Columbus is officially part of the 2028 Summer Olympics.
On Tuesday, LA28 announced that Columbus will host matches for the Olympic football (soccer) tournaments during the Los Angeles Games. The city is one of six across the country selected to host games, alongside New York, San Diego, San José, Nashville, and St. Louis.
ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, home of the Columbus Crew, will host group stage and knockout round matches for both the men’s and women’s tournaments. These matches will take place ahead of the medal games, which will be held at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles.
That means Olympic teams from around the world will be playing meaningful tournament matches in Columbus during the summer of 2028.
Why Columbus Was Chosen
LA28 worked with Major League Soccer and Soccer United Marketing to evaluate stadiums nationwide, focusing on world-class facilities, existing soccer infrastructure, and the ability to engage local communities.
Columbus checked all of those boxes.
The city has long been a major player in American soccer, from hosting U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team matches to supporting one of the league’s most dedicated fan bases. ScottsMiracle-Gro Field regularly hosts sold-out crowds, and Columbus has a track record of successfully staging high-profile matches.
Those factors helped position the city as a strong candidate for Olympic competition.
A Historic Olympic First
The announcement also comes with a significant milestone for women’s sports.
For the first time in Olympic history, the women’s football tournament will include more teams than the men’s. The women’s field will expand to 16 teams, while the men’s tournament will feature 12. LA28 will also mark the first Olympic Games in which every team sport includes at least as many women’s teams as men’s.
As a result, Columbus will host matches during an Olympics that is setting a new benchmark for gender equity in international sport.
What We Know So Far
Match dates, kickoff times, and team assignments have not yet been announced. Those details will be released closer to the Games, following the completion of qualification and the official tournament draw.
Here’s what has been confirmed:
- Olympic soccer matches will take place in summer 2028
- Some matches may be scheduled prior to the Opening Ceremony
- Tickets will be distributed through a registration-based ticket draw, which is open now through March 18
In 2028, fans from around the world will travel to Columbus to watch Olympic soccer, national teams will compete at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, and the city will play a direct role in the Olympic Games. I can almost hear the USA chants from here.
