If your Thursday routine involves zipping past SoFi Stadium, consider a different game plan. Caltrans is urging drivers to avoid the stadium area during Thursday’s FIFA World Cup match, warning of heavy delays between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., and tens of thousands of fans are expected to stream into the stadium and nearby lots. Commuters who normally use the I-405/Century Boulevard corridor are being told to brace for long backups and pad their travel time.
Caltrans District 7 posted the advisory, which was amplified by Caltrans HQ on X, urging motorists to "explore other routes" during the 4 to 11 p.m. window. The agency is steering drivers toward state traffic tools and lane-closure notices so they can hunt for the least-congested route instead of sitting in a rolling parking lot.
When And Where Delays Will Be Worst
Kickoff for the U.S. match at SoFi is set for 7 p.m., according to Ticketmaster. That timing points to a rough late afternoon and early evening commute: SoCal 511's World Cup commuter guide notes traffic often builds about 90 minutes before kickoff and can take an hour or more to clear afterward. Drivers should expect both freeway congestion and heavy backups on nearby surface streets as fans pour in and trickle out.
Transit And Alternatives
Metro and regional partners are running direct shuttles, enhanced rail service and park-and-ride buses to Los Angeles Stadium, with Metro detailing direct-service pickup locations and schedules on its World Cup travel page, which is often the fastest option for fans. Drivers who absolutely must be on the road are urged to check Caltrans QuickMap for live lane closures and camera views, and to use official match-day alerts to check conditions before heading out.
If you do not have a ticket, officials say to skip the stadium cluster during the 4 to 11 p.m. window and reroute around the area where possible, per SoCal 511. You can sign up for text alerts or check the service's "Avoid Stadium" page for match-day updates ahead of Thursday's kickoff.
