A practical guide to attending the 2026 World Cup at SoFi Stadium: tickets, transportation, security, and more.
The 2026 World Cup is coming to the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Los Angeles is one of the tournament’s most important host cities. SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, referred to as Los Angeles Stadium during the tournament, will host eight matches, including group stage games and a quarterfinal. If you’ve never been to an event of this scale on U.S. soil, this guide is for you.
Attending the World Cup isn’t like going to a regular season game. The process for getting tickets, venue rules, security, and logistics are completely different.
Here’s everything you need to know, step by step, so your experience is memorable for all the right reasons.
How to Get Your Tickets: The Basics
Through FIFA
Tickets for the 2026 World Cup are sold through FIFA’s official website. Use only FIFA’s official ticketing channels, including any official resale or transfer platform authorized by FIFA. Avoid buying tickets from unauthorized resale sites, social media groups, messaging apps, or strangers.
This is critical to understand from the start, because demand is massive and scams are extremely common. FIFA typically publishes pricing by sales phase and requires you to create an account with your email to receive updates.
FIFA’s ticket sales work in phases. First there was an interest registration phase, then access draws for high-demand matches, followed by direct sales for games that still have availability. In Qatar 2022, tickets started moving about 10 months in advance.
For the current status of ticket sales and upcoming phases, check FIFA’s official portal directly. In some cases, official hospitality packages may also be available.
Your tickets may be tied to your name
This is something that catches a lot of first-timers off guard: World Cup tickets are registered to your name.
You can’t lend them, resell them to a third party, or transfer them without going through FIFA’s official process. You may be asked for ID matching the name on the ticket at the stadium entrance.
The official FIFA app is where your digital tickets are stored and managed. Download it ahead of time, link your account, and make sure your tickets are available offline — cell signal in and around the stadium can be extremely limited with that many people.
Watch out for bots and resellers
Bots buy tickets in bulk within the first seconds of each sales phase opening.
If you try to buy and see tickets disappear in seconds, that’s what’s happening. Don’t panic: FIFA releases tickets in later phases and also has mechanisms to recover unused tickets.
Never buy tickets from unauthorized resale sites, WhatsApp groups, Facebook, or strangers. The risk of fraud is extremely high, and if you show up at the stadium with an invalid ticket, you won’t get in — no matter how much you paid.
Getting to SoFi Stadium: Transportation Options
The Stadium and Its Location
SoFi Stadium is located in Inglewood, and there are several practical ways to get there depending on your budget and where you’re coming from.
It’s about 25 minutes south of downtown Los Angeles and just minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). If you’re traveling from out of town, it’s also worth comparing routes from nearby airports before deciding on transportation. The address is 1001 Stadium Drive, Inglewood, CA 90301.
Public Transit: Your Best Option
For an event the size of the World Cup, public transit is by far the best choice. Driving to the stadium on game day can turn into a traffic nightmare, and parking is expensive and limited.
Metro will have special services and connections for match days. Check Metro’s official website before you go to confirm routes, schedules, departure points, and arrival zones. The Metro C Line (formerly the Green Line) has a stop in Inglewood that connects to the stadium area. From Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, you can take the Metro and reach the stadium area without hitting the freeway.
Special trains and additional bus routes are typically activated during major events. Check the Metro LA website for active routes during tournament days.
If You’re Driving
If you’re arriving by car, buy your parking in advance through the stadium’s official website or through authorized apps like ParkWhiz or SpotHero. LA Metro also offers direct shuttle bus service from over 14 key locations across the city to the stadium.
Prices go up significantly if you pay for parking on the day of, and the closest lots fill up fast.
Plan to arrive at least two to three hours early. Security screenings at the entrance are thorough, there are restrictions on what you can bring in, and lines can be very long. Metrolink commuter trains also connect to Los Angeles from Ventura and San Bernardino, with fares starting at $1.75 per trip.
Rideshare Options
Uber and Lyft have designated pick-up and drop-off zones near the stadium. These zones change depending on the event — check the app on game day for the exact location.
Keep in mind that after the match, rideshare demand spikes and prices can triple during the first hour. A smart move is to walk ten to fifteen minutes away from the stadium before requesting a ride.
Security: What to Expect at the Entrance
The Security Process
Security at a World Cup match will be strict, with screenings at the entrance and restrictions on what you can bring. Expect metal detectors, bag checks, and security personnel at multiple points. Arrive with plenty of time to get through the process without rushing.
Documents to bring: official ID matching the name on your ticket (passport, driver’s license, or consular ID). If you’re a U.S. citizen or resident, a driver’s license is enough. If you’re visiting from another country, bring your passport.
Prohibited Items at SoFi Stadium
You cannot bring:
- Large bags (the limit is typically small handbags or clear backpacks of a specific size)
- Objects that could be used as weapons of any kind
- Outside food or beverages
- Professional cameras with detachable lenses
- Umbrellas with metal tips
- Flags with poles or wooden handles
- Drones or any flying devices
SoFi Stadium’s bag policy allows only clear bags up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches, or small non-clear clutches no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches. This changes how you pack for game day. Check the current rules before the event, as policies may be updated for the World Cup.
Behavior and Code of Conduct
FIFA and the stadium have zero-tolerance policies for discriminatory, racist, or violent behavior. Offensive chanting, insults directed at players or opposing fans, or any conduct that puts safety at risk can result in ejection from the stadium without a refund.
This applies to all fans equally, regardless of which team they support.
What to Bring on Game Day
Planning what you bring can make a huge difference in your comfort:
The essentials:
- Official ID matching the name on your ticket
- Phone with the FIFA app and tickets downloaded for offline access
- Portable charger (power bank) — heavy phone use drains your battery fast
- Cash and a card — the stadium accepts digital payments, but it’s always good to have both
- Sunscreen — SoFi Stadium has areas with direct sun exposure
Clothing and comfort:
- Your team’s jersey — being in the crowd wearing your country’s colors is part of the experience
- Comfortable shoes — you’ll be walking a lot before, during, and after the match
- A light layer for the evening, since Los Angeles can cool down after sunset
What to leave at the hotel:
- Large backpacks
- Professional cameras
- Unnecessary jewelry or valuables
- Seat cushions or folding chairs (generally not allowed)
Inside SoFi: What to Expect
Food and Drinks
SoFi Stadium has a wide range of food options inside the venue, including Latin American cuisine. Prices are higher than a regular restaurant — that’s standard at any venue of this level. Budget around $15 to $30 per person for food and drinks inside the stadium.
Alcohol is sold inside the stadium to guests 21 and older with valid ID. If you’re underage or prefer not to drink, there are plenty of non-alcoholic options available.
The Atmosphere
The World Cup in Los Angeles will have a massive presence of Latin American fans. Los Angeles is home to one of the largest Latino communities in the United States, which guarantees a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere for fans of Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and every country in the region.
Expect to hear Spanish everywhere, both inside and outside the stadium. Beyond the experience inside the venue, Los Angeles will also have official fan zones and community celebrations with activities to enjoy the tournament outside the stadium as well.
Accessibility
SoFi Stadium is one of the most modern stadiums in the world and offers top-tier accessibility accommodations. If you need assistance for reduced mobility, wheelchair access, or other needs, contact the stadium in advance and check accessible seating options through FIFA’s portal.
Tips for Fans Traveling from Outside the U.S.
Visas and Documentation
If you’re traveling from Mexico, Central America, or South America, check well in advance whether you need a visa to enter the United States. The process can take weeks or months, so don’t leave it to the last minute. The U.S. Embassy in your country has the most current information on requirements.
Citizens of several Latin American countries require a tourist visa (B-1/B-2) to enter. Some countries have visa waiver agreements — check directly with the relevant embassy or consulate.
Hotels and Pricing
Hotel prices in Los Angeles during the World Cup will skyrocket, so ideally you should book accommodation well in advance and choose a neighborhood where you feel comfortable. Consider options in nearby cities like Long Beach, Torrance, El Segundo, or Marina del Rey, which is about 10 miles from SoFi Stadium and offers easy access.
Santa Monica can also be a great option if you’re looking for boutique hotels and nightlife. Redondo Beach is another nearby alternative. Platforms like Airbnb may offer more affordable options depending on your budget and the type of experience you’re looking for.
If a legal issue comes up during your visit, Los Defensores can connect you with a free and confidential initial case evaluation in Spanish.
Getting Around Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a sprawling city that has historically relied on cars, but the Metro system has improved significantly. To get between downtown, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and the stadium area, the Metro is a practical and affordable option. Download the Metro LA app and get familiar with the routes before you arrive.
A Moment That Lasts Forever
Attending a World Cup match is one of those experiences you never forget. The energy of tens of thousands of people from around the world coming together to watch the biggest soccer event on the planet is something no TV broadcast can replicate.
Plan ahead, follow the rules, keep your belongings safe, and enjoy every moment. Los Angeles is about to experience a historic World Cup — and you can be part of that history.
Information current at time of publication. Schedules and venues are subject to change. Check official sources before attending each event.