FIFA World Cup 2026 — Round of 16 at SoFi Stadium (July 2)

July 2, 2026 brings the second Round of 16 match to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood — knockout football at full force, the group-stage table finally settled and the exact teams confirmed. The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 is where the tournament's personality fully declares itself: the team that survived on set pieces now has to attack; the nation that played conservative football in groups now commits fully because they have no choice. Every World Cup produces at least one Round of 16 result that reshapes the bracket and forces a complete revision of every prediction — and SoFi Stadium will be where it happens on July 2. Getting there is easier than most people assume: the LAX people mover connects to the Metro Crenshaw line, which stops at Hollywood Park, a 10-minute walk from the gates. Plan for the day — the scene outside a World Cup knockout match is unlike anything in American sports. Flags, chants, supporter groups that traveled from four continents to be in this stadium on this specific afternoon. The 2026 World Cup does not come back to this venue in your lifetime.