World Cup 2026

SoFi Stadium begins pitch expansion work ahead of World Cup

Seats have been removed from the corners to meet FIFA requirements, with a natural grass field to be installed ahead of kickoff.

David Nelson

Director AS USA

Scottish journalist and lifelong sports fan who grew up in Edinburgh playing and following football (soccer), cricket, tennis, golf, hockey… Joined Diario AS in 2012, becoming Director of AS USA in 2016 where he leads teams covering soccer, American sports (particularly NFL, NBA and MLB) and all the biggest news from around the world of sport.

Estados Unidos Update: Apr 17th, 2026 14:35 EDT

Work is underway at SoFi Stadium as organizers begin adapting the venue for the 2026 World Cup, with the first visible changes already in place. Sections of seating have been removed from the corners of the stadium to create the space required for a regulation FIFA pitch, with the NFL configuration falling short of the necessary width. An NFL pitch is typically about 54 yards wide, while under the laws of soccer an international pitch must be between 70 and 80 yards wide. FIFA recommends that the pitch be 115 yards long and 74 yards wide.

SoFi for soccer

The changes are part of a broader conversion process that will see the stadium temporarily reconfigured for soccer. Once the structural adjustments are complete, a natural grass surface will be installed over the existing artificial turf, along with the necessary sub-systems to maintain it throughout the tournament.

The work has started less than two months before kickoff, a timeline dictated by the stadium’s packed calendar and the need to keep the playing surface in optimal condition for the opening matches. The venue, which will be referred to as Los Angeles Stadium during the tournament, is expected to undergo further temporary modifications before hosting games next summer.

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What games are on at SoFi stadium in the World Cup 2026

The following games are being held at SoFi stadium during World Cup 2026, including the USMNT’s first game, against Paraguay.

Group stage (5 matches)

June 12, 2026: USA vs Paraguay (Group D)

June 15, 2026: Iran vs New Zealand (Group G)

June 18, 2026: Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B)

June 21, 2026: Belgium vs Iran (Group G)

June 25, 2026: Turkey vs USA (Group D)

Knockout stage

Round of 32 (2 matches)

June 28, 2026: Group A runner-up vs Group B runner-up

July 2, 2026: Group H winner vs Group J runner-up

Quarterfinal (1 match)

July 10, 2026: Winner Match 93 vs Winner Match 94