World Cup 2026 San Francisco
Bay Area Schedule — All 6 Games at Levi's Stadium
Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California hosts 6 matches: four confirmed group stage games featuring USA, Japan, Germany and more, a Round of 32 on July 1, and a Round of 16 on July 6 — making the Bay Area one of the best-value World Cup destinations in the US.
📍 Levi's Stadium is in Santa Clara — NOT San Francisco
Levi's Stadium is located in Santa Clara, CA 95054 — approximately 45 miles south of San Francisco city and 4 miles from Downtown San Jose. Despite the "San Francisco" branding, this is Silicon Valley / South Bay territory. When booking hotels, search "Santa Clara" or "San Jose" for the closest options. The best public transport is Caltrain from SF to Santa Clara station, then the free game-day shuttle — allow 60–75 minutes from central SF.
🏟️ Levi's Stadium = San Francisco Bay Area Stadium during the World Cup
FIFA policy requires all 2026 World Cup venues to drop commercial naming rights during the tournament. Levi's Stadium will be officially referred to as "San Francisco Bay Area Stadium" in all FIFA tickets, broadcasts, and on-site signage during June–July 2026. Both names refer to the same venue at 4900 Marie P DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054.
Updated March 26, 2026 · Source: FIFA Official Fixtures
SF Bay Area at a Glance
World Cup 2026 Bay Area Game Dates
Levi's Stadium (SF Bay Area Stadium) — June 19 – July 6, 2026
All times shown in Pacific Daylight Time (PT / PDT). Santa Clara is UTC−7 in summer — 3 hours behind Eastern Time and 8 hours behind BST.
All matches at Levi's Stadium (FIFA: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium), 4900 Marie P DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054 — approximately 5 miles from San Jose International Airport (SJC) and 45 miles from San Francisco city center.
| Match | Date | Teams | Round | Time PT | Time ET | Resale Est. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #12 | Fri, Jun 19, 2026 Friday | USA vs [Group A Opponent TBC] Group A ✓ Confirmed | Group Stage | 3:00 PM PT | 6:00 PM ET | $220 – $950 | Plan Trip → |
| #29 | Mon, Jun 22, 2026 Monday | Japan vs Germany Group E ✓ Confirmed | Group Stage | 3:00 PM PT | 6:00 PM ET | $180 – $700 | Plan Trip → |
| #44 | Thu, Jun 25, 2026 Thursday | Group A Match 3 Group A ✓ Confirmed | Group Stage | 3:00 PM PT | 6:00 PM ET | $100 – $480 | Plan Trip → |
| #63 | Sun, Jun 28, 2026 Sunday | Group E Match 3 Group E ✓ Confirmed | Group Stage | 6:00 PM PT | 9:00 PM ET | $120 – $520 | Plan Trip → |
| #R32 | Wed, Jul 1, 2026 Wednesday | TBD vs TBD | Round of 32 | 3:00 PM PT | 6:00 PM ET | $160 – $650 | Plan Trip → |
| #R16 | Mon, Jul 6, 2026 Monday | TBD vs TBD | ROUND OF 16 | 3:00 PM PT | 6:00 PM ET | $300 – $1,500 | Plan Trip → |
USA vs [Group A Opponent TBC]
Fri, Jun 19, 2026 · 3:00 PM PT
6:00 PM ET · 11:00 PM BST
FIFA has confirmed a USA group stage game at Levi's Stadium on June 19. The USA's specific opponent within Group A is to be confirmed by the official draw. The Bay Area's enormous and diverse soccer fanbase — combined with the Silicon Valley tech community and large immigrant populations who follow international football — makes this the single highest-demand ticket in the entire San Francisco schedule. Book Santa Clara and San Jose hotels for Jun 18–20 immediately.
Japan vs Germany
Mon, Jun 22, 2026 · 3:00 PM PT
6:00 PM ET · 11:00 PM BST
FIFA-confirmed Group E fixture — one of the most-searched matches in the Bay Area schedule. The San Francisco Bay Area has the largest Japanese-American community on the West Coast, and Silicon Valley hosts a major Japanese corporate and tech presence. Japan vs Germany is the Bay Area's marquee international prestige match. German fans are well-travelled and Germany's large expat community across the Bay will create an extraordinary atmosphere.
Group A Match 3
Thu, Jun 25, 2026 · 3:00 PM PT
6:00 PM ET · 11:00 PM BST
FIFA-confirmed third group stage game in San Francisco — exact teams TBD from Group A. Based on the draw structure, this is the final round of Group A games, which may involve the USA in a must-watch scenario. Teams TBD after the full group stage draw is confirmed.
Group E Match 3
Sun, Jun 28, 2026 · 6:00 PM PT
9:00 PM ET · 2:00 AM BST (+1)
FIFA-confirmed final Group E game at Levi's Stadium. Teams TBD — potentially featuring Japan and/or Germany in their final group fixture. A Sunday evening Pacific Time kickoff makes this ideal for local Bay Area fans. This is likely to have very high demand depending on which teams are involved.
TBD vs TBD
Wed, Jul 1, 2026 · 3:00 PM PT
6:00 PM ET · 11:00 PM BST
Round of 32 date confirmed at Levi's Stadium (San Francisco Bay Area Stadium). Teams TBD after the group stage concludes June 28. Based on the bracket structure, Group A Runner-Up faces Group B Winner — potentially involving the USA depending on group performance. Book hotels for Jun 30–Jul 2 at refundable rates now.
TBD vs TBD
Mon, Jul 6, 2026 · 3:00 PM PT
6:00 PM ET · 11:00 PM BST
A Round of 16 fixture has been allocated to Levi's Stadium on July 6. Teams TBD after the Round of 32 results (Jun 29–Jul 3). This is a high-value knockout stage match — book hotels for Jul 5–7 at refundable rates immediately. Resale prices of $300–$1,500+ are expected for this fixture.
✓ USA group game (Jun 19) and Japan vs Germany (Jun 22) confirmed by FIFA. All group stage dates confirmed.
* Teams for Group A Match 3 (Jun 25), Group E Match 3 (Jun 28), Round of 32 (Jul 1), and Round of 16 (Jul 6) are TBD.
🇺🇸🇯🇵 Bay Area's Biggest Matches — USA & Japan
The Bay Area has the largest Japanese-American community on the West Coast and one of the most diverse soccer fanbases in the US. These two fixtures are the most-searched, highest-demand tickets in the entire San Francisco schedule.
USA — Group A Game
Group A · Opponent TBC
Fri, Jun 19 · 3:00 PM PT
The Bay Area's massive and diverse soccer fanbase spans every major immigrant community in Silicon Valley — among the most soccer-literate regions in the US. As the only confirmed named team game in SF, this will sell out within minutes of resale going live. Book Santa Clara hotels for Jun 18–20 now.
Resale estimate: $220 – $950
Japan vs Germany
Group E
Mon, Jun 22 · 3:00 PM PT
Silicon Valley has the largest concentration of Japanese technology companies outside Japan — Sony, Fujitsu, and dozens of Japanese startups maintain Bay Area offices. Combined with the significant Japanese-American community across the Bay and San Jose's Japantown, this fixture will feel like a home game for Japan. Germany's well-travelled fanbase adds a large European contingent.
Resale estimate: $180 – $700
🌐 Silicon Valley — The World's Most International World Cup Crowd
No US host city has a more internationally diverse fanbase than the San Francisco Bay Area. Santa Clara County has the highest concentration of tech workers from India, China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, Brazil, and Mexico in the United States. Every match at Levi's Stadium will have an unexpectedly electric atmosphere with fans from every competing nation. San Jose's Japantown (the oldest surviving Japantown in the US), Cupertino's Taiwanese-American community, and Fremont's massive South Asian population all sit within 20 miles of the stadium.
How to Get from San Francisco to Levi's Stadium
This is the #1 logistics question for Bay Area World Cup fans — and the answer surprises most people. There is no single direct transit connection from San Francisco to the stadium. The best route is Caltrain + free game-day shuttle.
Option 1 (BEST): Caltrain → Game Day Shuttle
- 1.Take Caltrain from SF 4th & King (or Millbrae for BART connection)
- 2.Ride to Santa Clara station (approx. 55–65 min from 4th & King)
- 3.Free FIFA game-day shuttle from Santa Clara Caltrain to stadium
- 4.Total time from central SF: ~70–80 minutes
Buy Caltrain tickets in advance via Clipper card or Caltrain app. Game-day trains fill quickly — arrive at 4th & King 90 min before kickoff.
Option 2: BART → VTA Light Rail / Shuttle
- 1.BART to Milpitas station (Orange Line from downtown SF/Oakland)
- 2.VTA 181 bus or Orange Line light rail to Santa Clara
- 3.Game-day shuttle from Santa Clara station to stadium
- 4.Total time: ~75–95 minutes from SF Embarcadero BART
Better option for fans traveling from Oakland, Fremont, or the East Bay. Check VTA schedules at vta.org closer to match dates.
Option 3: Fly into SJC Airport
- 1.Fly into San Jose International (SJC) — 5 miles from the stadium
- 2.VTA Airport Flyer bus to Santa Clara Caltrain station
- 3.Game-day shuttle to Levi's Stadium
- 4.Or Uber/Lyft directly from SJC — approx. 15 min
SJC is dramatically closer than SFO. For domestic travelers, flying SJC and staying in San Jose or Santa Clara is the most efficient option.
Option 4: Drive (Not Recommended)
- 1.US-101 South from SF to Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara
- 2.Parking: Very limited at Levi's Stadium on World Cup days
- 3.Post-match gridlock: 2+ hours to clear on US-101
- 4.Pre-book parking via ParkWhiz if driving is unavoidable
Driving is strongly discouraged. The stadium sits off US-101 with extremely limited dedicated World Cup parking. Use transit or pre-book rideshare from a nearby park-and-ride.
🏟️ Levi's Stadium vs SF Bay Area Stadium — What's the Difference?
They are the same venue. FIFA policy requires all 2026 World Cup stadiums to strip commercial naming rights during the tournament. Levi's Stadium will be officially called San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in all FIFA communications, tickets, broadcasts, and on-site signage.
The physical address remains identical: 4900 Marie P DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054 — in Santa Clara, approximately 45 miles south of Downtown San Francisco and 4 miles from Downtown San Jose.
🎟️ World Cup 2026 Bay Area Tickets
The FIFA official ballot is closed. Verified resale via Ticketmaster is the primary channel. All resale prices are editorial estimates only.
| Match | Date | Demand | Resale Est. | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA Group Game | Jun 19 | 🔥🔥🔥 Extreme | $220–$950 | Ticketmaster → |
| Japan vs Germany | Jun 22 | 🔥🔥🔥 Extreme | $180–$700 | Ticketmaster → |
| Round of 16 | Jul 6 | 🔥🔥🔥 Very High | $300–$1,500 | Ticketmaster → |
| Round of 32 | Jul 1 | 🔥🔥 High TBD | $160–$650 | Ticketmaster → |
| Group A Match 3 | Jun 25 | 🔥🔥 High | $100–$480 | Ticketmaster → |
| Group E Match 3 | Jun 28 | 🔥 Moderate–High | $120–$520 | Ticketmaster → |
⚠️ Ticket Safety — Avoid Scams
Only purchase resale tickets through Ticketmaster Verified Fan or FIFA-approved resale partners. Never buy from street sellers, WhatsApp groups, or unverified sites. QR codes are single-use and tied to the registered buyer — duplicated tickets will be refused at all stadium gates.
🏨 Hotels near Levi's Stadium — World Cup 2026
Santa Clara and San Jose are the closest hotel zones. San Francisco city hotels are scenic but require the Caltrain journey — great for fans who want the full SF experience between matches.
| Area | Distance to Stadium | Best For | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara | ~1–3 mi (closest) | Fastest access — book first | Hotels.com → |
| San Jose Downtown | ~4–5 mi | Best restaurants & nightlife nearby | Hotels.com → |
| Milpitas | ~8 mi | Budget-friendly, near BART Orange Line | Hotels.com → |
| Sunnyvale | ~5–7 mi | Good chain hotels at lower prices | Hotels.com → |
| San Jose Airport (SJC) | ~5 mi | Ideal for fly-in / fly-out fans | Hotels.com → |
| San Francisco City | ~45 mi / 70–80 min | Full SF experience; needs Caltrain | Hotels.com → |
💡 Pro Tip: Book Jun 18–20 and Jun 21–23 Back-to-Back
The USA game (Jun 19) and Japan vs Germany (Jun 22) are just 3 days apart — the highest demand hotel stretch in the entire Bay Area schedule. Book refundable rates for Jun 18–23 right now and consider staying the entire stretch to avoid re-booking logistics. Santa Clara and San Jose hotels will be completely sold out by April 2026.
🚗 Getting to Levi's Stadium for the World Cup
Caltrain + game-day shuttle is the recommended option from SF. San Jose International (SJC) is the most convenient arrival airport. Driving is not recommended on match days.
Caltrain (Recommended from SF)
SF 4th & King → Santa Clara station (55–65 min), then free game-day shuttle to Levi's Stadium (~10 min). Buy Clipper card or Caltrain app tickets in advance. Book earlier trains — the last pre-kickoff service fills within minutes on match days.
BART + VTA (East Bay & South Bay)
BART to Milpitas (Orange Line), then VTA 181 bus or Orange Line light rail to Santa Clara station, then game-day shuttle to the stadium. Best option for fans coming from Oakland, Fremont, or the East Bay. Allow 75–90 min from SF Embarcadero BART.
From SJC Airport (Closest)
San Jose International (SJC) is approximately 5 miles from Levi's Stadium — a 15-minute Uber/Lyft or VTA bus ride. For domestic travelers, SJC is dramatically more convenient than SFO. Book flights into SJC for Jun 18–20, Jun 21–23, Jun 30–Jul 2, and Jul 5–7.
✈️ Search Flights to SJC — ExpediaFrom SFO Airport (International)
San Francisco International (SFO) is 33 miles north of Levi's Stadium. From SFO: take BART to Millbrae, connect to Caltrain southbound to Santa Clara, then the game-day shuttle. Allow 90–110 minutes total. SFO has the most international long-haul connections for overseas fans.
✈️ Search Flights to SFO — ExpediaCar Rental in the Bay Area
A rental car is ideal for exploring San Francisco and Silicon Valley between matches. Do not drive to Levi's Stadium on match days — use transit. Pick up your rental at SJC or SFO and use it for city exploration only. Compare rates at both airports.
🚙 Compare Car Rentals — GetRentacarAirport Transfers
Pre-book a private airport transfer from SJC or SFO to your Santa Clara or San Jose hotel for a stress-free arrival. Kiwitaxi offers fixed-price transfers — no surge pricing — ideal for international fans landing at SFO with luggage.
🚖 Pre-Book Airport Transfer — KiwitaxiInternational SIM / eSIM
International fans — activate a US data eSIM before landing at SFO or SJC. You'll need Google Maps to navigate Caltrain, BART, and VTA connections. Airalo offers affordable US plans with instant activation on iPhone and Android.
📱 Get US eSIM — Airalo🌤️ Bay Area Weather — June & July 2026
Santa Clara offers some of the most comfortable World Cup weather of any US host city. Unlike San Francisco's famous fog, the South Bay is sheltered and significantly warmer and drier. Expect clear skies, low humidity, and afternoon temperatures of 75–85°F (24–29°C)— ideal for outdoor football.
🌤️ Bay Area Fan Weather Tips
- • Bring a light jacket for evening — temperatures drop to 58–65°F after sunset
- • Sunscreen is essential even in the mild Bay Area sun
- • San Francisco city is much colder and foggier than Santa Clara — pack layers if staying in SF
- • 3:00 PM PT kickoffs fall in the warmest part of the day — hydrate well before entering the stadium
- • No significant rain risk — June is one of the driest months in Silicon Valley
- • Wind can pick up in the evening — particularly on the upper deck seating
🏆 Best Weather of Any US Host City
Santa Clara's June weather is the most consistently pleasant of any 2026 World Cup US venue — no heat/humidity (Miami), no rain risk (Seattle/Boston), and no extreme heat (Dallas/Houston).
📺 No Ticket? Watch the World Cup in the Bay Area
The Bay Area's global tech workforce makes it one of the most internationally engaged World Cup cities in the US. Sports bars across San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland will screen every match — with dedicated viewing parties for USA, Japan, Germany, and every other competing nation.
FIFA Fan Festival — Bay Area (TBC)
An official FIFA Fan Festival or equivalent fan zone is expected for the Bay Area. The San Francisco Host Committee is coordinating events — Civic Center Plaza and Oracle Park's surroundings are potential fan zone locations. Check back for confirmed announcements.
San Jose's Japantown — Japan Match Hub
San Jose's Japantown (the oldest surviving Japantown in the US) at Jackson Street will be the heart of Japan fan watch parties. Every Japan match will draw enormous crowds to the neighbourhood's bars and restaurants.
San Francisco Mission District
The Mission's Latin-American bars and taquerias screen every major international match. Strong Mexico, El Salvador, and Brazil followings make this the most atmospheric no-ticket zone in SF for group stage games.
San Francisco Sports Bars — FiDi & SoMa
The Financial District and SoMa (South of Market) have the highest concentration of sports bars in SF. International tech workers pack these venues for every match — particularly USA, Germany, France, and England fixtures.
Oakland — Diverse Fan Community
Oakland's Fruitvale district (strong Latin American community) and Grand Avenue corridor are excellent options for fans based in the East Bay. BART's connectivity makes Oakland a great base for no-ticket fans.
Local TV & Streaming
Fox (English) and Telemundo/Universo (Spanish) broadcast all 2026 World Cup matches in the US. Fox Sports app and Peacock provide streaming. Matches at 3:00 PM PT are ideal for West Coast fans watching from home or work.
SF Bay Area World Cup 2026 — Fan Travel Tips
🏨 Stay in Santa Clara or San Jose
Santa Clara is walkable to Caltrain and within Uber range of the stadium. San Jose Downtown gives you restaurants, nightlife, and Japantown within walking distance. Do not stay in San Francisco and expect a short match-day commute — budget 75+ minutes each way.
🚂 Master the Caltrain schedule
Download the Caltrain app and load your Clipper card before match day. Game-day special trains will be added — check caltrain.com closer to the tournament. Arrive at 4th & King Station at least 90 minutes before kickoff to guarantee a seat.
📅 Book Jun 18–23 as one block
USA (Jun 19) and Japan vs Germany (Jun 22) are 3 days apart. Book one continuous hotel stay across both matches rather than separate bookings — you will save money and avoid the nightmare of re-booking during peak demand.
✈️ Fly into SJC if possible
SJC (San Jose International) is 5 miles from Levi's Stadium and avoids the SFO-to-stadium journey entirely. For US domestic travelers, SJC is significantly more convenient. Check SJC first before defaulting to SFO.
🌉 Plan your SF day trips wisely
San Francisco city is 45 miles north — a great day trip between matches. But budget the Caltrain journey carefully on match days. The Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, and Golden Gate Park are must-visits if your schedule allows.
🍜 Explore Silicon Valley's food scene
Santa Clara and San Jose have exceptional Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Indian, and Mexican restaurants driven by the diverse tech workforce. San Jose's Japantown, Cupertino's Ranch 99 area, and Milpitas's Calaveras Blvd are world-class culinary destinations.
🎟️ Only use Ticketmaster for resale
The Bay Area tech community creates a sophisticated black market for high-demand events. Only purchase via Ticketmaster Verified Fan. Screenshot both your confirmation email and QR code. Never buy from resellers near the stadium.
📱 Get a US eSIM before landing
Activate a US data eSIM at SFO or SJC before leaving the airport. You'll need it immediately for Caltrain navigation, Uber, and Google Maps — Bay Area transit requires digital planning. Airalo US plans activate instantly.
🛡️ Don't travel without insurance
World Cup tickets are non-refundable. Travel insurance protects your investment if flights are cancelled, you fall ill, or luggage is lost. VisitorsCoverage specialises in plans for international visitors to the United States — ideal for fans flying in from Japan, Germany, Europe, and Latin America.
🛡️ Get Travel Insurance — VisitorsCoverage❓ SF Bay Area World Cup 2026 FAQ
Answers to the most-searched questions about attending the 2026 World Cup in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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