Los Angeles is preparing to welcome thousands of tourists for the 2026 World Cup, but fans traveling to the largest city in California may face far more than the usual big-city headaches.

Traffic congestion and a lack of clear signage are already emerging as major concerns for both locals and international visitors. In many parts of the city, directions and transit information remain limited, including at Los Angeles International Airport, where travelers report a shortage of signs guiding passengers toward exits and transportation routes.

LAX already under pressure

LAX, located on the west side of Los Angeles, is the busiest airport on the U.S. West Coast. With the World Cup approaching, officials are bracing for a dramatic increase in passenger volume.

Inside the airport, staff members are already struggling to keep pace with the daily crowds less than two weeks before the tournament begins.

Immigration lines regularly stretch for hours, and the arrival of visitors from countries subject to stricter visa screening could make wait times even longer during the competition.

On a typical day, roughly 1,500 flights land at LAX, bringing an estimated 200,000 passengers through its terminals. Those numbers are expected to climb significantly during the World Cup.

Los Angeles traffic remains a major obstacle

Los Angeles has long been synonymous with traffic, and the numbers explain why. The city is home to approximately 6.4 million registered vehicles, with about 77% of residents relying on cars for daily transportation.

Trips that might take 20 minutes in many U.S. cities can easily turn into 90-minute drives in Los Angeles, especially during peak hours. That reality could create serious logistical challenges for fans attempting to reach matches, hotels and tourist attractions throughout the tournament.

City officials are expected to implement measures aimed at improving traffic flow during the event, but concerns remain over whether the city’s infrastructure is ready for the influx of visitors.

Visitors report confusion navigating the city

Beyond the traffic and airport delays, some tourists already in Los Angeles say navigating the city has become difficult because of poor signage throughout public spaces.

According to visitors, clear directions are lacking not only inside the airport, but also on city streets and within public transportation systems, creating additional frustration for international travelers unfamiliar with the area.

Joschua Schank, a transportation researcher at the University of California Institute of Transportation Studies, said Los Angeles did not receive the level of planning and investment necessary to fully prepare for an event of this scale.

He warned that some visitors may struggle to move around comfortably during the tournament and could be forced to rely heavily on navigation apps and personal planning to avoid delays.

While the World Cup represents a massive global event, Los Angeles will host only eight matches at SoFi Stadium. Even so, the tournament is widely viewed as a critical test run for the 2028 Olympic Games, when the city will once again welcome the world on an even larger scale.

And despite seeming far away, the Olympics are now just two years away.

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