Saturday, September 12, 2026
    More
    Find Your Local Channel
    • -
      days
    • -
      hours
    • -
      minutes
    • -
      seconds
    Coming Soon
    Stadiums & Real Estate

    FIFA Officials: SoFi Stadium’s Dimensions Are “Too Narrow” for World Cup

    • FIFA officials stated that SoFi Stadium does not meet the requirements necessary to stage a soccer game.
    • Stan Kroenke and the Rams are reportedly “exploring options” to widen the surface.
    By
    Apr 04, 2022 | 03:24 pm
    UPDATED Apr 04, 2022 | 03:35 pm
    Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

    Since opening in September 2021, SoFi Stadium has been the site of everything from youth football championships to the most recent Super Bowl.

    Now, owner Stan Kroenke faces another challenge: trying to make his $5 billion stadium a model of versatility for live events.

    With USA, Mexico, and Canada set to co-host the 2026 World Cup, FIFA officials stated that SoFi does not meet the requirements necessary to stage a soccer game because the dimensions of its pitch are too narrow.

    Kroenke and the Rams are reportedly “exploring options” to widen the surface as part of their bid but haven’t yet convinced FIFA officials. 

    Given SoFi’s dimensions, they would need to extend the width of the field by at least 63 feet. Thus, if Kroenke plans on hosting the World Cup as planned, he’ll need to dish out even more cash to redevelop the 70,000-seat stadium.

    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

    Sign up for
    The Memo Newsletter

    Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
    Linkedin
    Whatsapp
    Copy Link
    Link Copied
    Link Copied

    What to Read

    Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Final - Spain v Argentina - New York/New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S. - July 19, 2026 FIFA President Gianni Infantino inside the stadium before the match IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Mark J Rebilas
    by

    FIFA Fires Back at UEFA Legal Attack: ‘Smear Campaign’
    UEFA has four legal cases concerning FIFA in three states.
    by

    UEFA Takes FIFA, Kushner Company to Court Over World Cup Scheme
    The battle between FIFA and UEFA is heading to court.
    by

    Europe Set to Drop FIFA Boycott Ahead of Women’s U-20 World Cup
    The tournament was set to be the first hit by the boycott.
    by

    Leandro Paredes Hit With 10-Game Ban for World Cup Final Brawl
    The Argentine midfielder attacked two Spanish players after the whistle.
    podcast thumbnail
    podcast thumbnail mobile
    Front Office Sports Today

    A Conversation with NFL RedZone Host Scott Hanson on Season 18, Ads and the ESPN Merger

    0:00

    Featured Today

    Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena
    by

    How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous
    For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
    September 6, 2026

    Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?
    Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
    September 4, 2026

    Wild Transfer Window Shows How Premier League Towers Over Soccer
    Spending in England vastly outstripped the rest of Europe.
    September 3, 2026

    Teams Are Spending Millions to Build Luxury Locker Rooms
    It’s a recruiting pitch, a retention tool, and a seven-figure line item.
    September 1, 2026

    High School Football Sidelines Are Clogged With Content Creators
    Administrators call these amateur newcomers the “pajama paparazzi.”

    More in Stadiums & Real Estate
    Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 5, 2026 General view of fans outside Arthur Ashe stadium
    by

    Luxe US Open Is About to Get $800M Grander
    The upgrades could enlarge a class divide among attending fans.
    Sep 1, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; A general overall view of the Angel Stadium exterior. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
    September 4, 2026

    Stan Kroenke’s $4 Billion Angels Deal Puts a New Ballpark in Play
    The factors supporting a stadium replacement continue to grow.
    September 10, 2026

    Philadelphia Arena Project Quietly Updates Rendering
    The original rendering didn’t appear to depict any women Flyers fans.
    Sponsored

    Drew Weatherford’s Bet on the Youth Sports Economy
    Drew Weatherford discusses investing across the youth, college and professional levels.
    August 30, 2026

    Grass Is Latest Issue With Bills’ New Stadium
    The field will be re-sodded ahead of Buffalo’s Week 2 home opener.
    Aug 9, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; The Tampa Bay Rays logo on a batting helmet prior to the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
    August 28, 2026

    Rays’ $2.36B Ballpark Gets Final Approval in Tampa
    Groundbreaking is targeted for later this year.
    Exclusive
    August 25, 2026

    NWSL’s Stars Will Return to Northwestern Lakeside Stadium
    The NWSL club originally sought to play in the new Ryan Field.
    Mar 21, 2018; Port Charlotte, FL, USA; A view of the Rays logo on the jersey of a member of the Tampa Bay Rays against the Boston Red Sox at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
    August 24, 2026

    Rays’ $2.36B Ballpark Faces Two Make-or-Break Votes This Week
    More last-minute negotiations are expected ahead of the votes.