The 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a close on Sunday after six weeks of thrilling matches across the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
Spain claimed its second-ever men’s World Cup title after its 1-0 win against reigning champion Argentina in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium).
Los Angeles hosted multiple games during the world’s biggest soccer tournament, bringing hundreds of thousands of fans from around the globe to the region.
Here’s a look at this year’s World Cup through the lens of Los Angeles, using numbers and statistics:
How many 2026 World Cup matches were played in Los Angeles?
Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium — called Los Angeles Stadium during the World Cup — hosted eight matches during this year’s tournament, including five in the group stage and three in the knockout round.
The U.S. men’s national team played two group-stage games in Inglewood, winning 4-1 against Paraguay in their Group D opener and losing 3-2 against Türkiye in the Group D finale.
In the Round of 32, the South Africa vs. Canada and the Spain vs. Austria games were played at Los Angeles Stadium. The World Cup schedule in Inglewood concluded with the quarterfinal clash between Belgium and this year’s ultimate winner, Spain.
More than 560,000 fans attended those games altogether, according to the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee.
World Cup scenes around Los Angeles
How many fans went to the FIFA Fan Festival and Fan Zones in Los Angeles?
The FIFA Fan Festival took over the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the tournament’s opening weekend from June 11 to 14. Attendees watched games on massive screens while enjoying a lineup of entertainment and experiences.
There were also World Cup watch parties hosted by FIFA sprawled across the Los Angeles region. These Fan Zones featured live match broadcasts, fan activations, music, food and more.
The committee said over 250,000 fans celebrated at the festival and Fan Zones throughout the tournament, with thousands more attending the more than 300 community events.
From neighborhood bars to watch parties on dog beaches, the World Cup transformed everyday places into gathering places. Mekahlo Medina reports for the NBC4 News at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026.
What was the impact on the local economy?
The World Cup not only highlighted soccer for 39 days; it also uplifted local businesses. Many turned to neighborhood bars and restaurants to celebrate the tournament with community members.
According to the committee, Los Angeles County is projected to generate $892 million in economic impact from the World Cup, while the region is forecast to exceed $1.1 billion in total long-term economic benefits.
Watch parties are planned across Southern California for the game between USA and Türkiye. Brittany Hope reports for the NBC4 News at 6 a.m. on June 25, 2026.
In a letter to the people of Los Angeles, the committee said the following, in part:
“Thank you for welcoming the world with open arms.
“Thank you for sharing your neighborhoods, your culture and your pride.
“Thank you for proving that when the Los Angeles region comes together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.
“The final whistle may have blown but the legacy of FIFA World Cup 2026™ will continue to inspire our communities for generations to come.”