The most expensive stadium ever built, costing an estimated £4.1 billion, will host its first World Cup 2026 match when the United States take on Paraguay on Friday night. SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, is the planet's most expensive venue and will stage eight games during the tournament.
A Colossal Investment
Originally projected to cost £1.5 billion, the privately funded project underwent several rounds of refinancing, ultimately reaching £4.1 billion. Since opening in 2020, the 70,240-seat arena has been home to the Los Angeles Rams and LA Chargers of the NFL, as well as hosting major musical acts like The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and Bad Bunny.
World Cup 2026 Fixtures
The United States, co-hosts and coached by Mauricio Pochettino, begin their campaign against Paraguay. SoFi will host four group-stage matches, including the US final Group D clash against Turkey on June 25, followed by two round-of-32 ties and a quarter-final on July 10.
Architectural Marvel
Designed by HKS, SoFi features a 1,000,000-square-foot canopy with 27,000 LEDs that can display images visible from above. The stadium also boasts an 'Infinity Screen' by Samsung, a double-sided 4K video board weighing 1,000 tonnes, ensuring excellent views from all tiers.
Entertainment Hub
The site, formerly the Hollywood Park Racetrack, now includes a multi-use development with a hotel, cinema, shopping, restaurants, and a brewery, offering a complete experience for visitors. SoFi Stadium remains unmatched in construction cost, setting a new benchmark for sports venues worldwide.
