Fans attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles are utilizing public transportation to reach SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
Navigating the city's notorious traffic is a primary concern for visitors during the tournament. Because the stadium is located in a high-congestion area, using transit alternatives reduces the reliance on private cars and eases the burden on local parking infrastructure.
The tournament opened on Friday, June 12, 2026 [2]. For those traveling to the opener, bus fares were as low as $1.75 [1]. Matthew Mohan of Channel News Asia said the route to the stadium provides a blueprint for international and domestic travelers navigating the U.S. transit system.
SoFi Stadium is accustomed to high-volume crowds, as it hosts at least 17 NFL games every fall [3]. However, the scale of the World Cup presents a different challenge. The 2026 tournament has expanded to include 48 teams [5], resulting in a total of 104 matches [4].
To manage the influx of spectators, officials said that fans should arrive at the venue at least three hours before kickoff [6]. This buffer accounts for potential delays in transit, and the security screening process required for an event of this magnitude.
Travelers are encouraged to use a combination of the Metro and local bus lines to avoid the gridlock common in the Inglewood area. By opting for public transit, fans can bypass the parking shortages that often accompany major sporting events in the region.
“Bus fares were as low as $1.75”
The emphasis on public transit for the 2026 World Cup highlights the logistical strain that mega-events place on Los Angeles's infrastructure. By promoting low-cost transit options and early arrival times, organizers aim to prevent total traffic collapse in Inglewood while accommodating a larger-than-usual international crowd due to the expanded 48-team tournament format.
