Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WILL LOS ANGELES HOST THE 2026 WORLD CUP FINAL?
With the United States, Mexico, and Canada set to host the 2026 World Cup, one of the most frequently asked questions is: where will the final be held? Many were betting on Los Angeles, the City of Angels, but other cities like New York and Dallas are also vying for that honor. In this article, we'll review FIFA's announcements, the proposed stadiums, statistics from previous World Cups, and why Los Angeles has reason to dream big. Will the Cup be lifted under the Californian sun?
What FIFA has said so far
Although it has already been confirmed that the 2026 World Cup final will be played in the United States, the host city was the subject of speculation for months. Finally, in February 2024, FIFA announced that the grand final will be played in New York/New Jersey, specifically at MetLife Stadium, on July 19, 2026. However, Los Angeles was in the running until the very end, and many still see it as the tournament's "alternate capital."
Why wasn't it chosen?
According to sources close to the organization, FIFA considered several factors: infrastructure, international access, experience with mass events, and stadium capacity. MetLife Stadium has a capacity of over 82,000 people, is close to Manhattan, and has a history of hosting NFL finals. But Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium was also a gem… with one technical problem: its pitch is narrower than required for a FIFA match of that magnitude. FIFA confirmed New York/New Jersey as the final venue on February 4, 2024. Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium has a capacity of 70,000, expandable to 100,000. One of the reasons that was ruled out was the limited width of the pitch in Inglewood. Los Angeles will host late-stage matches, including a semi-final. So no, Los Angeles won't have the final… but it will be a of the stars of the World Cup, and rightly so.
The Historical Weight of Los Angeles in the World Cup
Although it won't host the 2026 final, Los Angeles has already left its mark on World Cup history. It was a main venue for the 1994 World Cup, when the United States hosted its first World Cup, and the famous Rose Bowl in Pasadena was the stage for that final between Brazil and Italy that ended 0-0 and was decided by penalties.
A City with a Soccer Culture
Los Angeles is not just about movies and palm trees: it's a city with a huge passion for soccer, thanks to its cultural diversity. It has two teams in the MLS (LA Galaxy and LAFC), top-level youth academies, and a Latino community that lives and breathes soccer. It's common to see packed stadiums in neighborhoods like East LA or Glendale, no matter the day.
The 1994 World Cup final at the Rose Bowl was watched by more than 94,000 people in the stadium and 1.5 billion on TV.
Los Angeles has hosted the Gold Cup, Copa América, MLS All-Star Game, and Champions Cup matches.
More than 48% of LA's population identifies as Latino, according to the 2020 census.
LAFC has one of the most active fan groups in MLS: the "3252".
By History, culture, and passion—Los Angeles deserved that final. But at least it will have great games that can be just as memorable.
What Los Angeles Will Have in 2026
Although the grand final will be on the East Coast, the West Coast is not to be outdone. Los Angeles will host several important matches of the 2026 World Cup, including group stage matches, the round of 16, and possibly a semifinal. The stadium chosen for these matches is the modern SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, which is already considered one of the most impressive in the world.
The SoFi Stadium: An Architectural Gem
Opened in 2020, SoFi is a stadium on another level: retractable roof, 360° screens, ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi, and a VIP experience from every angle. Although it was designed for the NFL, it will be adapted for the World Cup. It is estimated that after technical adjustments, it could meet FIFA standards, although not quite enough for the final.
The city as a tourist destination
Beyond the stadium, LA is a top destination: Hollywood, Venice Beach, the Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills, tacos al pastor, and perfect weather in July. It's no wonder it's one of the most visited cities in the world. So for many fans, watching a match there will be like experiencing a World Cup and a vacation at the same time. The SoFi Stadium cost $5.5 billion, making it the most expensive stadium ever built. It has a base capacity of 70,240 spectators, expandable to 100,000. In 2026, Los Angeles will host at least 6 World Cup matches, including knockout rounds. FIFA projects that LA will be the city with the highest tourism revenue during the tournament, after New York. There may not be a final in California, but there will be top-level soccer, a party atmosphere, and plenty of Latin flavor. And that, in a World Cup, is worth its weight in gold.
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