Question 1

Where is SoFi Stadium and how far is it from downtown LA?

Accepted Answer

SoFi Stadium is in Inglewood, California, 11 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles and only 3 miles from LAX airport. It's NOT in downtown LA but is part of the greater LA metro area. The stadium opened in 2020 as home to the NFL's LA Rams and Chargers and cost $5 billion to build. It will host 8 World Cup 2026 matches including the historic USMNT opening match (June 11, 2026) and a quarterfinal (July 11, 2026). It's the most accessible World Cup stadium in the US thanks to Metro K Line direct service with $5/day unlimited fare capping.

Question 2

How do I get to SoFi Stadium from Santa Monica or Venice Beach?

Accepted Answer

Take the Metro E Line (Expo Line) from Downtown Santa Monica Station toward Downtown LA. Transfer at Expo/Crenshaw Station to the K Line (Crenshaw Line) toward Redondo Beach. Exit at Downtown Inglewood Station and walk 15 minutes to SoFi Stadium (or take shuttle if available). Total time: 75-90 minutes. Total cost: $1.75/ride CAPPED at $5/day for unlimited rides—after 3 taps ($5.25), every additional ride that day is FREE. This saves you $8-10 daily vs paying per ride. Trains run every 12-20 minutes. Alternative: Uber/Lyft costs $40-80 (surge pricing on match days). Driving costs $100-200+ parking plus 60-90 min exit time. Metro is BY FAR the smartest option.

Question 3

What is Metro fare capping and how does it save me money?

Accepted Answer

Metro fare capping is LA's BEST transit deal and biggest secret: Each ride costs $1.75, but you'll never pay more than $5/day total. After your 3rd tap ($5.25), ALL additional rides that day are FREE. For World Cup fans taking 6-8 trips/day (hotel → beach → Hollywood → stadium → back), you save $8-10 daily vs paying per ride. Over 3-4 days, that's $24-40 savings. Plus, you avoid $100-200+ stadium parking and $40-80 Uber surge pricing. Just tap the same TAP card for all rides to trigger capping. Download the Metro TAP app and load $20-30 to start. This makes LA's Metro the cheapest World Cup transit system in North America and a game-changer for budget-conscious fans.

Question 4

Do I need a car in Los Angeles for the World Cup?

Accepted Answer

Not for stadium access, but recommended for exploring LA beyond matches. For JUST attending matches at SoFi Stadium, the Metro K Line makes a car unnecessary (and saves you $100-200+ parking costs plus 60-90 min exit time). But for exploring LA's sprawling attractions—beaches, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, theme parks, coastal drives—a rental car ($40-60/day) is highly recommended for flexibility. LA is 500+ square miles and car-centric. Public transit covers main corridors but is slow for point-to-point travel (75-90 min Santa Monica to stadium via Metro vs 25-35 min driving with no traffic). Many visitors rent cars for sightseeing days and use Metro for match days. Hotel parking costs $25-45/day, so factor that into your budget.

Question 5

What's the best area to stay for World Cup matches in LA?

Accepted Answer

For best value + stadium access: Inglewood/LAX corridor ($120-200/night, walking distance to SoFi, modern hotels built 2020-2022, save $100-200 on parking). This is the SMART PLAY for World Cup fans. For cheapest beach option: Long Beach ($100-180/night, 60-75 min Metro to stadium). For iconic LA beach experience: Santa Monica ($200-400/night, classic California vibe, 75 min Metro to stadium). For luxury: Beverly Hills ($300-600/night, expect 2-3x surge for USMNT opener/quarterfinal, 90 min to stadium). AVOID Downtown LA—farther from stadium (11 miles) than beach cities, lacks beach/entertainment charm, not worth premium pricing. Inglewood is undisputed winner for convenience, value, and modern amenities. Book 3-6 months ahead for USMNT opener.

Question 6

Is Los Angeles safe for tourists?

Accepted Answer

Yes, LA tourist areas (Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Inglewood near SoFi) are generally safe. Avoid Skid Row (downtown), South Central, and certain parts of Venice Beach at night. Beach cities and Beverly Hills are very safe. In Inglewood, stick to main designated walking paths and shuttle routes between Metro and stadium after dark—the area around SoFi has been heavily developed since 2020 with new hotels, restaurants, and infrastructure specifically for major events. Use common sense: don't leave valuables in cars (smash-and-grab thefts are LA's #1 crime), stay aware in crowded areas, avoid isolated spots after dark. Emergency number is 911. LA is much safer than its 1990s reputation suggests, especially in tourist zones.

Question 7

How expensive is Los Angeles?

Accepted Answer

Moderately expensive but cheaper than NYC and comparable to Boston. Budget $100-140/day for food + attractions (tacos $3-5, casual meals $15-25, museums $15-40, many beaches FREE). Hotels during World Cup: $150-350/night (100-150% surge, 2-3x for USMNT opener/quarterfinal). Metro transit is incredibly cheap with $5/day fare capping—best transit deal of any US host city. Parking is the killer: Budget $100-200 for stadium parking if driving. Use Metro ($5/day unlimited) to save $95-195 daily. Total: $120-180/day per person excluding accommodation. LA is pricier than Atlanta/Dallas but cheaper than NYC/SF. Use strategies in this guide (Inglewood hotels, Metro, taco trucks) to save $50-200 per person daily.

Question 8

Does SoFi Stadium have a roof?

Accepted Answer

Sort of—it has a translucent canopy roof but is NOT fully enclosed. SoFi features a stunning translucent ETFE canopy that covers the stadium and provides shade from direct sun, but the sides are completely OPEN for natural airflow and ocean breezes. This means you're protected from UV rays but NOT air-conditioned like Atlanta (retractable roof) or indoor stadiums. It can get warm inside on sunny days (80-85°F)—bring sunscreen SPF 50+, hat, sunglasses, and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. The design allows for comfortable temperatures while blocking harsh California sun. Matches won't be delayed for rain (LA gets 0-0.1 inches in June-July anyway). The translucent canopy is part of SoFi's stunning $5 billion architecture and creates unique natural lighting—it's worth seeing even if you're not a football fan.

Question 9

When should I arrive at SoFi Stadium?

Accepted Answer

Arrive 2-3 hours before kickoff minimum—this is critical for World Cup crowds. SoFi processes 70,000+ fans with security screening taking 45-60 minutes during peak arrivals 90-120 minutes before kickoff. Metro K Line gets crowded 2-3 hours before matches. For a 5 PM kickoff: Board Metro by 1:30 PM latest (arrive stadium area by 3-3:30 PM). This allows time for: travel (75-90 min from coast), Metro crowds (15-30 min), security (45-60 min), finding seat (15 min), and buffer for delays (30 min). For the USMNT opening match, add 30-60 minutes extra due to unprecedented crowds. Pro tip: Download your mobile ticket the night before, have ID ready, and arrive at Metro station with empty pockets (keys/wallet/phone only) to speed up security.

Question 10

Can I visit LA beaches and attend a match the same day?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Los Angeles beaches are 20-30 minutes from most hotels and perfect for combining with match days. Typical itinerary for 5 PM kickoff: Morning beach time (8 AM-12 PM, 'June Gloom' fog burns off by noon revealing sunshine) → lunch (12-1 PM) → depart for stadium at 1:30 PM via Metro (arrive by 3 PM) → match 5-8 PM → return to beach area 10-11 PM. LA's perfect weather (75-80°F, virtually no rain) makes this ideal. Note: Coastal fog in mornings means beaches are overcast/cool until midday, then gorgeous and warm. For afternoon kickoffs (2-3 PM), plan beach day after the match instead. Santa Monica and Venice Beach are best for this strategy due to Metro E Line direct access to stadium transfer point.

Host Cities (16)

Los Angeles

At a Glance

About Los Angeles

City Character

Stadium Location

Critical Info

Where to Stay

SoFi Stadium

Economic Impact

Get Involved

Entertainment capital of the world hosts soccer's biggest tournament

Top Highlights

Unique Experiences

Perfect For

This City Might Not Be For You If...

Match Schedule

Stadium Quick Tips

Weather During World Cup

What to Expect

Packing Essentials

Plan Your Visit

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

Top Attractions

Getting Around

Safety Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is SoFi Stadium and how far is it from downtown LA?

How do I get to SoFi Stadium from Santa Monica or Venice Beach?

What is Metro fare capping and how does it save me money?

Do I need a car in Los Angeles for the World Cup?

What's the best area to stay for World Cup matches in LA?

Is Los Angeles safe for tourists?

How expensive is Los Angeles?

Does SoFi Stadium have a roof?

When should I arrive at SoFi Stadium?

Can I visit LA beaches and attend a match the same day?

What's the weather like in LA during June-July?

Are there hotels walking distance from SoFi Stadium?

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