Sunday, October 11, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

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.
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

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.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Scandals Continue to Dog Gianni Infantino Months After World Cup

FIFA allowed a player to compete despite being ineligible, reports show.

World Cup Ticket Sellers Still Waiting for FIFA Refunds

FIFA said it would refund sellers within 60 days.
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

FIFA Fires Back at UEFA Legal Attack: ‘Smear Campaign’

UEFA has four legal cases concerning FIFA in three states.

UEFA Takes FIFA, Kushner Company to Court Over World Cup Scheme

The battle between FIFA and UEFA is heading to court.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/9/26 – MLB’s 154-Game Pitch, NFL Bets on SCOTUS, Shaq Says Barkley Isn’t Leaving

0:00

Featured Today

Action Images/Peter Cziborra

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.

Royals $3 Billion Ballpark Development Gets Key Approval

The city council overwhelmingly approved three stadium-related measures.
October 2, 2026

NFL Puts Pressure on Illinois in Latest Bears Stadium Talks

Roger Goodell and JB Pritzker had their first face-to-face meeting.
Dec 24, 2011; Kansas City, MO, USA; General view of the exterior of Arrowhead Stadium (left) and Kaufmann Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
October 7, 2026

Arrowhead Stays, Kauffman Goes in County’s Post-Chiefs, Royals Plan

County officials are looking to repurpose the stadium area.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) drives to the basket during the first half against Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center.
September 29, 2026

Trail Blazers Affirm Commitment to Stay in Portland

Team president said they’re aiming to finalize a lease extension and renovation deal.
Sep 17, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (5) runs to score a touchdown during the first half against the Detroit Lions at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
September 17, 2026

Bills Mafia Steals the Show in $2.2B Highmark Stadium Debut

The new stadium easily transcended its league-low seating capacity.
Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady and the sidelines watch the offensive line’s drive during first half action of the Bills preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Highmark Stadium on Aug. 27, 2026.
September 17, 2026

Bills’ Highmark Stadium Debut Begins Boom in New NFL Venues

Seven new NFL stadiums are set to open over the next half decade.
Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 5, 2026 General view of fans outside Arthur Ashe stadium
September 11, 2026

Luxe US Open Is About to Get $800M Grander

The upgrades could enlarge a class divide among attending fans.