00 PM
June 19Paraguay vs. TürkiyeLevi’s Stadium, Santa Clara8:00 PM
June 25Paraguay vs. AustraliaLevi’s Stadium, Santa Clara7:00 PM

Paraguay opens in Los Angeles against host nation United States at SoFi Stadium — a match that will also draw strong interest from regional communities and Paraguayan fans in LA.

🇵🇦 Panama (Group L)

DateMatchVenueTime (PT)
June 17Ghana vs. PanamaBMO Field, Toronto4:00 PM
June 23Panama vs. CroatiaBMO Field, Toronto4:00 PM
June 27Panama vs. EnglandMetLife Stadium, New Jersey2:00 PM

Panama shares a tough group with England and Croatia, but it’s a historic moment for Panamanian soccer in just their second-ever World Cup appearance.

Note: Some kickoff times are pending official confirmation. Knockout round matchups will depend on group stage results. Check official sources for the latest updates.

Many matches will be screened at official fan zones, Kick It In the Park locations, public libraries, and cultural centers. Check each location’s schedule before attending. Matches in Toronto will also be followed closely by the Latino community in LA.

Kick It In the Park: Free Watch Parties at LA Parks

Looking for something close to home and completely free? The “Kick It In the Park” program has you covered.

Organized by Mayor Karen Bass, City Council districts, and the Department of Recreation and Parks, this program turns city parks into community celebration spaces throughout the entire tournament — bringing the excitement to your neighborhood.

What you get:

  • Large LED screens with live match screenings and outdoor projections
  • Youth soccer clinics organized by PlayLA
  • Family activities and community resources
  • 100% free — no tickets, no registration, no cost

How it works:

  • 18 parks participating across the city
  • Over 100 free screenings from June 11 through July 19
  • On each match day, 2 to 4 parks host live screenings
  • Sites rotate so every neighborhood gets at least 7 celebrations during the tournament

Participating parks are spread across:

  • San Fernando Valley
  • East LA
  • South LA and South Central
  • Westside
  • Harbor

To find the nearest park to your home, visit kickit.lacity.gov and enter your address. The site shows you the closest events and match schedules.

Tips:

  • Bring your own chairs, blankets, and snacks
  • The city recommends arriving by bike, Metro, DASH, or on foot when possible
  • Each event can hold up to 1,000 people

Libraries and Cultural Centers

LA’s public libraries will also screen World Cup matches. Facilities run by the Department of Cultural Affairs and El Pueblo de Los Ángeles will serve as neighborhood hubs with special programming throughout the tournament.

These are quieter, more accessible spaces for families looking for an alternative to the larger fan zones.

Special Events and Exhibitions

Torrance Historical Society Exhibition A World Cup-themed exhibit featuring collectibles from 1998 to 2026 — including pieces from the Women’s World Cup, the Olympics, and the LA Galaxy, along with a jersey signed by Pelé. Torrance is recognized as the birthplace of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO).

LA Galaxy Events The MLS team has organized pre-tournament events including tributes to soccer legends, youth clinics, coastal fan zones, limited-edition merchandise, and family experiences.

Getting There Without a Car

The City of Los Angeles recommends using public transit, biking, or walking whenever possible. Your options include:

  • Metro: Multiple lines connect to event venues. The C Line (green) reaches SoFi Stadium via the Downtown Inglewood station.
  • DASH: Free or low-cost local bus service.
  • Bike: Many Kick It In the Park locations are bike-accessible.
  • Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate citywide, but expect longer wait times and higher prices on match days.

Traffic in LA will be heavy during the tournament, especially around SoFi Stadium. If you’re heading to a match or fan zone, plan to leave early.

We’re With You. Defending the Moments That Bring Us Together.

This summer, Los Angeles becomes the soccer capital of the world. From SoFi Stadium to your neighborhood park, from Union Station to Venice Beach — there’s a place for you and your family.

You don’t need a ticket. You don’t need to spend. You just need to be there.

What if the best party this summer is at your house?

Enter to win the Ultimate Los Defensores Soccer Watch Party Experience — a party for you and 20 guests with food, entertainment, gifts, and special surprises.

[Discover the prize and enter →]

Los Defensores is always with you — on the field and off it.

Sources: City of Los Angeles (kickit.lacity.gov), Discover Los Angeles, Los Angeles World Cup 26 Host Committee, NBC Los Angeles, Visit California, SoFi Stadium. Information current at time of publication. Schedules and venues are subject to change. Check official sources before attending each event.

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