The indignation over a country wrought with human rights abuses being allowed to host the 2022 World Cup, coupled with the general malaise around the idea of a winter tournament, has caused many fans to look far into the future. With the 2026 World Cup announcing their host cities this week, talk has turned to the hugely anticipated tournament that will be shared between the United States, Mexico and Canada.
To whet your appetite for this far-flung feast of football, The Sportsman is taking a look at the stadia where the 2026 World Cup will play out. In this instalment we’re on the west coast, sizing up the offerings in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Levi’s Stadium - San Francisco
Opened: 2014
Capacity: 68,500
Home team: San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
Biggest match so far: 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final
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“The Field of Jeans” has hosted a wide range of sporting and entertainment events since opening in the summer of 2014. As well as providing a home for the 49ers, Levi’s also used to stage the annual San Francisco Bowl college football game.
As for the round ball, San Jose Earthquakes hosted annual MLS games at the stadium between 2014 and 2019. Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all taken to the field in San Francisco for International Champions Cup games. Several games at the Copa America Centenario tournament were also hosted at Levi’s, including a 7-0 victory for Chile over Mexico.
Did You Know? While the stadium holds just shy of 69,000 when the pitch is in use, WWE actually hold the Levi’s attendance record. WrestleMania 31 drew 76,976 fans, with the size of the ring allowing them to accommodate seating on the field.
SoFi Stadium - Los Angeles
Opened: 2020
Capacity: 70,240 (expandable to 100,240)
Home team: Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers (NFL)
Biggest match so far: N/A
An unusual entry into our series considering SoFi has never hosted an association football match before. Typically an NFL and concert venue, this towering LA amphitheatre saw a number of its proposed launch events postponed due to the pandemic. It has since hosted bands like The Rolling Stones and BTS, as well as this year’s Super Bowl, alongside regular season NFL games.
SoFi’s maiden football outing will come on 3rd August, when it plays host to the inaugural Leagues Cup Showcase. MLS sides Los Angeles Football Club and LA Galaxy and Liga MX sides Club America and Club Deportivo Guadalajara will compete for the crown.
Did You Know? SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. Due to sponsorship rules, the stadium will be renamed for the duration of the games.
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
