LOS ANGELES -- The biggest-ever edition of the FIFA World Cup will include 104 matches featuring 48 teams played across 16 host cities in three countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States, and Los Angeles has the honor of hosting the very first match for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) two years from today, on June 12, 2026, at SoFi Stadium. “Hosting that opening match is an honor that we can’t wait to uphold—an event that will have an enormous impact on L.A.’s communities, local businesses and the industries that drive our local economy,” said Larry Freedman, Co-President, Los Angeles Football Club and Co-Chair, Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee.
Los Angeles will host a total of 8 games throughout the monthlong soccer showcase including two USMNT group stage matches culminating with one quarterfinal round match on July 10, 2026. SoFi Stadium will be renamed Los Angeles Stadium for their hosting responsibilities. So-Fi will also become the only venue to host the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl and Olympics in three straight years.
“Los Angeles has set the stage for some of the greatest soccer moments that have taken place in North America and is home to a passionate fan base that stretches across every part of the region ,” said Gregg Berhalter, USMNT Head Coach. “I can't think of a better place to welcome the world and kick off our FIFA World Cup 26 campaign than at the state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.”
The history of soccer in the United States is intricately connected with the city of angels. Los Angeles hosted the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 1994 FIFA World Cup which was the springboard for the launch of Major League Soccer. The Rose Bowl hosted the most matches of the 1994 tournament, including the memorable final between Brazil and Italy which was the first final to be decided in a penalty shootout. Since then, the premier men’s soccer tournament has doubled from 24 teams and 52 matches. This will also be the first time the tournament will be played across three countries – the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
“When we look back at the development of soccer in America, I am confident that we’ll consider 2026 as an inflection point for the next generation of fans, communities and soccer players grown right here from the momentum of FIFA World Cup 26,” said Chris Klein, Co-Chair, Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee.
FIFA also released a sneak peak of the cities that could host the 48 participating countries' training facilities, also known as base camps. Nine cities in addition to all current host cities for the tournament are possible sites - Chattanooga, Cincinnati, Green Bay, Westfield, Irvine, Louisville, St. Louis, Salt Lake City and San Antonio. The final decisions will be chosen by a lottery system. Chattanooga, Cincinnati, Green Bay, Westfield, Irvine, Louisville, St. Louis, Salt Lake City and San Antonio are among the additional site options.