This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
The World Cup is in LA! We're joining fans heading to the USA vs. Paraguay game today
All eight of the matches will be at SoFi Stadium, or L.A. Stadium, as it will be called during the World Cup.
(
Kavish Harjai
/
LAist
)
The U.S. men's soccer team faces off against Paraguay on Friday in L.A. It’s the first FIFA 2026 World Cup game in the United States, which is hosting the tournament with its neighbors, Canada and Mexico.
There are a lot of big questions going into the game, including how easy it will be to navigate to and from SoFi Stadium. For that, we're joining fans from Union Station to see how the journey goes.
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.
Just over four hours before the game, lines were wrapped around the block to get on the Metro bus.
(
Destiny Torres
/
LAist
)
LA Metro is the main transit system taking fans to and from the stadium.
(
Kavish Harjai
/
LAist
)
(
Destiny Torres
/
LAist
)
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.
Sponsored message
“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.
Union Station is among the 15 transit stations that are directing shuttle service to SoFi Stadium.
(
Kavish Harjai
/
LAist
)
Sponsored message
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.
(
L.A. Metro
)
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.
This is a developing story.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
