For the first time since 1994, the men’s FIFA World Cup is returning to Los Angeles in the summer of 2026. In preparation for the arriving athletes, LA is undergoing significant improvements to public transportation and SoFi Stadium. In 1994, the final was held at
the Rose Bowl, but this summer it will be held at SoFi Stadium due to the $22 billion investment the venue received in preparation for the event.
These investments are being put toward the installation of a natural grass pitch instead of turf, as well as modifying the seating to meet FIFA’s field width regulations. However, SoFi Stadium is only a small component of how LA is preparing to host the World Cup, which is likely to draw over 150,000 tourists to LA.
Preceding the event, LA is undergoing many renovations to prepare for the influx of tourists. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has already undergone construction to open the Metro Transit Center, with a mobility plan to ensure direct travel to SoFi. LA is aiming to build 3,000 bus shelters, which includes nine direct shuttle stations where rides are offered for $1.75.
In addition to more public transportation, LA is also preparing for significantly increased hotel prices, which will also impact retail and dining.
Furthermore, the World Cup will generate jobs in hospitality, operations at SoFi stadium and additional transport drivers. All of this contributes to the $1 billion economic impact to the city, over double what the 2022 Super Bowl brought in when it was
hosted in Los Angeles. While the World Cup will provide a strong economic boost to LA, some residents aren’t looking forward to the event because of the traffic congestion and inconvenience.
“Honestly, I can’t say I’m especially excited for the World Cup to be in LA because of how bad the traffic will be,” Lael ’27 said. “Since it will be summer I know I’ll be on the road twice as much and I am not looking forward to sitting in traffic all day just to go five miles.”
On the other hand, many students are excited for the biggest soccer stage to be so close to home.
“Growing up in LA, soccer was always a part of my life, from the tournaments all around California, from San Francisco, to Irvine and to Long Beach. Having the World Cup come to LA is very exciting,” Mila ’26 said.
In addition to the 2026 men’s World Cup, the highly anticipated Summer Olympics will also be held in LA in 2028. While the city is working on improvements focused on the World Cup for now, NBC reports that these preparations are a “dress rehearsal” for the Olympics. With over $1 billion from projected economic benefits in hosting a record-setting tournament, Los Angeles is leveraging its cultural diversity to welcome the world and showcase the city’s ability to thrive under the spotlight on multiple occasions.
