Regarded as one of the most technologically sophisticated stadiums ever built, it is not surprising that SoFi Stadium is among the 16 venues chosen to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Located in Inglewood, California, the stadium will be referred to as the Los Angeles Stadium throughout the tournament, scheduled to start on June 11. As per FIFA regulations, stadiums with sponsorship or corporate names must be changed.

SoFi Stadium sits on 298 acres. Construction of the facility began in 2016, and it was completed and opened four years later in September 2020, with the project estimated to have cost between $5 and $6 billion at that time, making it the most expensive sports stadium in history.

The project includes not just the stadium but an entire entertainment district called Hollywood Park, with shops, offices, parks, and residential areas.

One of the most notable features of the stadium is the “ Infinity Screen”, the largest video board ever installed in a sports stadium, which weighs almost 100,000 kilograms and stretches over 304 metres around the stadium roof.

Despite the stadium having a roof, it is technically an open-air stadium because its sides remain open to allow natural airflow and sunlight. It is also 30 metres below street level because of height restrictions due to proximity to the Los Angeles International Airport.

SoFi Stadium is famous for being the home of two National Football League franchises, the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers. It was also a regular venue for the LA Bowl, a college American football game, which was discontinued last year.

The stadium has a capacity of over 70,000, but can be expanded to 100,000 for major events. SoFi hosted the 2022 Super Bowl and has been selected as the host for the 2027 edition.

Additionally, the 2023 College American Football Playoff National Championship was played at the ground. The Copa América, WrestleMania, and CONCACAF Gold Cup are some major events that have been held at SoFi Stadium.

It has been selected to host events during the 2028 Summer Olympics and is also under consideration for the 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups. Major artists such as BTS, the Weeknd, Bad Bunny, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Metallica, Ed Sheeran, the Rolling Stones, and others have staged concerts at the stadium.

The stadium will host eight matches during the World Cup, including the United States’ opening match against Paraguay.