He SoFi Stadium in Los Angeleslocated in southern California, will be one of the most important venues for the 2026 World Cup. The sports venue will host eight games in total, including the United States’ debut against Paraguayscheduled for June 12.
Five of the matches correspond to the group stage and the rest belong to the knockout stage. In fact, the last of the games will be to define a place in the semifinals.
SoFi Stadium opened in 2020 and has capacity for 70,000 spectators. During the NFL season it is home to the Rams and Chargers.
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June 12: United States vs. Paraguay
- Instance: Group stage (Group D)
- Local time: 6:00 pm PT / 9:00 pm ET
The American team will open its participation in the tournament against Paraguay. It will be one of the opening matches for the host team and an important test to get off to a good start on their path to the closing round of 32.
June 15: Iran vs. New Zealand
- Instance: Group stage (Group G)
- Local time: 6:00 pm PT / 9:00 pm ET
Both teams will make their debut in the tournament in a duel that could be key for their aspirations of advancing to the next round. Besides, It will be the first official appearance of Tim Payne, now the most famous player of the 2026 World Cup.
June 18: Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Instance: Group stage (Group B)
- Local time: 12:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm ET
Switzerland will seek to continue its tradition of good World Cup performances against a Bosnia and Herzegovina that will try to surprise in one of the most open groups in the competition.
June 21: Belgium vs. Iran
- Instance: Group stage (Group G)
- Local time: 12:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm ET
The Belgian team, a regular protagonist in recent World Cups, will face Iran in a match that could define the group’s qualifying positions.
June 25: United States vs. Türkiye
Instance: Group stage (Group D)
Local time: 7:00 pm PT / 10:00 pm ET
The United States’ second game in Los Angeles could also be decisive. Depending on previous results, this match could define the future of both teams in the championship.
Direct elimination matches
Once the group stage is over, SoFi Stadium will once again host games of great importance. These are:
June 28: Closing sixteenths
- Instance: Round of 32
- Local time: 12:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm ET
It will be one of the first direct elimination matches of the 2026 World Cup. From this phase onwards, any mistake can mean elimination.
July 2: Closing sixteenths
- Instance: Round of 32
- Local time: 12:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm ET
The second match of this round in Los Angeles will bring together teams that have passed the group stage and seek to stay alive in the fight for the title.
July 10: Closing quarters
- Instance: Closing quarters
- Local time: 12:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm ET
It will be the most important match that SoFi Stadium will host during the tournament. The teams that reach this stage will be just two wins away from playing in the final of the World Cup.
Although cities like New York, Dallas and Mexico City will also play a relevant role, Los Angeles appears as one of the most attractive venues of the championship. In addition to hosting matches from the United States, it will have direct elimination matches and will be part of the ceremonies that will accompany the development of the tournament.
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