Los Angeles, California – The United States, the land of Donald Trump, baseball, gun violence, and endless freeways, is now co-hosting football’s biggest tournament.
The World Cup is off to a good start for the United States, who defeated Paraguay 4-1 on Friday in Los Angeles. The result was a touching hometown celebration, despite the noticeably empty seats.
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Friday’s game went off largely without incident, although there were concerns about organization and logistics before kickoff at SoFi Stadium.
The United States, which hosts the tournament along with Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to host 78 of the 104 games at this year’s World Cup.
Here are some observations and tips for fans after the US-based first game in Los Angeles.
Invest in a clear bag: Bags larger than your wallet will not be allowed into the stadium unless they are clear. So if you’re watching a game in the US, leave your wallet or backpack at home and buy a clear bag if you need one.
Get ready for airport-style security: This process is pretty standard. Empty your pockets, place your see-through bag in the scanner, and be ready for further inspection when the security gate beeps.
Food and drink prices are exorbitant. A bottle of water can cost $5.25, a bag of chips can cost $5.75, and a beer can cost as much as $21.50. Expect to pay at least twice the normal price for food and drink at the stadium.
Get the ticket app: Stadium gatekeepers will not accept any alternative to the FIFA app FWC2026 for ticket validation. You may be able to add tickets to your digital wallet through the app before the game, but you cannot do so by screenshotting or printing, so make sure your phone is charged.
Traffic conditions are realistic. Most parts of the United States lack reliable public transportation, making cars the default mode of transportation.
Many host cities in the United States are working to allow fans to reach stadiums without using cars. For example, Los Angeles commissioned shuttle buses to transport fans from downtown transportation hubs to SoFi Stadium. Still, there was suffocating traffic surrounding Friday’s game. The stalemate continued for several hours after the match.
Please plan to arrive early. Also, check local media and the host city’s municipality’s social media pages to find out the best way to get to the stadium, especially if you don’t want to get stuck in endless traffic jams.
An army of staff and volunteers: Trying to head off potential problems, US organizers flooded the match with additional personnel. At the opening game in Los Angeles, hundreds if not thousands of workers and volunteers served as stewards and assisted the spectators. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions or help.
Law Enforcement Officers Everywhere: Police forces in the United States are generally considered to be more militarized than those in the West. His presence increased dramatically during the World Cup. There were heavily armed police officers from numerous government agencies throughout the stadium.
If you see a bunch of 20-somethings with giant automatic rifles and tactical gear at your next World Cup match, don’t worry too much. That’s just America.
Don’t Pet Police Dogs: Speaking of police, many police officers roam around with sniffer dogs. Dogs may seem cute and harmless, but they won’t try to pet you. Officials won’t like it.
Prepare for a commercial culture: Take the ongoing trend of commercializing football and add American capitalism to it. You can find out what’s happening in this World Cup. Everything is provided by our sponsors.
Companies ranging from soda brands to banks to car manufacturers have a large presence around the stadium, with stations advertising and selling their products.
Don’t expect too much around the stadium. Many soccer stadiums around the world are built in the heart of cities. Right outside your gates, you’ll be surrounded by restaurants, cultural institutions, and a vibrant community. Not so in the US.
Due to the richness of the land, the dominance of the automobile culture, and the vast nature of American cities, many stadiums are relatively far from city centers and isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city. Depending on where World Cup matches are being played, it may be unwise to expect the stadium area to offer anything other than soccer.
