SoFi Stadium Transforms for 2026 FIFA World Cup

The Los Angeles venue will host 8 matches during the global soccer tournament

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:37pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the construction of a soccer pitch, with overlapping planes of green, blue, and red representing the various elements of the field and stadium renovations.SoFi Stadium's transformation into a world-class soccer venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will require a major overhaul of the field and seating.Los Angeles Today

SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, is undergoing major renovations to prepare for its role as a host venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The stadium, normally home to the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, will have its field widened and natural grass installed to meet FIFA's standards for international soccer matches. The stadium's branding and signage will also be temporarily changed for the World Cup, with the venue being known as the 'Los Angeles Stadium' during the tournament.

Why it matters

SoFi Stadium is one of the premier sports and entertainment venues in the United States, and its selection as a 2026 World Cup host is a major coup for the Los Angeles area. The renovations demonstrate the stadium's versatility and the city's commitment to hosting world-class events. The World Cup will bring global attention and economic benefits to the region.

The details

To accommodate the World Cup, SoFi Stadium will undergo several key changes. The field will be widened from the NFL's standard of 54 yards to FIFA's requirement of 74 yards. The artificial turf will also be replaced with natural grass for the tournament. Hundreds of seats will be temporarily removed to allow for the field expansion. The stadium's normal branding and sponsorship signage will be replaced with the 'Los Angeles Stadium' name for the World Cup.

  • In June and July 2026, SoFi Stadium will host 8 matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  • Last summer, the field was widened for a National League tournament.
  • On April 15, 2026, crews began removing the final demountable seating section to make way for pitch construction.

The players

SoFi Stadium

A 3.1 million-square-foot sports and entertainment venue in Inglewood, California, that is normally home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers.

2026 FIFA World Cup

The 23rd edition of the quadrennial international men's soccer championship, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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What they’re saying

“Big changes are coming to LA's SoFi Stadium as it transforms its field into a soccer pitch for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Setting the stage isn't easy.”

— Monica Garske, Author

What’s next

Over the next two months, crews will continue the extensive renovations to SoFi Stadium to prepare the venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the installation of natural grass and the expansion of the field to meet FIFA's standards.

The takeaway

SoFi Stadium's transformation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup demonstrates the venue's versatility and the city of Los Angeles' commitment to hosting major global sporting events. The renovations will create a world-class soccer pitch and experience for fans attending the matches.