- LA28
announces 10 stadiums across eight US states, from New York to California,
to host 52 soccer matches at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. - Venues
include Rose Bowl (Pasadena finals hub), Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta),
Yankee Stadium (New York), and SoFi Stadium (Inglewood), using existing
NFL, MLS, and college facilities. - Matches
start 23 July over 16 days, preceding the 2 August opening ceremony,
reducing costs and travel with widest geographic spread since 1904 St
Louis Games. - Selection
prioritises FIFA-compliant sites for cost savings within $4.9bn budget;
LA28 Chairman Casey Wasserman highlights national soccer showcase.
Los Angeles (Washington Insider Magazine) February 3,
2026 – LA28 has announced 10 stadiums across eight states from New York to
California to host soccer matches at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The venues
will stage 52 matches over 16 days, starting 23 July, with Rose Bowl in
Pasadena as the primary site for finals. The selection reduces costs by using
existing NFL, MLS, and college facilities, marking the widest geographic spread
for Olympic soccer since 1904.
LA28 Chairman Casey Wasserman revealed the list after
evaluating sites on capacity, logistics, and sustainability. The plan minimises
new construction and athlete travel. FIFA approved all venues for pitch
standards and security.
Soccer precedes the opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium on 2
August. Men’s under-23 and women’s tournaments feature 16 and 12 teams
respectively.
Which Stadiums Across the US Did LA28 Choose for Olympic
Soccer?
LA28 selected Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA; 92,542 capacity) for
medal matches, Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA; 71,000), and SoFi Stadium
(Inglewood, CA; 70,240). Yankee Stadium (New York, NY; 54,000) joins Levi’s
Stadium (Santa Clara, CA; 68,500), Lumen Field (Seattle, WA; 37,722), Audi
Field (Washington DC; 20,000), Shell Energy Stadium (Houston, TX; 22,000),
Camping World Stadium (Orlando, FL; 60,219), and Snapdragon Stadium (San Diego,
CA; 34,000).
All hosted prior FIFA events. Early rounds spread nationally;
knockouts centralise in California.
St. Louis sports journalist Tom Timmermann noted a specific
venue inclusion. Tom Timmermann (@tomtimm) said in X post,
“Energizer Park
among venues choses for early round play for the 2028 Olympic soccer tournament”
Energizer Park among venues choses for early round play for the 2028 Olympic soccer tournament
— Tom Timmermann (@tomtimm) February 3, 2026
Why Extend 2028 Olympic Soccer Venues from Coast to
Coast?
LA28 prioritised cost savings, projecting $4.9 billion
operating budget without public funds for venues. Existing stadiums cut
construction needs. Geographic spread reduces long-haul flights for teams
versus Los Angeles-only hosting.
Wasserman stated: “These world-class venues showcase
American soccer while delivering fan access.” Paris 2024’s multi-city
model influenced the approach. US Soccer Federation supports national
engagement.
Timeline and Structure of Soccer at LA28 Olympics 2028
Group stages run 23-30 July across sites. Quarterfinals
start 2 August at Rose Bowl and SoFi. Semifinals and medals follow through 10
August. Women’s matches interleave with men’s.
Official schedule releases April 2026. Opening ceremony at
SoFi on 2 August closes soccer preliminaries.
Capacities and Key Features of Selected LA28 Soccer
Stadiums
Rose Bowl, 1984 Olympics host, leads at 92,542.
Mercedes-Benz features retractable roof. Yankee Stadium adapts MLB field for
soccer.
Levi’s Stadium emphasises sustainability. SoFi, newest
venue, seats 70,240. Smaller sites like Audi Field suit group play.
New York City FC reporter Juan Carlos celebrated the East
Coast pick. Juan Carlos (@JUAN_C71) said in X post,
“OLYMPIC EXPANSION New
York City has been selected among the venues to hold some of the soccer matches
for the LA28 Olympics. The official schedule is set to be announced on April
2026. Great news for #NYCFC and their new stadium.#MLS”
🚨 OLYMPIC EXPANSION 🚨⚽️
New York City has been selected among the venues to hold some of the soccer matches for the LA28 Olympics. The official schedule is set to be announced on April 2026.
Great news for #NYCFC and their new stadium. 🗽⚽️#MLS pic.twitter.com/2yKhy54is2
— Juan Carlos (@JUAN_C71) February 3, 2026
How LA28 Venue Plan Saves Costs and Boosts Legacy
No temporary builds required. Local organisers manage
operations via NFL/MLS partnerships. Budget avoids 1984’s $8.1 billion spend
adjusted for inflation.
Post-Games, enhanced pitches benefit pro leagues. Economic
impact projected at $1.8 billion nationally.
Rose Bowl and SoFi Stadium’s Central Roles in Soccer
Finals
Rose Bowl hosts semifinals, bronze, gold medals. SoFi stages
opening ceremony, group/knockout games. Proximity aids logistics.
Both meet FIFA semifinals capacity over 35,000. Pasadena’s
history adds prestige.
LA28 Chairman Casey Wasserman’s Comments on Stadium
Selection
Wasserman: “We partnered with venues representing
soccer’s growth in America.” USSF’s Cindy Parlow Cone: “Perfect
showcase for the sport.” MLS Commissioner Don Garber welcomed usage.
FIFA inspections confirmed compliance.
FIFA Standards Met by All 2028 Olympic Soccer Venues
Mandates include pitch dimensions, floodlights, broadcasting.
Semifinals require 35,000+ seats; others 20,000+. Security, doping controls
verified.
Post-NFL conversions standard.
Economic Benefits for Host Cities from Olympic Soccer
Atlanta, New York expect tourism surges. California venues
gain international exposure. LA28 forecasts job creation, hotel fills.
Eight states benefit equally.
Precedents for Multi-State Olympic Soccer Hosting in
History
Paris 2024 spanned France; Tokyo 2020 Japan-wide. Atlanta
1996 centralised. St Louis 1904 used regional sites.
LA28 expands US model.
LA28 Selection Criteria for Cross-Country Soccer Stadiums
2025 RFP assessed 20 sites on capacity, access,
sustainability. Shortlist October. Locals form committees.
No new taxpayer costs.
Logistics for Teams Travelling Multi-Venue Soccer
Schedule
Regional basing minimises moves. Charters link coasts. IOC
approves footprint.
East groups play consecutively.
Broadcasting Plans for Nationwide 2028 Olympic Soccer
Matches
NBCUniversal US rights; FIFA global. Time zones optimise. 4K
multi-venue feeds.
Single platform coordinates.
Sustainability Measures in Chosen Olympic Soccer
Facilities
Levi’s solar arrays; Mercedes-Benz LEED certified. SoFi
recycling. LA28 net-zero goal.
Ticketing and Fan Access for Coast-to-Coast Soccer Venues
2027 platform
launches. Bundles available. Locals prioritised at 80% capacity.
US Soccer Federation Endorsement of LA28 Venue Choices
Parlow Cone: “Growth across America.” MLS
integrates schedules.
National team trains similarly.
International Federations’ Views on US Multi-Venue Format
Brazil, Mexico welcome tours. Europe notes efficiencies.
IOC supports.
Post-Olympics Legacy for Selected Soccer Stadiums
Pro leagues gain upgrades. Communities retain facilities.
LA28 funds maintenance.
