World Cup 2026 Los Angeles Travel Guide
Quarter-finals at SoFi Stadium, one of the newest venues in the tournament, with the Pacific Ocean just 30 minutes away
Your World Cup City Guide
Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world and a World Cup 2026 host city for the quarter-finals. SoFi Stadium in Inglewood cost over $5 billion to build, making it the most expensive stadium in the world. The LA Metro C Line gets you there from downtown in 30 minutes, and LAX airport is just 5 miles away.
LA's population of 13 million in the metro area means you have endless options for food, nightlife, and sightseeing. The city's Mexican food scene is among the best outside of Mexico City, Korean BBQ in Koreatown is world-class, and the ramen scene rivals Tokyo. Budget around $15 to $30 per meal at mid-range restaurants.
Transit to Stadium
Metro C Line to Downtown Inglewood, 30 min
Nearest Airport
LAX, 5 miles from SoFi Stadium
Local Food
World-class Mexican, Korean, and ramen
Best Area to Stay
Downtown LA, Santa Monica, or Inglewood
Quick Facts for Your Trip
Guerrilla Tacos
Modern Mexican street food
Inglewood
$100 to $160 per night
Griffith Observatory
Top attraction
Metro K Line runs from LAX/Metro Transit Center
Best transit tip
Matches at Los Angeles Stadium
Every fixture this venue hosts at the FIFA World Cup 2026, group stage through to knockouts. Knockout team names lock in once the group standings are confirmed.
Fri, 12 Jun 2026
Mon, 15 Jun 2026
Thu, 18 Jun 2026
Sun, 21 Jun 2026
Thu, 25 Jun 2026
Sun, 28 Jun 2026
Thu, 02 Jul 2026
Fri, 10 Jul 2026
Schedule from the official FIFA World Cup 2026 fixture list. Always confirm kickoff times on FIFA.com before travelling.
Explore Los Angeles
Restaurants
Where to eat near the stadium and around the city
Best Restaurants in Los Angeles →
Getting Around
Getting to the city and around on matchday
Getting Around Los Angeles →
Hotels
Where to stay for the best World Cup experience
Best Hotels in Los Angeles →
Things to Do
Attractions, culture, and entertainment
Things to Do in Los Angeles →Best Restaurants
LA's food scene is legendary, and you'll want to eat well before heading to the stadium. Koreatown serves up the best Korean BBQ outside of Seoul, while the ramen shops in Little Tokyo are perfect for a quick bite. If you want something uniquely LA, head to the Arts District for modern Mexican street food at Guerrilla Tacos.
Match days mean packed restaurants, so you need a game plan. Walk-ins at popular spots will face massive waits, especially near the fan zones. Make your reservations weeks in advance if you plan to eat anywhere near Downtown LA or Hollywood.
Keep these dining tips in mind:
- Budget $15 to $30 per meal at mid-range sit-down restaurants.
- Grand Central Market in Downtown LA has 30+ vendors. Grab an egg sandwich from Eggslut, but get there before 11 AM.
- Tipping 15 to 20% is standard across the city.
- If you're looking for pre-game drinks, check out the bars in Culver City before hopping on the Metro.
Guerrilla Tacos
$$Chef Wes Avila turned a food truck into a proper restaurant. The sweet potato tacos and tuna tostada ($6 to $9 each) are unlike anything else in the city.
Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong
$$All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ starting at $30. You grill your own meat at the table. Go with a group of 4+ for the best experience. Open until midnight.
Grand Central Market
$Open since 1917 with 30+ vendors. Get the breakfast burrito from Sarita's ($8) or egg sandwich from Eggslut ($10). Arrive before 11 AM to beat the lunch rush.
Transport Guide
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood is served directly by Metro K Line, making it one of the easiest World Cup venues to reach by public transit. The Inglewood Station is a 5-minute walk from the stadium gates. A single ride costs $1.75 and the journey from LAX Airport takes just 20 to 25 minutes.
Metro K Line runs from LAX/Metro Transit Center station directly to Inglewood Station at SoFi Stadium in 20 to 25 minutes for $1.75. From downtown LA, take the E Line (Expo) to Crenshaw/LAX station and transfer to the K Line. Total journey 45 to 55 minutes, same $1.75 fare.
LA traffic on match days makes driving strongly not recommended. The I-405 and I-105 near SoFi will be severely congested. Parking costs $75 to $150 and must be pre-booked. Metro K Line bypasses all traffic and runs extended service after matches.
Best Neighborhoods
LA is sprawling, so location matters. Inglewood puts you walking distance from SoFi. Santa Monica gives you the beach. Downtown LA gives you the best transit connections. All three work well for the World Cup.
Inglewood
The stadium's home city. Market Street has great local restaurants and bars. It is more affordable than most LA neighborhoods and has real character.
$100 to $160 per night
Santa Monica
Beach city with the famous pier, Third Street Promenade shopping, and ocean views. Great for families. Hotels are pricier but the location is worth it.
$180 to $350 per night
Downtown LA
The transit hub of LA. Grand Central Market, the Arts District, and Little Tokyo are all within walking distance. The hotel scene has improved dramatically in recent years.
$140 to $250 per night
Things to Do
LA is the entertainment capital of the world. Between matches, hit Venice Beach boardwalk for street performers and Muscle Beach, drive up to the Griffith Observatory for free views of the Hollywood sign and the entire LA basin, or explore the Getty Center (free admission, parking $20).
Griffith Observatory
Free admission with panoramic views of the Hollywood sign, downtown LA, and the Pacific Ocean on clear days. The Samuel Oschin Planetarium shows run every hour ($7).
Drive up or take the DASH Observatory bus from the Red Line Vermont/Sunset station ($0.50). Go at sunset for the best photos.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
A 2.5-mile oceanfront promenade with street performers, artists, skateboarders, and Muscle Beach outdoor gym. The original Gold's Gym is nearby.
Park at the public lots on Pacific Avenue ($10 to $20). Walk south toward Marina del Rey for a quieter stretch of beach.
The Getty Center
One of the best art museums in the world with free admission. The Richard Meier building sits on a hilltop in Brentwood with views across LA to the ocean. The gardens alone are worth the trip.
Parking is $20 and must be reserved online. Take the Getty tram from the parking garage up the hill. Allow 3 hours minimum.
Explore Los Angeles Like a Local
Your match day starts well before kickoff. Get familiar with the best neighborhoods, food spots, and transport routes.
Inside SoFi Stadium
View transport, gates, food, and match day tips
View Stadium Guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
Continue planning your World Cup trip
