SoFi Stadium first-timer for World Cup? How to spend the day nearby
Paris BarrazaThe SoFi Stadium in Inglewood is expected to welcome scores of soccer fans for several matches as part of the 2026 World Cup, including when the United States faces Paraguay in its opening match on June 12. Regardless of whether you’re seated at the stadium or just catching the game nearby, we’ve got you covered with some things to do in the Los Angeles County city and surrounding area.
This year's tournament will be the biggest in history, featuring 48 teams for the first time. The 104 games will be spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada, with the U.S. hosting 78 matches.
Wondering where to eat? Check out our dining guide here, which features the James Beard Foundation Award-winning restaurant The Serving Spoon and a Los Angeles Times best restaurant, Two Hommés.
Things to do, see in Inglewood: Randy’s Donuts, Kia Forum and more
Randy’s Donuts
Get a doughnut at an Inglewood institution, Randy’s Donuts, and then take a photo outside of the shop. That’s because Randy’s Donuts has a giant (fake) doughnut perched on its roof that’s been seen in “Iron Man 2” and numerous other shows and films over the years.
Kia Forum, Intuit Dome, YouTube Theater and Miracle Theater
Within walking distance of SoFi Stadium is the Kia Forum, the YouTube Theater and the Intuit Dome, the latter home to the Los Angeles Clippers. All three venues have various events and concerts scheduled throughout June and July.
Another nearby option is the more intimate venue, The Miracle Theater; afterward, you can catch a meal along Inglewood’s historic Market Street — the street the theater is located on.
Centinela Adobe
Take a tour of the 18th century Centinela Adobe in Inglewood, which is “an early California adobe” built in 1834 that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
What you’re near in Inglewood: Manhattan Beach, Culver City and Exposition Park
You’ve got plenty of things to do in all directions outside of Inglewood. Heading west of the city gets you to Southern California’s coast. Go a bit south, and you can dine and grab drinks in the affluent Manhattan Beach. Go further north toward Venice Beach for its popular boardwalk and its canals.
Culver City is to your northwest; you’ve got the Westfield Culver City mall there, a stretch of eateries and shops near the historic The Culver Hotel — which in and of itself is a pretty sight. Another option in Culver City is to tour the Sony Pictures Studio.
Head northeast of Inglewood and you can check out Exposition Park in Los Angeles, which is home to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the California Science Center, the California African American Museum and other attractions. Another sight east of Inglewood is the enduring Watts Towers — the looming art sculptures of steel, wire mesh and other materials — that is listed as a National Historic Landmark, according to the California State Parks.
Where is SoFi Stadium?
SoFi Stadium is in the city of Inglewood, which is part of Los Angeles County but separate from the city of Los Angeles.
LAX to SoFi Stadium: Is the airport close?
We’ve got amazing news for you. Los Angeles International Airport is a 4-mile drive if you mostly take West Century Boulevard per Google Maps. But even other routes are about 6 miles and under to the stadium, according to Google Maps.
When is the 2026 World Cup?
The World Cup is from June 11 to July 19.
See 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule at SoFi Stadium
- June 12: USA vs. Paraguay (Group D) at 6 p.m. PDT
- June 15: Iran vs. New Zealand (Group G) at 6 p.m. PDT
- June 18: Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B) at noon PDT
- June 21: Belgium vs. Iran (Group G) at noon PDT
- June 25: USA vs. Turkey (Group D) at 7 p.m. PDT
- June 28: Round of 32 at noon PDT
- July 2: Round of 32 at noon PDT
- July 10: Quarterfinal at noon PDT
USA TODAY reporter Seth Vertelney contributed to this story.
Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].