San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area is set to play a prominent role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosting six matches at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Here’s what you need to know about why the region was chosen, how to get to the games, and tips for making the most of your visit this July.

SF may not have its own major league soccer team, but it has a rich soccer history, diverse population, and world-class infrastructure. In 1994, it was one of nine cities in the US that hosted the FIFA World Cup, so it has a strong tradition of supporting both international and domestic soccer. The Bay Area’s diversity and internationalism, unbeatable connectivity, and vibrant, accepting fan culture made it an obvious choice for FIFA in 2026.

• Saturday, June 13, 2026: Group Stage, Match 8
• Tuesday, June 16, 2026: Group Stage, Match 20
• Friday, June 19, 2026: Group Stage, Match 31
• Monday, June 22, 2026: Group Stage, Match 44
• Thursday, June 25, 2026: Group Stage, Match 60
• Wednesday, July 1, 2026: Round of 32, Match 81

Photo: UVL>/Shutterstock

Levi’s Stadium is about 45 minutes south of San Francisco by car, but getting there on public transportation is straightforward (though it requires a transfer).

The first option is to take Caltrain to Mountain View Station (about an hour). At Mountain View, transfer to the VTA Light Rail’s Orange Line toward Alum Rock. Exit at the Great America Station next to Levi’s Stadium’s north entrance. The light rail segment takes about 35 minutes. Give yourself about two hours to make the trip just to be safe, though that’s probably a little overkill.

Alternatively, you can take BART to the Millbrae Station or Milpitas Station to catch Caltrain, if where you’re staying in the city is closer to a station. You’ll then do the same thing (take Caltrain to Mountain View, then transfer to the Light Rail).

For payment, use a Clipper Card, which works on both Caltrain and VTA. You can use a physical card or buy one on the Clipper phone app.

Details will be announced at this link when official locations are available.