SoFi Stadium June 28: World Cup 2026's First Knockout Match
SoFi Stadium hosts Match 73 — the tournament's first Round of 32 game — on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 12 p.m. PT (3 p.m. ET), pairing the Group A runner-up with the Group B runner-up. Here's how LA fans plan the knockout day: kickoff timing, getting to Inglewood, and staying connected.
Published June 22, 2026·5 min read
Summary
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood hosts Match 73, the tournament's first Round of 32 game, on Sunday, June 28, 2026, kicking off at 12 p.m. PT (3 p.m. ET). The fixture pairs the Group A runner-up with the Group B runner-up, set once the groups finish on June 27. Here's how LA fans plan the knockout day: kickoff timing, the trek to Inglewood, and the eSIM that keeps your ticket and bracket live.
The first knockout whistle of the World Cup
The Round of 32 is new to the 48-team format, and Los Angeles gets the opening act. According to the published knockout schedule, Match 73 is the Group A runner-up versus the Group B runner-up — the chronological start of single-elimination football. Listings for the game confirm it as a 2A vs 2B fixture at SoFi Stadium on June 28. SoFi is one of the busiest 2026 venues, hosting eight matches overall, including a quarterfinal on July 10, so June 28 is the start of LA's deep knockout run.
Plan the knockout day
| Detail | June 28 Round of 32 (Match 73) |
|---|---|
| Kickoff | 12 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. ET (midday sun) |
| Arrive by | ~10 a.m. (about 2 hours early) |
| Matchup | Runner-up Group A vs Runner-up Group B |
| Getting there | Metro + rideshare, or pre-booked parking |
A noon kickoff means peak June sun and a long pre-match window, so hydrate and arrive early. SoFi sits in Inglewood without a station at the gates, so most fans combine Metro with rideshare or book parking in advance — see our SoFi getting-there guide and the wider LA transit guide for routes.
Staying connected for a win-or-go-home day
In a knockout, your mobile ticket, the live bracket, rideshare apps, and meet-up texts all run on data — and a 70,000-strong crowd strains networks. Compare your options:
| Option | Cost | Setup time | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Low | ~5 min (pre-install on Wi-Fi) | Excellent (local carrier) |
| Carrier roaming | High | Instant (already enabled) | Medium (partner-dependent) |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Medium | Airport pickup / rental | Good (extra device to charge) |
A North America eSIM puts you on T-Mobile or AT&T from US$5 — Apple Pay, Google Pay, or card — and keeps working in every host city if you follow the winner of Match 73 into the next round.
FAQ
QWhen is the Round of 32 match at SoFi Stadium for World Cup 2026?
AMatch 73 on Sunday, June 28, 2026, kicking off at 12 p.m. PT (3 p.m. ET). It is the very first Round of 32 game of the tournament and pairs the Group A runner-up with the Group B runner-up.
QWhich teams play in the SoFi Stadium Round of 32 match?
AThe Group A runner-up versus the Group B runner-up. The two nations are confirmed only once the group stage finishes on June 27, so check the official bracket after the final group games.
QHow many World Cup 2026 matches does SoFi Stadium host?
AEight matches. Six group-stage games, the June 28 Round of 32 match, and a quarterfinal on July 10 — one of the busiest 2026 venues.
QHow do I get to SoFi Stadium for the knockout match?
AUse Metro plus rideshare, or pre-book parking. SoFi has limited on-site transit, so arrive about two hours before the 12 p.m. PT kickoff to clear security.
Bottom line
June 28 is the World Cup's first knockout whistle, and it's in LA — beat the midday sun, leave early for Inglewood, and know your route. Line up your SoFi match schedule, read the Round of 32 bracket guide, and carry a World Cup 2026 eSIM so the bracket and your ticket load even in a knockout crowd. Following the C/F groups instead? Compare the Houston Round of 32 guide.