In a landmark announcement that reshapes the footprint of the 2028 Summer Games, organizers have officially confirmed the LA28 Olympic soccer host cities, spreading the tournament across the United States in a strategy that utilizes premier Major League Soccer venues. On Tuesday, officials revealed six additional cities that will host matches alongside the previously announced final venue in Pasadena. Perhaps most significantly, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed a historic format change: for the first time ever, the women’s soccer tournament will feature a larger field than the men’s competition.
New Host Cities and Major League Soccer Stadiums
Moving beyond the boundaries of Southern California, the 2028 Games will bring Olympic action to the Midwest and East Coast. The newly announced 2028 Olympics football venues include facilities in New York, Columbus, Nashville, St. Louis, San Jose, and San Diego. This nationwide approach leverages existing, high-quality infrastructure, adhering to the sustainability goals of the LA28 committee.
Officials confirmed that the tournament structure is designed to minimize travel fatigue for athletes. The competition will flow from East to West, with preliminary rounds starting in the eastern time zones and teams moving progressively closer to California for the knockout stages. The gold medal matches remain set for the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, with the men’s final on July 28 and the women’s final on July 29, 2028.
Highlight on New York and the Midwest
One of the most ambitious inclusions is New York City. Matches will be held at Etihad Park, the future home of New York City FC in Queens. Scheduled to open in 2027, this venue will be the city's first stadium purpose-built for soccer, marking a significant milestone for USA soccer news 2026 and beyond.
The Midwest also secures a central role in the tournament. Fans can look forward to St. Louis Olympic soccer matches taking place at Energizer Park, the raucous home of St. Louis CITY SC. Similarly, Columbus, Ohio, will host games at Scott’s Miracle-Gro Field, continuing the city’s long tradition as a fortress for American soccer. Nashville’s Geodis Park completes the eastern and central cluster, ensuring that Major League Soccer stadiums Olympics integration is at the heart of the 2028 strategy.
Historic Expansion: Women’s Field Takes Center Stage
Beyond the map, the 2028 Games will be defined by a groundbreaking shift in equity and representation. The women's Olympic soccer expansion will see the tournament grow to 16 teams, up from the traditional 12. Conversely, the men's tournament will be adjusted to feature 12 teams. This decision marks the first time in Olympic history that the women’s soccer competition will be larger than the men’s, signaling a massive vote of confidence in the growth of the women's game globally.
LA28 organizers noted that this change contributes to making the 2028 Games the first "female-majority" Olympics in history. The move aligns with the IOC's broader push for gender parity and responds to the exploding popularity of women's football, particularly in the United States, where the National Team remains a cultural powerhouse.
How to Attend: Ticket Registration Is Open
For fans eager to witness these historic matches in person, the clock is already ticking. The LA28 ticket draw registration is currently open and will run through March 18, 2026. This system is designed to ensure fair access to tickets for high-demand events. Fans must create a profile on the official LA28 website to be eligible for the initial ticket allocation.
The first window for purchasing tickets is scheduled for April 2026. While specific match-ups won't be known until the qualifying tournaments conclude, securing a spot in the draw is the best way to guarantee a seat at these world-class venues. Whether you are aiming for the group stages in Columbus or the grand finale in Pasadena, early registration is critical.
A Nationwide Celebration of Soccer
The selection of these venues underscores the United States' readiness to host global soccer events, serving as a perfect follow-up to the FIFA World Cup taking place in 2026. By utilizing specifically designed soccer stadiums like San Jose's PayPal Park and San Diego's Snapdragon Stadium, the Olympics will offer an intimate, high-energy atmosphere that multi-purpose NFL stadiums often lack.
As the countdown continues, these announcements solidify the 2028 Games not just as a Los Angeles event, but as a nationwide celebration of sport. With the women's game taking the lead and new stadiums rising to the occasion, the stage is set for a summer of record-breaking performances.
