The San Francisco Bay Area will be one of the standout host regions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, combining world-class technology, iconic landmarks, and elite football on a global stage. The 2026 FIFA World Cup blasts off with 48 teams and 104 edge-of-your-seat matches across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., and the San Francisco Bay Area is innovating as a top host city.
This iconic region, home to Silicon Valley smarts and Golden Gate grandeur, will buzz with six thrilling games at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, from group-stage clashes to a Round of 32 knockout match.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the 2026 FIFA World Cup in San Francisco Bay Area — including match schedules, the official stadium, ticket information, travel tips, and the best places to stay. Start planning your trip to experience the thrill.
San Francisco Bay Area as a 2026 FIFA World Cup Host City
Why does the San Francisco Bay Area stand out as a 2026 FIFA World Cup host? Selected as one of the 16 official host cities in June 2022, the Bay Area brings global recognition, world-class infrastructure, and proven event-hosting experience to the tournament.
Stretching across San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose along the Pacific coast, the region offers excellent international connectivity through multiple major airports and a well-developed transportation network, making it easily accessible for fans from around the world.
The Bay Area has a long track record of successfully hosting major global events, including Super Bowls and large-scale international conventions. Its public transit systems, including BART, VTA light rail, and regional rail services, are well equipped to manage large crowds during the World Cup.
With a deep-rooted soccer culture supported by clubs such as the San Jose Earthquakes and a diverse, multicultural population, the Bay Area is well prepared to deliver an energetic and inclusive World Cup experience for players and fans alike.
How Many Matches Will San Francisco Bay Area Host at the 2026 World Cup?
The San Francisco Bay Area will host a total of six matches at Levi’s Stadium during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The schedule includes five group-stage matches and one knockout-round match.
The San Francisco Bay Area’s signature game will feature a blockbuster matchup between the winner of 1B vs. one of the best third-place teams in 3A/C/D. Group Stage Marquee clashes will see giants like the Netherlands, Qatar and Paraguay.
San Francisco Bay Area World Cup Stadium – Levi’s Stadium
Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, will serve as the venue for the San Francisco Bay Area matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but will be officially known as “San Francisco Bay Area Stadium” for the tournament.
Where Is Levi’s Stadium Located?
Levi’s Stadium is located in Santa Clara, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley, rather than San Francisco proper. Santa Clara is situated approximately 40 miles (64 km) south of San Francisco and just west of downtown San Jose, the largest city in the Bay Area.
The official street address is
4900 Marie P DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Levi’s Stadium Capacity and Features for World Cup 2026
Opened in 2014, the venue is known for being one of the most technologically advanced and sustainable sports stadiums in the United States, utilising features like a green roof, solar panels, and extensive Wi-Fi connectivity. It typically serves as the home field for the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers and has a seating capacity of approximately 68,500 for the World Cup.
2026 FIFA World Cup San Francisco Bay Area Match Schedule
The full schedule for the San Francisco Bay Area will begin with the group stage on June 13 and conclude with the Round of 32 on July 1, 2026. The Bay Area’s schedule aligns with the tournament timeline from June 11 to July 19. Every contest plays out in Pacific Time (PT), with Levi’s Stadium as the sole theatre for these legendary tales.
Group Stage Matches in San Francisco Bay Area
The San Francisco Bay Area will host five group stage matches on the following dates: June 13, June 16, June 19, June 22, and June 25, 2026.
Qatar, the 2022 host nation, will play their opening group stage match against Switzerland on June 13. There will also be special matches, such as a match between Austria, returning to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998, and Jordan, making their first FIFA Men’s World Cup debut.
- June 13, 2026 – 12:00 PM PT: Qatar vs Switzerland (Group B)
- June 16, 2026 – 12:00 PM PT: Austria vs Jordan (Group J)
- June 19, 2026 – 12:00 PM PT: Turkey/Romania/Slovakia/Kosovo vs Paraguay (Group D)
- June 22, 2026 – 12:00 PM PT: Jordan vs Algeria (Group J)
- June 25, 2026 – 7:00 PM PT: Paraguay vs Australia (Group D)
Knockout Stage Matches in San Francisco Bay Area
The San Francisco Bay Area will host one knockout stage game, a Round of 32 game, at Levi’s Stadium on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The Bay Area will not host any games in the Round of 16 or later stages of the tournament.
- July 1, 2026: Round of 32 – 1B vs 3A/C/D
World Cup Tickets in San Francisco Bay Area 2026: Prices, Registration & How to Buy
While individual match tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup games in Levi’s Stadium are not yet available for general public sale, fans can officially register their interest through FIFA’s dedicated portal.
Registering ensures you receive timely updates and notifications as soon as ticket sales phases and pricing information are formally announced.
Important: FIFA is the only official source for 2026 World Cup tickets, and prices or availability listed elsewhere should be treated with caution.
How Much Are 2026 World Cup Tickets in San Francisco Bay Area?
Official face-value ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches range from a special “Supporter Entry Tier” priced at $60 for any match to over $765 for premium seats at the Round of 32.
FIFA uses dynamic pricing so that official prices may fluctuate based on demand. Estimated prices below are based on FIFA’s published ticket categories and previous World Cup pricing structures.
| Match Type | Supporter Entry Tier (Cat 4) | Category 3 Price Range | Category 2 Price Range | Category 1 Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | $60 | $140 – $265 | $310 – $500 | $405 – $700 |
| Round of 32 | $60 | $275 | $570 | $765 |
Where to Buy 2026 World Cup Tickets for San Francisco Bay Area Matches
To stay informed about when and how to apply for tickets for all matches, including the highly anticipated Group Stage match Paraguay vs Australia in the San Francisco Bay Area, interested individuals should visit the official FIFA ticketing website and complete the registration form.
Official tickets will be sold through FIFA’s ticketing website, with sales conducted via random draws and first-come, first-served phases.
Fans who miss out on official sales may use trusted resale platforms, while hospitality packages are available through FIFA-authorised partners.
Where to Stay in San Francisco Bay Area for the 2026 World Cup
For the 2026 World Cup, visitors to the San Francisco Bay Area must decide between staying near the stadium in the South Bay (Santa Clara/San Jose) for convenience or in San Francisco proper for a more iconic tourist experience, dining, and nightlife. Levi’s Stadium is located in Santa Clara, approximately 40 miles south of the city of San Francisco.
Best Areas to Stay Near Levi’s Stadium
If you prioritize proximity to games at Levi’s Stadium and easy transportation, living in the South Bay area is a great option. The stadium is located in Santa Clara, near San Jose, about 40 miles south of San Francisco.
Another great option is downtown San Jose, the largest city in the South Bay, offering a wider range of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options than Santa Clara. It is well connected to the stadium area via the VTA (Valley Transportation Authority) light rail system.
Best Hotels for World Cup Fans in San Francisco Bay Area
For the 2026 World Cup, the best hotels for fans in the San Francisco Bay Area range from convenient options near the venue in Santa Clara to luxury stays in San Francisco proper, balancing match-day logistics with the region’s diverse attractions.
These hotels are ideal for fans who want to minimise travel time to the Levi’s Stadium.
Popular hotel options near Levi’s Stadium include:
- Hilton Santa Clara
- Santa Clara Marriott
- Hyatt Regency Santa Clara
- Homewood Suites By Hilton San Jose North
- Avatar Hotel Santa Clara
- Embassy Suites Santa Clara – Silicon Valley
If you prioritize diverse dining, vibrant nightlife, and cultural immersion over proximity to Levi’s Stadium, the best areas to stay are in San Francisco. The stadium is located in Santa Clara, about 40 miles south of the city, which requires a long commute via public transportation such as Caltrain or car on game days.
San Francisco Bay Area World Cup Fan Fest and Fan Zones
The Official FIFA Fan Festival™ San Francisco Bay Area is currently in the planning stages, with specific details and potential reductions in scope still being discussed between FIFA and the local organizing committee. While the games will be held in Santa Clara, the intended location for the fan gathering will be in the city of San Francisco.
Getting to Levi’s Stadium and Around San Francisco Bay Area
Getting to Levi’s Stadium involves navigating the vast Bay Area, where there will be several efficient transportation options available depending on your starting location.
Public Transit The most efficient method is to use a combination of the Caltrain commuter rail and the VTA (Valley Transportation Authority) light rail. Caltrain connects the San Francisco, Peninsula, and South Bay areas. From the Mountain View Caltrain station, you can transfer to the VTA light rail line (Orange Line) directly to the stadium.
Ride-sharing and taxi services such as Uber and Lyft are readily available in the Bay Area, but be aware of potential increased pricing during peak game times and designated drop-off/pick-up areas at the stadium.
Driving and Parking: A pre-purchased parking pass is required for driving. Traffic around the stadium will be heavy on event days, and ride-sharing and taxi services such as Uber and Lyft are readily available in the Bay Area. But be aware of potential surge pricing and designated drop-off/pick-up areas at the stadium during peak game times.
To get around the rest of the Bay Area, you can experience the region’s diverse cities and attractions via public transit systems, including BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), Muni in San Francisco, and the VTA system in the South Bay.
Things to Do in San Francisco Bay Area During the World Cup
Beyond the excitement of the games at Levi’s, the San Francisco Bay Area offers a wealth of activities and iconic landmarks to explore during the World Cup, allowing visitors to blend the excitement of the matches in Santa Clara with the diverse culture of the region.
From world-renowned natural beauty and historical sites in San Francisco proper to the vibrant tech hub in the South Bay, there is no shortage of things to do when you are not at a game.
Top Experiences in San Francisco Bay Area
- Traverse the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, marveling at its rust-hued spans arching over misty bays.
- Tour Alcatraz Island, unraveling tales of infamous escapes amid haunting cells.
- Roam Golden Gate Park’s lush expanses, discovering gardens, museums, and bison paddocks.
- Savor the eclectic eats of the Ferry Building Marketplace, from artisanal cheeses to oyster delights.
- Ascend Twin Peaks for panoramic vistas of the glittering cityscape and rolling hills.
- Wander the vibrant murals and taquerias of the Mission District, soaking in street art and flavors.
Top Experiences Near the Coast / Nature / Day Trips
For nature-filled relaxation, take a short drive north to Muir Woods, where ancient redwoods live in serene forests, offering peaceful hikes and soul-soothing.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a once-in-a-generation moment for San Francisco Bay Area. Bookmark this guide and start planning your World Cup journey today.