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 v Jordan, Jordan v Algeria and Paraguay v Australia are set to set the stands alight amidst the palm trees and the Pacific breeze. It’s the perfect setting to combine football, travel and that unique atmosphere that only the San Francisco area knows how to create.

The World Cup matches in San Francisco will be played at Levi’s Stadium, located in Santa Clara, around 70 kilometres from the city centre. The stadium will be one of the tournament’s official venues and has already been confirmed to host several group stage matches and a knockout round fixture.

Levi’s Stadium, opened in 2014 in the heart of Silicon Valley, is a modern venue with around 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 the Caltrain and then the VTA Light Rail to Great America station, a few minutes’ walk from the stadium.
• By car: approximately 45–60 minutes from San Francisco, with paid car parks in the surrounding area.
• Ride-sharing: services such as Uber and Lyft have designated pick-up and drop-off areas on match days.

Stadium sections and approximate price ranges

• Standing areas: the most economical option for soaking up the atmosphere of the fans. Approximate price: €110–180.
• Side stands: the best balance between visibility and comfort. Approximate price: €180–300.
• Central stand: tactical view of the game and a more comfortable experience. Approximate price: €300–500.
• VIP boxes and hospitality areas: premium seating, exclusive services and personalised attention. Approximate price: between €700 and €2,000 per person, depending on the package.

The gates usually open between 2 and 3 hours before kick-off; try to arrive at least 60 minutes early so you can get in at your leisure and soak up the atmosphere.

The price ranges above are indicative 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, with premium seating and exclusive services.

At the 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 a backdrop.

San Francisco is gearing up to become a football hotspot: its neighbourhoods will buzz with fans from all corners of the globe, bars will display shirts from a thousand national teams, and fan zones in squares and public spaces will bring the World Cup to life on every corner, even before the opening whistle.

• Make sure you know where the stadium is: the 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.
• Get to the stadium early to avoid the rush: that way you’ll have plenty of time to get in, find your seat and soak up the atmosphere without any stress.
• Enjoy the fantastic atmosphere in the city: fan zones, bars, terraces and meeting spots where fans of different teams mingle — perfect if you’re travelling alone or with friends of different nationalities.
• Combine football with sightseeing: between matches, you can explore iconic neighbourhoods, stroll along the coast, discover the cultural scene and enjoy the relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
• Plan your accommodation and transport carefully: look for accommodation in the city centre or with good transport links so you can get around easily, bearing 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 zones — **one for fans of one team, another for the other, and a **neutral zone **** where supporters of different teams mix. Make sure you buy the correct ticket (category, section and zone): if you enter the wrong stand, you may be moved or denied entry for security reasons. Check the section, zone and category very carefully before completing your purchase.

San Francisco offers plenty to do beyond football. If you’re attending one or more matches, make the most of your trip to explore the city’s main attractions and the surrounding area.

Here are a few ideas:

• Explore San Francisco with a tourist card
• Experience the thrill of basketball with NBA tickets
• Take a tour of Silicon Valley
• Head to Lake Tahoe on a full-day excursion
• Visit the city’s best museums
• Enjoy a boat trip around the bay
• Find 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.