Soccer Tournament, Events & Games in California | Beautiful Game in the Golden State
California is a vibrant hub for soccer tournaments, events, and competitive games year-round. From youth leagues and amateur competitions to elite showcases, the state offers opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels.
Major cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco regularly host exciting matches and large-scale tournaments that draw teams from across the country. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, you’ll find well-organized events, top-tier facilities, and a strong soccer community.
Many tournaments also feature family-friendly environments, making them a great way to enjoy the sport while exploring California’s diverse cities and attractions.
Featured Events
Major League Soccer (MLS) Teams in California
California is home to four MLS teams, with an expansion team on the horizon.
LAFC (Los Angeles Football Club)
- Stadium: BMO Stadium (formerly Banc of California Stadium)
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Capacity: 22,000
- Founded: 2014 (began play in 2018)
- Championships: MLS Cup 2022, Supporters’ Shield 2019, 2022
LAFC has quickly become one of the most successful and popular clubs in MLS. The team plays in the beautiful BMO Stadium, a soccer-specific venue in Exposition Park near downtown Los Angeles. LAFC’s passionate fan base, known as the “3252” (representing the capacity of the supporters’ section), creates one of the most electric atmospheres in North American soccer.
LA Galaxy (Los Angeles Galaxy)
- Stadium: Dignity Health Sports Park
- Location: Carson, California
- Capacity: 27,000
- Founded: 1995 (charter MLS club)
- Championships: MLS Cup 2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014; Supporters’ Shield 1998, 2002, 2010, 2011
The LA Galaxy is one of the most storied franchises in MLS history. As a founding member of the league, the Galaxy has won a record five MLS Cups. The team plays at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, a 27,000-seat stadium that also serves as the home of the US Men’s and Women’s National Teams for many Southern California matches.
San Jose Earthquakes
- Stadium: PayPal Park
- Location: San Jose, California
- Capacity: 18,000
- Founded: 1994 (charter MLS club; re-established in 2008)
- Championships: MLS Cup 2001, 2003; Supporters’ Shield 2005, 2012
The San Jose Earthquakes are one of the original MLS clubs. The team has a passionate fan base known as the “Ultras” and a rich history that includes two MLS Cups. The Earthquakes play at PayPal Park, a soccer-specific stadium in San Jose that also hosts NWSL’s Bay FC.
San Diego FC
- Stadium: Snapdragon Stadium
- Location: San Diego, California
- Capacity: 35,000 (expandable)
- Founded: 2023 (begins play in 2025)
San Diego FC is the newest addition to MLS. The expansion team will begin play in 2025 at Snapdragon Stadium, the state-of-the-art facility that already hosts San Diego Wave FC of the NWSL. The team is building its roster and fan base ahead of its inaugural season.
National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Teams in California
California is home to two NWSL teams, with a third on the horizon.
Angel City FC (Los Angeles)
- Stadium: BMO Stadium
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Capacity: 22,000
- Founded: 2020 (began play in 2022)
Angel City FC has revolutionized women’s soccer marketing. The club was founded by a high-profile ownership group including Natalie Portman, Serena Williams, and Billie Jean King. Angel City draws record crowds to BMO Stadium and has built a passionate, socially conscious fan base.
San Diego Wave FC
- Stadium: Snapdragon Stadium
- Location: San Diego, California
- Capacity: 32,000
- Founded: 2021 (began play in 2022)
- Championships: NWSL Shield (2023)
San Diego Wave FC quickly established itself as a powerhouse. In just their second season, they won the NWSL Shield for the best regular season record. The team draws large, enthusiastic crowds to Snapdragon Stadium.
Bay FC (San Francisco Bay Area)
- Stadium: PayPal Park
- Location: San Jose, California
- Capacity: 18,000
- Founded: 2023 (began play in 2024)
Bay FC is the newest NWSL team, bringing professional women’s soccer back to the Bay Area. The club was founded by an ownership group that includes USWNT legends Brandi Chastain, Leslie Osborne, Danielle Slaton, and Aly Wagner.
USL Championship Teams in California
The USL Championship is the second division of American soccer. California is home to several USL teams.
Sacramento Republic FC
- Stadium: Heart Health Park
- Location: Sacramento, California
- Capacity: 11,500
- Founded: 2012 (began play in 2014)
- Championships: USL Cup 2014
Sacramento Republic FC is one of the most successful and best-supported teams in the USL. The team has a passionate fan base known as the “Tower Bridge Battalion” and has been pushing for MLS expansion for years. The club plays at Heart Health Park at Cal Expo.
Oakland Roots SC
- Stadium: Pioneer Stadium (Cal State East Bay)
- Location: Oakland, California
- Capacity: 5,000
- Founded: 2018 (joined USL in 2021)
Oakland Roots SC represents the city of Oakland with a focus on social justice and community engagement. The team’s “Roots” identity celebrates the diverse culture of Oakland. The club is working toward a new stadium in the city.
Monterey Bay FC
- Stadium: Cardinale Stadium
- Location: Seaside, California
- Capacity: 6,000
- Founded: 2021 (began play in 2022)
Monterey Bay FC represents the Central Coast region. The club plays at Cardinale Stadium at CSU Monterey Bay, a beautiful soccer-specific facility near the coast.
Orange County SC
- Stadium: Championship Soccer Stadium
- Location: Irvine, California
- Capacity: 5,000
- Founded: 2010 (as Orange County Blues; rebranded in 2017)
- Championships: USL Championship 2021
Orange County SC is the only USL Championship team in Southern California outside of LA. The club won the USL Championship in 2021 and consistently competes for playoff spots.
MLS Next Pro Teams
MLS Next Pro is the third division of American soccer, primarily featuring reserve teams of MLS clubs.
Ventura County FC
- Stadium: Dignity Health Sports Park (Track & Field Stadium)
- Location: Carson, California
- Founded: 2024
Ventura County FC is the reserve team of LAFC, launched in 2024.
The Town FC
- Stadium: Saint Mary’s College Stadium
- Location: Moraga, California
- Founded: 2023
The Town FC is the reserve team of the San Jose Earthquakes, representing the East Bay.
Major Soccer Tournaments and Events
California hosts some of the most prestigious soccer tournaments in the world.
International Tournaments
CONCACAF Gold Cup
California regularly hosts matches of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean. SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara have hosted Gold Cup finals.
FIFA World Cup 2026
California a major host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. SoFi Stadium in Inglewood and Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara are official host venues. The matches will bring the world’s biggest sporting event to California.
US Men’s National Team Matches
The USMNT regularly plays in California, at venues including Dignity Health Sports Park, BMO Stadium, Levi’s Stadium, and Snapdragon Stadium.
US Women’s National Team Matches
The USWNT frequently plays in California, drawing massive crowds to venues across the state.
International Friendlies
California hosts numerous international friendlies featuring top national teams from Europe, South America, and beyond. Matches at SoFi Stadium, Levi’s Stadium, and other venues draw huge crowds.
Leagues Cup
This annual tournament pits MLS teams against Liga MX teams from Mexico. California MLS teams (LAFC, LA Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes) regularly host Leagues Cup matches. The tournament has become a major event on the soccer calendar.
Leagues Cup Final: The final has been hosted at BMO Stadium and other venues.
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
- U.S. Open Cup: California teams regularly compete in the oldest ongoing soccer competition in the United States. MLS, USL, and amateur teams from California have made deep runs in the tournament.
- Open Cup Finals: California has hosted Open Cup finals, including at Dignity Health Sports Park and other venues.
NWSL Playoffs and Championship
- NWSL Playoffs: California’s NWSL teams frequently qualify for the playoffs. Angel City FC, San Diego Wave FC, and Bay FC have all hosted playoff matches.
- NWSL Championship: The NWSL Championship has been held at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego and other California venues.
MLS Cup Playoffs
- MLS Cup Playoffs: California MLS teams regularly qualify for the playoffs. The LA Galaxy and LAFC have both won MLS Cup in recent years.
- MLS Cup Finals: California has hosted MLS Cup finals at Dignity Health Sports Park, BMO Stadium, and other venues.
Major Soccer-Specific Stadiums
California is home to some of the finest soccer-specific stadiums in the United States.
BMO Stadium (Los Angeles)
Home of LAFC and Angel City FC. This 22,000-seat stadium in Exposition Park opened in 2018 and is widely considered one of the best soccer venues in North America.
Dignity Health Sports Park (Carson)
Home of the LA Galaxy and the US Men’s and Women’s National Teams. This 27,000-seat stadium opened in 2003 and has hosted countless international matches, MLS Cups, and other events.
Snapdragon Stadium (San Diego)
Home of San Diego Wave FC and San Diego FC. This 35,000-seat stadium opened in 2022 and is one of the newest major sports venues in California.
Heart Health Park (Sacramento)
Home of Sacramento Republic FC. This 11,500-seat stadium at Cal Expo hosts USL matches and has hosted U.S. Open Cup games.
Cardinale Stadium (Seaside)
Home of Monterey Bay FC. This 6,000-seat stadium at CSU Monterey Bay opened in 2022 and offers beautiful coastal views.
Pioneer Stadium (Hayward)
Home of Oakland Roots SC. This 5,000-seat stadium at Cal State East Bay hosts USL matches.
Championship Soccer Stadium (Irvine)
Home of Orange County SC. This 5,000-seat stadium at the Orange County Great Park hosts USL matches.
College and Youth Soccer
California is a powerhouse in college and youth soccer.
College Soccer
NCAA Division I
California has numerous Division I soccer programs, including:
- UCLA: Multiple national championships
- Stanford: Multiple national championships, including both men’s and women’s titles
- UC Santa Barbara: National championship in men’s soccer
- Cal (UC Berkeley): Historically strong program
- UC Irvine: Strong program in the Big West
- San Diego State: Strong program in the Mountain West
- Pepperdine: Strong program in the West Coast Conference
- LMU: Strong program in the West Coast Conference
College Cup
California has hosted the NCAA College Cup, the national championship of college soccer, at venues including the StubHub Center (now Dignity Health Sports Park) and other stadiums.
Youth Soccer
- Development Academy: California has numerous clubs in the elite youth development system.
- MLS Next: California clubs participate in MLS Next, the top youth development platform.
- ECNL and Girls Academy: Top girls’ clubs compete in these elite leagues.
- Cal South and Cal North: The two California state associations oversee youth soccer and host numerous tournaments.
Youth and Amateur Tournaments
- Surf Cup (San Diego): One of the largest and most prestigious youth soccer tournaments in the world. Surf Cup draws top teams from across the US and internationally.
- California State Cup: The state championship tournament for youth teams in California.
- Manchester City Cup: A premier youth tournament in San Diego.
- Albion Cup: A top youth tournament in San Diego.
- Crossfire Challenge: A major youth tournament in the Pacific Northwest, drawing California teams.
- NorCal Premier Cup: A top youth tournament in Northern California.
- SoCal State Cup: The Southern California state championship.
- Far West Regional Championships: The regional qualifier for the US Youth Soccer National Championships, often held in California.
California’s Beautiful Game
California is a soccer state. From the passion of LAFC’s supporters to the history of the LA Galaxy, from the rise of San Diego Wave to the promise of San Diego FC, from the grassroots of youth soccer to the grandeur of the World Cup, the beautiful game thrives in the Golden State.
Find your team. Buy your tickets. Join the passion. California is waiting.
Whether you are cheering at BMO Stadium, watching the USWNT at Snapdragon Stadium, or coaching a youth team in your local park, soccer is part of California’s identity. The state’s diversity, climate, and passion make it a natural home for the world’s game.
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