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US soccer fans takeover SoFi Stadium as USA vs. Paraguay kicks off the World Cup in LA
Fans arrive at SoFi Stadium to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup match between USA and Paraguay.
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Explore LA special: World Cup is back in LA
Host Josie Huang and LAist's Explore LA team look at what the World Cup returning to Los Angeles means for the city's many communities.
The first 2026 World Cup game on U.S. soil saw the United States face off against Paraguay in a decisive win for the favored home team. L.A. is one of 16 cities hosting the games across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Fans from across the country and from around the world made their way to Los Angeles Stadium, FIFA’s rebrand for SoFi Stadium in Inglewood during the tournament. Many arrived four hours before the start time.
Lines to board buses wrapped around blocks at Union Station where buses shuttled fans to the stadium. LAist joined fans from downtown L.A. to see how the journey went.
Check-in on the journey
The first SoFi Stadium-bound bus left Union Station around 1:30 p.m. while fans cheered its departure. Many were eager to get to the game, chanting “USA!”
Just over four hours before the game, lines were wrapped around the block to get on the Metro bus.
Fans of both USA and Paraguay take a bus from the LAX/Metro transit station to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium.
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Etienne Laurent
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A view of L.A. Stadium before the FIFA World Cup match between USA and Paraguay begins.
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Just over four hours before the game, lines were wrapped around the block to get on the Metro bus.
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Destiny Torres
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LAist
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LA Metro is the main transit system taking fans to and from the stadium.
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Kavish Harjai
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Cristian Vasquez, from the Antelope Valley, was the first person in line for the World Cup shuttles. He said he left home around 9:30 a.m. to line up.
“It’s a service that really helps out the community that probably can't afford SoFi Stadium's parking lot or the existing parking areas,” Vasquez said.
Shuttle fares are the same as usual: $1.75 one-way.
Emily and Mason Allen traveled from Arkansas for the tournament in L.A. and were some of the dozens of riders waiting to board the buses.
The siblings said they were looking forward to cheering on the U.S. team.
“We’re going to win, no doubt,” Mason said.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I can’t be more excited than I am right now,” Emily added.
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United States fans arrive before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium.
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The United States faces off against Paraguay on Friday in L.A. It’s the first FIFA World Cup game of the season in the U.S.
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Destiny Torres
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Union Station is among the 15 transit stations that are directing shuttle service to SoFi Stadium.
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Kavish Harjai
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Jose Caballero traveled to L.A. from Paraguay to cheer on his team. He and his son saved up for the last year to afford tickets.
"Es emocionante. Es algo unico. Es un evento que se ve cada cuatro años y logicamente, las emociones y sobre todo el gran espectaculo que brindan antes, durantes y despues del partido es emocionante," Caballero said.
He said that the tournament is an exciting spectacle that is seen every four years.
Caballero added that he wants to see the Paraguay team win and bring home the World Cup trophy.
Paraguay fans arrive before the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between USA and Paraguay at SoFi Stadium.
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Less than two hours before kick off, there were hundreds of people standing outside one of the entrances to the stadium.
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People came dressed in jerseys with flags draped around their shoulders and tied around their waists. Some were in costumes, dressing up as Abraham Lincoln, Captain America and in a bald eagle mask.
Getting to the stadium
LA Metro is the main transit system taking fans to and from the stadium. The countywide transportation agency is shuttling fans from 15 different locations in L.A. and Orange counties to SoFi Stadium, or as it’s known for the duration of the tournament, Los Angeles Stadium.
The shuttles begin hours in advance of the game, with the exact timing depending on the location you depart from. Here's a full guide on getting to the stadium on public transit.
You can catch a stadium-bound shuttle at locations throughout L.A. and Orange counties.
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Getting to watch parties
There are going to be more than 100 free watch parties in the city of L.A. at different park locations. It’s part of an initiative called Kick it in the Park. You can find out more about the watch parties here.
Some of the locations are accessible on Metro rail.
Check out the city’s interactive website to learn which Metro, L.A. Dash or other regional transit can take you to the Kick it in the Park events.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
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