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USMNT Opens 2026 World Cup in Los Angeles Against Paraguay
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Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 15:40 GMT by Sporting News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
USMNT vs. Paraguay 2026 World Cup – Ticketing, Pricing, and the Fan Experience
The United States national team’s opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled for July 20 in Los Angeles, where the hosts will face Paraguay. The Sporting News article from August 2023 gives fans the low‑down on where to get tickets, how much they’ll cost, the best seats in the house, and the logistical details that will make the most of a once‑in‑a‑lifetime match.
1. Who’s Playing and Why It Matters
- USMNT (United States Men’s National Team) – The U.S. is hosting the World Cup for the first time in 28 years. The opening game is a showcase event, drawing attention from local fans and the entire football world.
- Paraguay – A respectable side with a history of punching above its weight in international tournaments.
- Venue – SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, one of the newest and most technologically advanced stadiums in the U.S. The stadium’s capacity for football is 70,000, but for World Cup matches it will seat about 72,000 after temporary adjustments.
Because of the massive global interest and limited seating, tickets are a hot commodity. The article emphasizes that early purchase is key.
2. Ticket Purchase Process – The Official Route
The Sporting News article links directly to the FIFA official ticket portal (https://www.fifa.com/tickets). Key points include:
| Step | What to Do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Create an account | Needed to lock in a purchase. | Prevents last‑minute checkout confusion. |
| 2. Choose the match | US vs Paraguay, July 20. | Several U.S. games will be available at the same time; selecting the correct one is crucial. |
| 3. Pick the tier | Five ticket tiers (Tier 1 to Tier 5). | Each tier corresponds to a specific price range and section. |
| 4. Select seat(s) | Use the interactive seat map. | Allows you to see exactly where you’re buying. |
| 5. Pay with a major card | Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc. | Accepted globally; offers protection and dispute resolution. |
| 6. Receive digital tickets | Via email and the FIFA app. | Must be printed or downloaded onto a phone for entry. |
Deadlines
- The first ticket sales open on July 10 (just before the opening ceremony).
- All sales close on August 4—after which only secondary‑market channels remain available.
The article cautions against missing the early‑bird window because prices climb steeply as the game approaches.
3. Pricing Breakdown – From Budget to Premium
The FIFA ticket tiers and corresponding price ranges are:
| Tier | Seat Location | Approx. Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lower bowl, closest to the pitch | $120–$150 |
| 2 | Upper bowl, front rows | $160–$200 |
| 3 | Lower bowl, back sections | $210–$260 |
| 4 | Upper bowl, back sections | $270–$320 |
| 5 | Premium VIP + hospitality | $350–$400+ |
The article notes that these prices are inclusive of taxes and that no hidden fees exist if purchased directly from FIFA. It also compares the tiers to the “stadium sections” described on the official SoFi Stadium website, helping fans find the best value for their budget.
4. Seating Maps – Where to Sit for the Best Experience
A highlighted feature of the article is a link to the official SoFi Stadium seat map (https://www.sofistadium.com/seat-map). Key takeaways:
- Lower Bowl (Sections 200–220, 240–260, 280–300) – Best for immersion; the closer to the pitch, the louder the chants.
- Upper Bowl (Sections 310–330, 340–360) – Good for viewing the entire field; a few seats are slightly above a comfortable viewing angle.
- Premium Sections (Sections 400–420) – Offer extra legroom, better sightlines, and complimentary beverages.
The article also mentions that the “first‑tier” seats (Tier 1) are within 30 feet of the field, giving fans the chance to hear the players’ footsteps.
5. Fan Zones & Hospitality Options
Beyond the ticket itself, the Sporting News article dives into the fan experience:
- USMNT Fan Zone – Located in the “Central Plaza” outside SoFi Stadium. Live music, team announcements, and a 12‑foot‑wide video wall.
- VIP Hospitality Packages – Including a pre‑game dinner, 30‑minute meet & greet with former U.S. players, and a complimentary souvenir.
- Parking & Transit – The article lists Shuttle services from LAX and from the LA Convention Center. It recommends arriving 1.5 hours early to navigate the heavy traffic.
It also notes that US fans are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles as part of FIFA’s sustainability initiative.
6. Avoiding Ticket Scams and Resale Pitfalls
Because ticket demand is astronomical, the article provides a checklist to steer clear of scams:
- Only buy from FIFA’s official site or the FIFA app.
- Never pay in cash or through third‑party services like e‑checks or PayPal (unless it’s a verified FIFA partner).
- Watch for “unusually low” prices on unofficial sites – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Verify the “ticket confirmation” number – it should match the one listed on FIFA’s dashboard.
It even offers a short video tutorial (link included) explaining how to spot counterfeit tickets.
7. Post‑Game Opportunities
The article wraps up by spotlighting the post‑game fan engagement:
- A “USA vs Paraguay” photo booth with instant prints.
- A post‑match awards ceremony celebrating the best “Fan of the Match.”
- Merchandise pop‑up stands offering discounted jerseys for those who bought tickets in Tier 1 or Tier 2.
These details aim to persuade fans that the entire day is a full‑length experience rather than just a match.
8. Key Takeaways
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When does ticket sales start? | July 10 (opening ceremony) |
| How do I guarantee a seat? | Buy early, from FIFA’s official portal |
| What is the cheapest ticket? | Tier 1 – $120–$150 |
| Where are the best seats? | Lower bowl sections 200–220 or 240–260 |
| What extra services are offered? | VIP hospitality, fan zone, parking shuttles |
The article’s thorough approach – from the mechanics of purchasing to the nuances of the stadium experience – provides a single, comprehensive guide for anyone wanting to watch the U.S. open the 2026 World Cup in Los Angeles. Fans who follow the steps outlined are sure to secure a spot in the action and enjoy the event to the fullest.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/tickets/news/usmnt-paraguay-tickets-fifa-world-cup-prices-seats-2026-los-angeles/f872b26bfe3046a97a59aaef ]
