SoFi Stadium gets World Cup 2026 makeover before USMNT debut

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The home of the Rams and Chargers has gotten quite the makeover.

A new crop of photos captured from inside and outside SoFi Stadium over the weekend show the Inglewood venue will look very different when World Cup action begins there later this week.

The fully installed grass pitch at Los Angeles Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. AFP via Getty Images

For starters, the artificial turf has been replaced by natural grass, and some sections of the lower bowl have actually been removed to make way for the new field.

SoFi signage, meanwhile, has been covered up throughout the arena, including outside, where a large “FIFA World Cup 2026” banner was unfurled over one of the company’s biggest references.

A worker maintains the grass pitch at Los Angeles Stadium. AFP via Getty Images

Inside the locker rooms, FIFA World Cup 2026 imagery has been placed throughout, including directly inside players’ lockers.

FIFA World Cup 2026 signage displayed at Los Angeles Stadium. AFP via Getty Images

World Cup insignia has been wrapped around columns and entryways throughout as well.

The changes were all a part of the rules that the stadium had to adhere to in order to be a host site at this year’s tournament.

The exterior of Los Angeles Stadium with a “FIFA WORLD CUP 2026” banner. AFP via Getty Images

In addition to requiring natural grass, FIFA also barred unapproved sponsorships, which is why SoFi Stadium will be known as “Los Angeles Stadium” this month.

Other host sites, including AT&T Stadium in Dallas and Lumen Field in Seattle, have undergone similar transformations.

World Cup action will officially get underway in Inglewood on Friday, when the United States Men’s National Team takes on Paraguay at 6 p.m.

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