SoFi Stadium — World Cup Stadium Guide
Los Angeles, USA · Capacity 70,240
Overview
SoFi Stadium represents the pinnacle of modern stadium design, a $5 billion architectural marvel that opened in 2020 as the most expensive sports venue ever built. The stadium will play a major role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosting eight matches in the Los Angeles area, one of the world's most important media markets. The venue's distinctive translucent roof, cutting-edge technology, and integration with the surrounding Hollywood Park development create an experience that redefines what a sports stadium can be, blending entertainment, technology, and architecture in ways that influence venue design worldwide.
Located in Inglewood, California, just miles from Los Angeles International Airport, SoFi Stadium serves as home to both the NFL's Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. The venue has already hosted Super Bowl LVI, the College Football Playoff National Championship, and will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2028 Summer Olympics. The stadium's selection as a key 2026 World Cup venue brings football's greatest tournament to Los Angeles for the first time since the 1994 World Cup at the Rose Bowl, introducing a new generation of Angelenos to the beautiful game.
Architecture & Design
HKS, Inc. created a stadium that challenges traditional venue design, with a translucent roof that appears to float above the structure and creates a distinctive visual presence visible from aircraft approaching LAX. The roof, made of ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) panels, allows natural light to filter through while protecting spectators from the elements. The design creates an indoor-outdoor atmosphere unique among major stadiums, with the roof's translucency creating lighting conditions that change throughout the day and create stunning visual effects during evening events.
The stadium is built 100 feet into the ground, a design decision that reduces its visual impact on the surrounding neighborhood while creating a bowl that brings spectators close to the action. This subterranean approach required excavating 6 million cubic yards of earth and created engineering challenges that pushed the boundaries of stadium construction. The result is a venue that feels intimate despite its massive scale, with sightlines that ensure every seat offers excellent views of the action.
The Oculus, a double-sided 4K video board that hangs from the roof and is visible from both inside and outside the stadium, represents the venue's technological sophistication. The board, which is oval-shaped and measures 120 yards long, provides instant replays and information to spectators while creating a visual centerpiece that has become synonymous with the stadium. The venue's integration with the surrounding Hollywood Park development, including retail, residential, and entertainment spaces, creates a destination that extends beyond game days and represents a new model for stadium development.
World Cups Hosted
| Year | Matches | Final | Notable moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | No | The stadium will host 8 World Cup matches, bringing football's greatest tournament to Los Angeles and showcasing America's newest and most spectacular stadium to a global audience. |
Iconic Matches
- 2026 TBD (TBD): The stadium will host 8 matches including potential knockout rounds, showcasing Los Angeles to a global football audience.
Cultural Impact
SoFi Stadium represents Los Angeles' return to the forefront of American sports after decades without an NFL team. The venue's construction symbolized the city's commitment to reclaiming its status as a premier sports destination, and the 2026 World Cup will further cement this position. The stadium's location in Inglewood, a historically African-American neighborhood, has sparked discussions about gentrification and community impact, reflecting broader tensions about stadium development and urban change.
The venue's $5 billion cost—the most expensive stadium ever built—reflects both Los Angeles' ambition and the escalating costs of modern sports infrastructure. The stadium's integration with the Hollywood Park development demonstrates a new model for venue construction, where stadiums anchor mixed-use developments that generate revenue beyond game days. The 2026 World Cup will test whether this American approach to stadium design can create the atmosphere that football demands while showcasing Los Angeles' entertainment culture to a global audience.
Interesting Facts
- SoFi Stadium cost $5 billion to build, making it the most expensive sports venue ever constructed.
- The translucent ETFE roof covers 3.1 million square feet and allows natural light to filter through.
- The stadium is built 100 feet into the ground, requiring excavation of 6 million cubic yards of earth.
- The Oculus video board is double-sided, oval-shaped, and measures 120 yards long.
- The venue will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2028 Summer Olympics.
- The stadium serves as home to both the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, making it one of few venues to host two NFL teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many World Cup matches were played here?
SoFi Stadium will host 8 FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, bringing the tournament to Los Angeles for the first time since 1994.
Did this stadium host a World Cup final?
The stadium will not host the 2026 World Cup Final, which will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
When was the stadium built?
Built 2016-2020 at a cost of $5 billion, the stadium features a translucent ETFE roof and is built 100 feet into the ground.
Why is this stadium historically important?
As the most expensive stadium ever built and a showcase of modern architecture and technology, SoFi Stadium will introduce global audiences to Los Angeles' entertainment culture during the 2026 World Cup.