World Cup Opens at SoFi Stadium
The men's 2026 FIFA World Cup began with matches at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, where the United States and Iran are scheduled to play. The tournament coincides with ongoing conflict between the two nations and related security measures near the venue.
bbc.co.ukSoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, hosts matches for both the United States and Iran during the 2026 men's FIFA World Cup. The venue, which seats 70,240 and spans more than three million square feet, sits at the center of competing expectations as the tournament opens.
The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 in its opening match on Friday. m. ET.
Stadium workers voted last week to authorize a strike over wages and concerns about immigration enforcement near the venue. They later reached a tentative agreement with Legends Global, the stadium operator, that preserves the right to strike if enforcement actions threaten worker safety.
A Somali referee was also denied entry after arriving in Miami. The striker was admitted while the photographer was not permitted to remain.
FIFA previously required teams from countries in conflict to play qualifying matches outside their home nations. Iraq complied with the requirement and qualified for its first World Cup since the 1980s. Russia has been barred from competition since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the organization works behind the scenes on entry issues while respecting law enforcement decisions. Alan Rothenberg, who oversaw the 1994 men's World Cup and 1999 women's World Cup, said he hopes distractions will fade once competition begins.
Donna de Varona, who chaired the 1999 women's organizing committee, noted that political interference has historically affected international sporting events.
