20 ways to watch the World Cup in Los Angeles

It’s official: World Cup fever has taken over L.A. The global soccer tournament takes place only every four years, and this time around, it’s back in the U.S. for the first time in over three decades—and Los Angeles is hosting eight of the matches at SoFi Stadium. (The freeways are already warning of more traffic—advising people to “use transit” on June 12.)

To celebrate, seemingly every local business is getting in on the action, hosting special promotions, soccer-themed activations and World Cup viewing parties. You can expect every sports bar and lots of restaurants to be tuned in—Clifton’s Republic is even temporarily reopening just for the occasion—but major museums, shopping centers and local attractions are also hosting their own events. It’s a bit overwhelming, to be honest, but to help you out, we’ve rounded up 20 ways to catch a match surrounded by a community of fellow football fans. In fact, even if you’re not a sports fan, some of these parties should still appeal to you.

1. FIFA World Cup 2026
June 11–July 19

The first way to see a match is, well, to brave the traffic (or go Metro) and watch a match in person. L.A. is just one of 11 host cities in the U.S., but all of the local matches will take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood (FIFA’s official schedule calls it “Los Angeles Stadium,” but that’s simply the un-branded name for SoFi). Things kick off June 12 with USA vs. Paraguay and lead up to a quarterfinal match on July 10.

A bit surprisingly, tickets are still available, and you might not even have to shell out as much as you’d expect. For direct tickets, the “last-minute sales” phase started in April, but a notable number of seats remain unsold—though you’re looking at a get-in price in the hundreds of dollars, if not thousands to see the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team. Consider checking the official resale marketplace or other third-party sellers, where—if you’re lucky—you actually might be able to nab seats for less than face value. 

2. FIFA Fan Festival
June 11–14

Next to watching a match at SoFi Stadium, the next best thing just might be this official fan festival at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. You can watch live match broadcasts, feast on international food, check out immersive fan activations and watch performances by Steve Aoki, Capital Cities, Los Lobos, Normani, Deorro, Sickick and DJ Ravidrums—and tickets are only $10.

3. L.A. Galaxy Soccer Celebration
June 11–July 19

The MLS season may be taking an extended break for the World Cup, but L.A.’s original club is still getting in on the football frenzy. The L.A. Galaxy will host a marathon of watch parties across the South Bay and Long Beach, including all of the group stage matches in downtown Long Beach (along Pine Avenue and, on select days, in Lincoln Park), a drone show–accompanied screening event on the Fourth of July outside of Dignity Health Sports Park and late-stage watch parties south of the Hermosa Beach Pier. All events will feature live match broadcasts, but select ones will sport youth clinics, giveaways and appearances from L.A. Galaxy players. 

4. Getty Soccer Watch Parties
June 11–July 19

Why not pair your World Cup watch party with some world-class art and one-of-a-kind views? The Getty will be screening pretty much every match that occurs during the museum’s operating hours (including some extended Friday evenings) throughout the run of the World Cup. You can catch them on TV at the Trellis Bar & Lounge (when you get off the tram, to the right of the entry stairs) and the Garden Terrace Café (the expansive patio between the museum courtyard and gardens). As usual, you’ll need a free timed ticket to the museum, but as a World Cup bonus, the usually-paid parking will be free after 5pm from June 11 to July 19.

5. Goals & Grooves
June 11, 12

L.A. State Historic Park’s on-site burger stand, Cargo Snack Shack, is presenting this two-day celebration of the World Cup at the spacious park. Expect live match viewing on multiple LED screens, DJs, food trucks, fan zones and more. Maybe the best part? The event is all-ages and dog-friendly, so you can bring the whole crew. Oh, and the free admission doesn’t hurt either—just make sure you RSVP in advance.

6. FIFA World Cup at Cosm Los Angeles
June 11–July 19

Why watch the World Cup in person when you can watch in “Shared Reality” a mere one-minute drive away at Cosm Los Angeles? In fact, you might feel even closer to the action while sitting pitchside inside Cosm’s 87-foot LED Dome, which is amazingly immersive whether you’re watching sports or a movie. If Dome tickets are out of your price range, you can also catch the action on screens in the hall or opt for general admission standing-room tickets.

7. Fútbol for the People: Live USA vs Paraguay Match Screening at the Autry
June 12

The World Cup is turning L.A. into one giant watch party, but this free Griffith Park screening at the Autry Museum feels like a special treat. Presented by Councilmember Nithya Raman, the Consulate General of Paraguay in Los Angeles, L.A. Parks Foundation and Street Food Cinema, Fútbol for the People pairs the USA vs. Paraguay match with food trucks, lawn seating, family-friendly games and the kind of communal sports energy Angelenos rarely get enough of. Expect a lively, multicultural crowd, plenty of cerveza-fueled cheering and a wholesome night under the stars.

8. Santa Monica USA Kickoff Celebration
June 12

Watch the first L.A. match of the World Cup from a 30-foot LED wall in Santa Monica Place at this free, Michelob ULTRA–sponsored watch party. Things kick off with the Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina at noon before the USA vs. Paraguay match broadcast from SoFi at 6pm. In between, the outdoor mall will keep the energy high with DJ sets, beer gardens, giveaways, games, trivia, interactive activations and photo ops. And if you’re still on the clock—it is a Friday, after all—there will even be free Wi-Fi and workspace lounges for working remotely (good luck focusing though).

9. Team USA vs. Paraguay Watch Party in Pasadena
June 12

SGV soccer lovers can cheer on the USA with fellow fans at this free World Cup watch party, which will screen the USA vs. Paraguay match outside the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. There’ll also be games, activities, food, a beer garden, a DJ and more. What’s more, the venue is easily accessible via the Metro (use the Memorial Park or Del Mar A Line stations). You don’t even need a ticket—but note the organizers request you not bring your own chairs. 

10. Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club
June 12–25

Michelob ULTRA—the official beer sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026—is teaming up with the LA Galaxy Foundation for this oceanfront fun zone for soccer fans at the Santa Monica Pier. Kevin Hart will host an invite-only opening-night party, with sets by Ludacris, DJ Pee .Wee and Disco Lines, appearances by soccer legends and a drone show on July 11. But for the following two weeks, all are welcome to enter the pop-up Pitchside Club—you just need to kick a ball past the bouncer/goalie. Once you’re in, watch the day’s matches, test your soccer skills against Lionel Messi in a virtual G.O.A.T. challenge, get a soccer jersey customized and even snap a pic with the Superior Player of the Match Trophy. The event is free but only for guests 21 and up—think of it as a grown-up summer camp with lots and lots of beer.

11. Skyline Soccer Watch Parties
June 12–26

There are lots of sports bars hosting World Cup watch parties, but there’s only one spot that can claim to be the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere: Spire 73. The InterContinental Los Angeles’s sky-high rooftop bar will host five nights of viewing parties, with live entertainment, foosball and special themed dishes based on who’s playing—think Buenos Aires Kickoff Empanadas for Argentina, Carnitas Nachos de la Copa for Mexico and Montevideo World Cup Chimichurri Fries for Uruguay. Pair with signature cocktails like the World Cup Whisper—and a side of 360-degree city views. Walk-ins are welcome, but if you want to be sure to get a good spot, you can opt for VIP seating starting at $35. 

12. Santa Monica Block Fest
June 13

World Cup and Pride Month collide at the fourth edition of Santa Monica Block Fest, which will take over three blocks of Third Street Promenade. Cheer on your team at the World Cup viewing hub, or dance the night away with Pride programming from LGBTQ+ artists and live electronic music from DJs Bijou, Surf Mesa, Autograf and more. Turn the corner onto Arizona Avenue to check out a brand-new night market with over 20 local vendors, including foodie favorite Villa’s Tacos. The party will keep going till midnight.

13. FIFA World Cup 26 Fan Fest at Manhattan Village
June 13

Don’t want to drive from the South Bay to SoFi? This open-air shopping center has you covered on Saturday with an all-day watch party, kicking off at noon with Qatar vs. Switzerland. In between matches, enjoy interactive fan zones, family-friendly entertainment, and food and drinks from Joey Restaurant. And while the event is free, make sure you bring your wallet—in addition to its collection of retailers, Manhattan Village now boasts one of only a handful of official FIFA World Cup 2026 pop-up stores, where you can buy exclusive merch. Plus, soccer association Cal South will be raffling off two tickets to an upcoming L.A. match.

14. The World Grub at Smorgasburg LA
June 14–July 19

Every Sunday, you can find dozens of food vendors at this market at ROW DTLA, a Brooklyn import that boasts a mix of much-loved pop-ups and future foodie stars. On any given weekend, you can feast on burgers, orange chicken sandwiches, pizza, plant-based corn dogs and lots more. On June 14, the World Grub series kicks off, combining street food and soccer every Sunday through July 19. Watch live matches while enjoying game-time specials, limited-edition merch, a mini soccer pitch, an international DJ lineup and more.

15. Watch Party at LACMA
June 18, 21

Since the start of the year, LACMA has been showcasing Lyndon J. Barrois Sr.’s miniature “sportraits” of classic soccer moments in the “Fútbol is Life” exhibition. But with the World Cup upon us, these playful gum wrapper and glue sculptures will now be joined by a pair of watch parties: On June 18, you can catch Mexico vs. South Korea in the museum’s welcome plaza, followed by Uruguay vs. Cape Verde on June 21.

16. Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zones
June 18–July 19

While it won’t be quite the same as having a seat right on the pitch, there will be a rotating slate of fan zones across L.A. County, with official watch parties held from Venice to Downtown L.A. to Burbank to Pomona. Some of these events are free, while others are charging a nominal fee. In any case, you’ll get to enjoy live match viewing and immersive fan experiences closer to home and still be part of the global moment. One highlight from the lineup: “The Heart of the City” Fan Zone at Union Station from June 25 to 28, which will offer four days of free, all-ages programming at the transit hub, screening the matches both in the historic Ticket Concourse and outside.

17. Community Watch Party at the Bloc
June 18, 19

Downtown shopping center the Bloc is turning its plaza level into an alfresco viewing destination, complete with a large LED screen, for two days of the World Cup. Bring a blanket or low-backed chair to get comfy as you watch matches like Mexico vs. Korea Republic and USA vs. Australia. In between games, enjoy soccer skill challenges and arts and crafts, plus giveaways for Bloc Rewards App members. Entry is free with RSVP, and you can pick up a mini country flag to cheer on your favorite team at the entrance.

18. World Cup Watch Parties at the Hammer Museum
June 24–July 19

Cheer on your favorite team among fellow soccer fans at the Hammer’s special World Cup watch parties. The museum will be hosting screenings for 16 men’s matches on big screens in an indoor-outdoor setting. In between the games, wander through the free exhibitions, including “Several Eternities in a Day: Form in the Age of Living Materials,” or grab something to eat at Lulu in the courtyard.

19. The Music Center’s ¡DALE! Fútbol Watch Party: Spain v. Uruguay
June 26

Downtown L.A. has become surprisingly good at public gatherings that feel genuinely communal, and the Music Center’s World Cup watch party should lean into that strength beautifully. The Spain vs. Uruguay match will screen for free on Jerry Moss Plaza, with food vendors and enough fútbol energy to turn Grand Avenue into a European town square. The smart twist comes afterward, when the match seamlessly gives way to the season kickoff of Dance DTLA, transforming post-game adrenaline into a massive outdoor dance party. Even neutral fans may find themselves staying all night.

20. NoHo Fútbol Fest
June 27

North Hollywood has spent years trying to convince the rest of Los Angeles that it’s more than parking lots and rehearsal spaces, and this sprawling soccer street fest makes a persuasive argument. NoHo Fútbol Fest will turn 11136 Magnolia Boulevard into an all-day community watch party with giant match screenings, DJs, beer gardens, local food vendors and enough family-friendly activities to keep even non-sports fans entertained. Mostly, though, it feels like an excuse for the Valley to throw itself a massive block party—which, frankly, is reason enough to go (plus the free parking).