The San Francisco Bay Area loves its big sporting events. With the NBA All-Star Game, NFL Super Bowl and now the FIFA World Cup all in a 16-month span, Northern California has been a non-stop host.
And never before has the same stadium held the Super Bowl and World Cup in the same year – now Levi’s Stadium, home of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, will do so.
World Cup fixtures in the Bay Area
Located in Santa Clara, the venue will be known as San Francisco Bay Area Stadium during the tournament. It will stage five group-stage fixtures and one Round of 32 fixture, with the knockout game being played on 1 July.
- 13 June – Group B: Qatar vs Switzerland
- 16 June – Group J: Austria vs Jordan
- 19 June – Group D: Turkey vs Paraguay
- 22 June – Group J: Jordan vs Algeria
- 25 June – Group D: Paraguay vs Australia
- 1 July: Round of 32
Sporting culture
The San Francisco Bay Area boasts one of the most diverse sporting landscapes in the US. Levi’s Stadium is home to the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, while the region also supports MLB’s San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics, the NBA’s Golden State Warriors and the NHL’s San Jose Sharks.
Football has deep roots in the Bay Area through MLS side San Jose Earthquakes and a large international fan base drawn from the region’s multicultural communities.
Landmarks and places to see
Northern California offers an abundance of activity for enthusiasts of all kinds. Highlights include wine country in Napa Valley and Sonoma, a tour of the old Alcatraz prison, the redwoods of Muir Woods or the picturesque Pacific Coast vistas along Highway 1.
Food scene in the Bay Area
From Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in North Beach to the famous burritos in the Mission District and Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay or Mustards Grill in Napa Valley, there are renowned food options everywhere. For dessert, iconic Fentons Creamery in Oakland provides an old-school ice cream parlour feel with the option of sit-down or take-out from the counter. Sampling of flavours is encouraged.
Fan zones
Starting on 11 June, fans can watch matches for free from more than 30 locations as well as participating sports bars around the Bay Area. The Golden State Warriors and Valkyries’ Thrive City big screen at Chase Center is one, along with China Basin at Mission Rock near the San Francisco Giants’ ballpark. Also, PIER 39 should provide a picturesque backdrop for games.
In the East Bay, the independent Oakland Ballers team will host games at its home field of Raimondi Park. The famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is another spot.
“The FIFA World Cup 2026 is about bringing communities together and celebrating the beautiful game in every corner of our region,” said Zaileen Janmohamed, President and CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee.
“We’re harnessing the breadth, diversity, and natural beauty of the entire Bay Area to ensure that no matter where you live or visit, you’ll have access to fun, community celebrations. This regional approach reflects our commitment to inclusivity and gives every county and community the opportunity to activate and be part of this historic moment.”
Transportation options
For those looking to avoid heavy traffic and exorbitant parking fees, stadium officials suggest public transportation such as Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light rail and bus lines, ACE/Capitol Corridor heavy rail, which connects to Caltrain for direct access to San Francisco.
Stadium tips
Traffic and parking in and around Levi’s Stadium can take hours to navigate, so plan your arrival with careful thought – because the logistical challenges of just getting into the venue could very well spoil the entire experience.
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