Want to catch the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) play in the opening match of the world’s most anticipated soccer tournament live? Then Los Angeles Stadium (aka SoFi Stadium) in the Inglewood neighborhood is the place to be this year. The June 12, 2026 match is one of eight games to be held at the venue, including four additional group stage matches, two knockout matches, and one quarterfinal match, making LA more than just a hub for Hollywood come summer of 2026.
Not that the Global Games in LA won’t pack plenty of star power: In addition to Eva Longoria, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and soccer legend Cobi Jones serving as community ambassadors to the games, Snoop Dogg serves as the games’ official Community Chairman (and as such, will attend all key events). From the involvement of Hollywood heavyweights to the games’ marquee kickoff matches, Los Angeles is a can’t-miss 2026 destination.
To make the most of both gameplay viewing and LA’s sun-soaked lifestyle (while not getting sucked into chill-killing traffic), Santa Monica makes for the most strategic stay. Here’s why Santa Monica, and specifically The Ambrose Hotel, should be your global games home base.
Why Santa Monica Is the Perfect Base for the Upcoming Global Games
Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills may get the most attention when it comes to LA vibes, but these neighborhoods are also situated eons away from Los Angeles Stadium (when it comes to traffic time, anyway). To dodge the rookie move of spending all day in a car, try staying on the Westside of the city instead. Santa Monica offers quintessential sun, sand, surf, skate, and wellness options while situating soccer fans closer to game play.
A stay in the oceanfront city of Santa Monica means:
– A central location with easy access to Los Angeles Stadium, major attractions, and Los Angeles public transit connections.
– A real sense of California coastal living: stay in a residential neighborhood (among celebrity homes, no less) and tree-lined streets that are just blocks from the beach.
– Easy access to the city’s best restaurants and coffee shops (like the famous Tartine Santa Monica and Birdie G’s)
– The ease of walking to iconic LA spots, like the Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, and a bike path that runs to Venice Beach.
– Short commutes to LAX and Greater Los Angeles, making game days easier to navigate.
– A chance to stay at The Ambrose Hotel: its sophisticated surroundings reflect modern California Craftsman style (including vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, en-suite terraces, and plenty of natural light).
Getting to Los Angeles Stadium from Santa Monica
Reach Los Angeles Stadium from The Ambrose Hotel in about 25–35 minutes via rideshare or taxi.
Take the Metro E Line (Expo) from Santa Monica to connect with stadium shuttles or rideshares in nearby neighborhoods.
Many visitors will use rideshares, group shuttles, or shared vans for smooth and social match-day travel.
Stay like an Angeleno, with easy access to Santa Monica beaches, plus peak shopping, dining, and culture — and still reach game-day matches with ease.
Where to Stay in Los Angeles
For fans looking to capture the California lifestyle, find both relaxed comfort and effortless glamour at The Ambrose Hotel in Santa Monica, which offers a prime location for getting to the 2026 global games and soaking up all that SoCal has to offer.
Additional highlights include:
– A seamless, 25–35-minute rideshare or taxi from Santa Monica to the stadium.
– Modern, stylish accommodations with private balconies for the best of indoor/outdoor living.
– Prime Santa Monica location that’s just minutes from Venice Beach and a short stroll to renowned restaurants (like Elephante), boutiques, and wellness studios.
– Amenities include on-site coffee and dining, including Santa Monica Sips, which serves local wine (curated by Wine Guy & Wine Gal) and beer (from beloved makers like Santa Monica Brew Works).
– In-house car service (available daily from 11 am to 7:30 pm within a 3-mile radius of the hotel) and bikes that make getting to the beach (or local hangouts) a breeze.
Travel Tips for Visiting Los Angeles During the 2026 Global Games
Book Early: hotels will fill up months in advance.
Avoid Traffic: Use rideshares, group transport, or the Metro E Line (Expo) and connecting shuttles to reach Los Angeles Stadium efficiently.
Explore the Westside: Take time to enjoy Venice Beach, Malibu, Culver City, and other iconic neighborhoods between matches.
Are There Fan Zones or Viewing Parties Planned in Los Angeles?
While the details of official fan zones and viewing parties for the global games in Los Angeles are still being finalized, the city will host 39 days of activities (from June 11 – July 19, 2026), including an official fan festival, expected to be held at Exposition Park near downtown LA, with additional viewing locations likely at the Hollywood Park / Inglewood area and around the stadium zone.
Fans can also tap into camaraderie and community at themed pubs and eateries that cater to expats. Screenings and related events are expected to be held at Tangaroa Fish Market in Culver City, a seafood hotspot decked with TVs and Kiwi sports memorabilia; Tut’s Egyptian Cuisine in Culver City; the English Ye Olde King’s Head in Santa Monica; and LALA’s Argentine Grill (with locations in Downtown LA, Hollywood and Studio City) and where players of the top-ranking Argentina National Football Team have, themselves, dined.
What’s more, local football clubs are also anticipated to host watch parties. No matter which teams you’re cheering on, a stay at The Ambrose puts you close to the action.
What Else Can I Do in Los Angeles Between Matches?
Soccer games are strategically scheduled to give players (and fans) a few days of downtime in between matches. This provides the perfect opportunity to explore local hotspots and so much more of what Los Angeles has to offer. Near The Ambrose, check out:
Den Mother, a holistic spa situated in a Venice Beach bungalow, which offers massages, facials, sauna, and cold plunge services.
Erewhon Santa Monica, the upscale health food store that happens to serve some of the most Instagrammable smoothies in the city.
Sony Pictures Studios Tour, where you can see soundstages once home to iconic films like The Wizard of Oz, (and pass under a massive rainbow); visit the sets of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune; or see Walter White and Jesse’s RV from the beloved series, Breaking Bad.
Brentwood Country Mart, home to posh shops including LA favorites Clare V., jenni kayne, and goop — and restaurants like Farmshop, which serves locally sourced fare.
Route 66’s endpoint — plus ride a few amusement rides — at Santa Monica Pier.
Whether you take your LA with a side of wellness, movie magic, retail therapy, or fun in the sun, The Ambrose makes an ideal base for sightseeing, dining, and celebrating between matches.
When Should I Book My Hotel?
Rooms across Los Angeles will sell out early. It’s best to book your stay 6–12 months in advance, especially if you want to stay in a vibrant, central neighborhood like Santa Monica, with its beachfront access, elite dining, curated shopping, and easy transit to Los Angeles Stadium.
Will There Be Traffic or Road Closures During the Matches?
Yes. Expect heavier traffic around Los Angeles Stadium and on major routes connecting Santa Monica, Downtown LA, and Inglewood on match days. Temporary road closures and lane restrictions are likely to be erected before and after matches in order to manage congestion.
As such, it’s recommended to travel via public transit and rideshares, which are expected to offer expanded service on key routes.
No matter if you’re cheering from the stands, catching the match on a big screen, or exploring the city between games, Santa Monica puts the excitement of the world’s biggest soccer tournament right at your doorstep. Book your stay at The Ambrose Hotel now and experience Los Angeles like a local while staying close to all the action.