We’re just under two months away from the biggest sporting event on the planet, and L.A. is already in full-on World Cup mode. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup around the corner, SoFi Stadium is rapidly transforming itself for the occasion.
The Inglewood mega-venue, set to host eight matches including a quarterfinal, has begun major upgrades to convert its usual NFL setup into a FIFA-compliant pitch built for fútbol, as reported by NBC.Crews have removed one of the seating sections, clearing space for the expanded field that FIFA demands.
The stadium is also moving from artificial turf to a natural grass surface spanning 74,000 square feet layered over a hybrid system designed to keep the pitch alive and game-ready throughout the tournament. Tens of thousands of square feet of real grass will be installed, supported by drainage systems and grow lighting to maintain conditions under pressure.
To meet international standards, the field will also be significantly widened compared to its NFL configuration, which means even more seating has to temporarily come out. Once complete, SoFi will still hold around 69,000 fixed seats, plus premium suites, but fans will be closer to the action than in a typical football setup.
During the tournament, the stadium will also shed its usual commercial branding and temporarily operate under a simplified identity: Los Angeles Stadium.
SoFi Stadium FIFA World Cup full schedule
Eight matches are locked in for Inglewood’s World Cup run, including group stage clashes, knockout rounds, and a quarterfinal showdown:
- June 12: USA vs. Paraguay
- June 15: Iran vs. New Zealand
- June 18: Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
- June 21: Belgium vs. Iran
- June 25: USA vs. Turkey
- June 28: Round of 32 match
- July 2: Round of 32 match
- July 10: Quarterfinal
In total, the 2026 World Cup will feature 104 matches across North America, with the final set for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
