2026 World Cup Matches in San Francisco

Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara is gearing up to host some of the most intense matches of the 2026 World Cup: Austria vs. Jordan, Jordan vs. Algeria, and Paraguay vs. Australia will set the stands ablaze amid palm trees and the Pacific breeze. It’s the perfect setting to combine soccer, travel, and that unique atmosphere that only the San Francisco Bay Area knows how to create.

The World Cup matches in San Francisco will be played at Levi’s Stadium, located in Santa Clara, about 70 kilometers from downtown. The stadium will be one of the tournament’s official venues, and it has already been confirmed that it will host several group stage matches and one knockout round match.

Levi’s Stadium, opened in 2014 in the heart of Silicon Valley, is a modern venue with approximately 68,500 seats, Wi-Fi throughout the stadium, and the distinction of being the first NFL stadium to achieve LEED Gold certification—a true symbol of sustainable design.

How to get to Levi’s Stadium

• Train + light rail: Take Caltrain and transfer to VTA Light Rail to the Great America station, a short walk from the stadium.
• By car: approximately 45–60 minutes from San Francisco, with paid parking available in the surrounding area.
• Ride-sharing: Services like Uber and Lyft have designated pickup and drop-off areas on game days.

Stadium sections and approximate price ranges

• End zones: the most affordable option to experience the fan atmosphere. Approximate price: €110–180.
• Side stands: the best balance between visibility and comfort. Approximate price: €180–300.
• Center stands: tactical view of the game and a more comfortable experience. Approximate price: €300–500.
• VIP boxes and hospitality areas: premium seats, exclusive services, and personalized attention. Approximate price: between €700 and €2,000 per person, depending on the package.

Gates typically open 2 to 3 hours before kickoff; try to arrive at least 60 minutes early to enter without rushing and enjoy the atmosphere.

The price ranges above are approximate and may vary depending on the seating area, the teams playing, the stage of the tournament, and demand for each match. For those who want to experience the World Cup in style, there are VIP and Hospitality options, featuring premium seating and exclusive services.

At San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (now Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara), you’ll have the chance to see teams from three different groups in action: Qatar and Switzerland from Group B, Paraguay and Australia from Group D, and Austria, Algeria, and Jordan from Group J. Not all of them will face each other, but they will share the stage at one of the tournament’s most modern stadiums, with San Francisco Bay as the backdrop.

San Francisco is gearing up to become a soccer hotspot: its neighborhoods will buzz with fans from all corners of the world, bars will display jerseys from thousands of teams, and fan zones in plazas and public spaces will bring the World Cup to life on every corner, even before the opening whistle.

• Make sure you know the stadium: matches will be played at San Francisco Stadium (the name Levi’s Stadium will adopt during the World Cup), with easy access from various points around the Bay Area.
• Get to the stadium early to avoid the rush: this way, you’ll have plenty of time to get in, find your seat, and soak up the atmosphere without any stress.
• Enjoy the great atmosphere in the city: fan zones, bars, terraces, and gathering spots where fans of different teams mingle—perfect if you’re traveling alone or with friends of different nationalities.
• Combine soccer with sightseeing: between matches, you can explore iconic neighborhoods, stroll along the coast, discover the city’s cultural scene, and enjoy its relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
• Plan your accommodations and transportation well: look for a central location or one with good transportation links so you can get around easily, keeping in mind that San Francisco and its metropolitan area can experience heavy traffic during the event.

And most importantly: inside the stadium, there will be designated sections — **one for fans of one team, another for the other, and a **neutral zone **** where fans of different teams mix. Make sure to buy the correct ticket (category, section, and zone): if you enter the wrong section, you may be relocated or denied entry for security reasons. Double-check the section, zone, and category before finalizing your purchase.

San Francisco offers many experiences beyond soccer. If you’re attending one or more matches, make the most of your trip to explore the city’s main attractions and its surroundings.

Some ideas:

• Explore San Francisco with a tourist pass
• Experience the thrill of basketball with NBA tickets
• Take a tour of Silicon Valley
• Escape to Lake Tahoe on a full-day excursion
• Visit the city’s best museums
• Enjoy a boat ride around the bay
• Check out what to see and do in San Francisco
• Tour the city on the sightseeing bus
• Visit the legendary Alcatraz Prison
• Book your airport transfer

Tip: If your trip coincides with more than one match, plan your activities between games to make the most of your stay.