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Where to Eat, Play, and Stay for the LA FIFA World Cup Matches
The city loves soccer so much that even David Beckham moved there.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to North America, and one of the host cities is none other than the capital of the entertainment industry, Los Angeles. LA, tied with Chicago for the most stadiums in a US city, has developed an impressive soccer culture. This is due in part to its most famous local team, LA Galaxy (the former home of David Beckham), and to immigrants from the UK, Europe, and Latin America who brought their passion for the world’s favorite sport.
So it’s not surprising that between June 12 and July 10, the city will host eight matches at SoFi Stadium, including the US Men’s National Team kickoff match and one quarter final.
Coming from Greece myself, I grew up with a slight soccer obsession, bolstered by my father and cemented by a Premier League soccer rivalry with my roommate in college. In LA, I found not only my people – but also my sports bars.
I often see that people who visit LA find many of their stereotypes of the city destroyed within a few days of exploring the depth, culture, and hidden nooks of the neighborhoods. From oases of nature to prestigious art museums, local dive bars to upscale restaurants, the best thing about LA is that it’s so varied, you can curate your own personalized version of the city.
If you’re planning to be in the city for the LA World Cup matches, here’s what you need to know to plan the perfect trip.
Sporty things to do between LA World Cup matches
LA has long had a reputation for being outdoorsy, populated by surfers, sun-soakers, and people keen on having perfect weather for playing outside. Fortunately, that’s what you’re likely to have during the LA World Cup matches, as the city’s coastal location means ocean breezes even on hot days. And the San Gabriel mountains just to north can be windy, cooler, and perfect for summer days in LA.
See the sights of Griffith Park
Photo: Maggie Yesko/Shutterstock
Griffith Park is so beautiful that it’s a favorite hangout for both tourists and locals. Head over in the early afternoon to take in the view of downtown and the rest of LA spreading out below the park in all directions, then walk by the soccer fields, where you’ll likely find locals playing the beautiful game.
Toward sunset, hike up Mount Hollywood, where you will be rewarded with one of the most stunning sights in the city: the orange-purple sky of an LA sunset behind the lights of Griffith Park Observatory and the downtown skyline. Finish your visit by a walk through the Observatory itself to explore the planetarium, and if you have the patience to wait in line, take a peek through the Zeiss telescope to look at the night sky. It’s free to visit the observatory, but the planetarium show is $10.
Griffith Park Observatory: 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Stroll the sands at Venice Beach
Photo: Chizhevskaya Ekaterina/Shutterstock
See one of the most iconic beaches in the world up close by walking or biking – or even rollerblading – along the boardwalk. You’ll pass people working out at Muscle Beach and have the chance to marvel at the supremely talented kids nailing flips and tricks at the beach’s famous skatepark. Finish your visit by dipping your feet into the chilly but gorgeous Pacific Ocean.
If the World Cup has you feeling energized and active, rent a bike and ride it all the way up to Santa Monica, then finish up your day by watching the sunset at the Santa Monica Pier.
Venice Beach: 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
Tour the historic Rose Bowl
Photo: Grindstone Media Group/Shutterstock
Head up to Pasadena to tour the site of the 1994 Men’s World Cup Final and 1999 Women’s World Cup Final. Built in 1922 and opened in 1923, the Rose Bowl may be one of the most famous sports venues in the world, though it’s age is why it wasn’t chosen for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Go on a tour to see the original 1922 locker room, learn about the Rose Bowl’s historic importance and its role in major sporting events, including five Super Bowls and two World Cups.
Rose Bowl: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103
Explore the California Science Center
Photo: Karolis Kavolelis/Shutterstock
The California Science Center is less a museum, and more an immersive dive into scientific education with jaw-dropping interactive exhibit and an IMAX theater with a 7-story screen showing vivid documentaries on the universe, science, and nature.
From May 15, 2025 through at least the 2028 Olympics, the California Science Center will also host the 17,000-square-foot GAME ON! Science, Sports & Play exhibit, a perfect stop for families. Visitors will learn how scientific sports principles can improve both their lives and their game. But the exhibit is also very hands-on, allowing guests to try baseball swings, swim in a virtual pool, and of course, work on technology-enhanced drills to perfect their soccer kick. It’s free to visit the Science Center, though the IMAX shows and other activities have fees.
California Science Center: 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Where to eat and drink in LA
LA may be known for flashy restaurants, taco stands, and celebrity-loved, Michelin starred kitchens, but don’t be mistaken: it knows a thing or two about fantastic sports bars, too. For a longer list of watering holes you won’t want to miss, check out Matador Network’s guide to the best soccer bars in LA.
No. 10 Restaurant
Owned by former Juventus FC player, World Cup winner, and all around soccer legend Alessandro Del Piero, No. 10 pays homage to both the star’s jersey and his Italian roots. The restaurant, on foodie favorite 3rd Street, leans on authentic, multi-regional Italian cuisine with seasonal ingredients.
Sit in the open, airy interior space, or opt for the breeze outdoor patio. Regulars recommend any dish featuring the restaurant’s fresh, homemade pasta.
No. 10 Restaurant: 8436 W. 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
The Fox and Hounds
Deep in Studio City, you will find the closest thing you can get to a British pub in the LA area. The Fox and Hounds has been attracting soccer fans (and local immigrant Brits) for years, thanks to the combination of hearty pub food, stellar beers on draft, and, of course, the TVs showing major international matches.
Check out the soccer schedule on the restaurant’s website ahead of time; though the screens are usually taken up by Premier League games, in the summer of 2026, you can bet the World Cup will be the only thing on the screen.
The Fox and Hounds: 11100 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604
N17 The Lane
For something more upscale than a pub but more casual than a Beverly Hills restaurant, try N17 The Lane gastropub in Mar Vista. Not only is the restaurant closer to SoFi Stadium than any other on the list, but it’s owned by a husband and wife team who are die-hard sport fans, and want to attract people just like them to their establishment.
The very name of the restaurant is a tribute to Tottenham Hotspur, and the regulars’ obsession with soccer is evident in the TV screens showing international games whenever possible. Enjoy what one critic called the best burger in LA while watching the World Cup matches happening on the big screen.
N17 The Lane: 12821 Washington Blvd., #103, Culver City, CA 90066
Barney’s Beanery
Barney’s Beanery is one of the oldest eateries in the city. It opened in West Hollywood in 1920 and has been an LA institution ever since. The bar, known for massive portions, great beer, sports on the TV screens, and games in the back (including pool and Skee-ball) has always had a steady stream of customers, but enjoyed a new popularity boom recently among Gen-Z.
Barney’s Beanery: 8447 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
Where to Stay for the LA World Cup matches
Photo: Booking.com/The Georgian Hotel
The neighborhood directly around SoFi Stadium isn’t the best place to be based in LA, so you’re better off staying a little further away near some of the city’s iconic tourist destinations.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Los Angeles Athletic Club
In the center of downtown LA is the fitness-focused, four-star Los Angeles Athletic Club, housed in a historic building where Olympic athletes stayed and trained. The hotel is a short walk away from most downtown sights, including the Crypto.com arena and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Rooms start around $200 per night in the summer.
The Georgian Hotel
Stay in one of the city’s most beautiful Art Deco buildings facing Santa Monica Beach and the Pacific Ocean. If you’re in town for the sea as much as for the games, this is the hotel for you. Just a few minutes walk away you can enjoy biking, water sports, skating, and other beachy California activities. Rooms at the Georgian start around $450 per night in the summer.
Soho Warehouse
At Soho Warehouse, you can mix with celebrity guests and athletes flying into town from all over the world to see the World Cup. Enjoy the rooftop pool looking over LA’s trendy Arts District before heading off to a game. Rooms start around $330 per night in the summer, plus taxes and fees.
Of course, there’s a lot to see in Los Angeles – but you’ll want to plan your LA World Cup lodging and tickets early, so don’t spend too much time planning before committing to a hotel or Airbnb. 
