San Francisco tickets

As one of the most iconic regions in the United States, the San Francisco Bay Area stands out as an exceptional host of this summer's World Cup. Famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and its role as a cultural and economic hub, the Bay Area's rich cultural tapestry, iconic landmarks, and passionate sports culture make it the perfect melting pot to welcome an influx of international football fans. Having already hosted massive sporting events like the Super Bowl and the World Cup in 1994, the San Francisco Bay Area is sure to deliver an unforgettable World Cup experience in 2026.

How to buy tickets for the World Cup matches in City

The World Cup is the pinnacle of professional football, and it only comes around every four years, so tickets are in high demand and notoriously difficult to get your hands on. In fact, it's common for fans to reach out to our support team asking: How can I book World Cup tickets in the San Francisco Bay Area? And it can be tricky. Let's walk you through all the steps so you can start thinking about booking your flights across the pond.

1. Select the match you want to attend and click 'View Tickets'.
2. Select the area you would like to sit within the stadium graphic on the right-hand side.
3. Select the number of tickets you would like to purchase.
4. Click on the green 'Buy' button.
5. Complete the order form using your personal details.
6. Don't forget to check that all your information has been input and is correct.
7. Click 'Make Payment'.
8. The tickets are now yours!

For an extended guide you can watch our how to book World Cup tickets article! Ticket prices tend to vary depending on the seat category and match type, so do bear that in mind when selecting matches. Some games, mainly knockout matches or popular teams, can sell out incredibly quickly, so make sure you book early and are on high alert for when tickets come on sale!

Which stadium in the City hosts World Cup matches

Out of the 104 matches throughout the 2026 World Cup, 6 of them will be played in the San Francisco Bay Area, with all 6 played at Levi's Stadium. Located in Santa Clara, California, the venue, which will be known as "San Francisco Bay Area Stadium" throughout the World Cup, is known for its cutting-edge design and sustainability features.

Playfully nicknamed "The Field of Jeans", Levi's Stadium opened in 2014 and cost $1.3 billion to build, and features an open-Air design offering panoramic views of Silicon Valley, one of the most advanced in-stadium apps in sport, and its own solar panels, helping offset energy use during games and events.

Currently home to NFL side the San Francisco 49ers, Levi's Stadium has hosted Super Bowl 50, WrestleMania 31, the College Football Playoff National Championship, and concerts by artists like Beyoncé and Ed Sheeran. With its massive 68,500 capacity and proven track record for major events, it's the ideal venue for a thrilling series of World Cup matches in 2026.

Stadium	Capacity	No. Games	Stages Hosted
Levi's Stadium	68,500	6	Group Stage, Round of 32

Fan zones locations in City

Although the official venue for the San Francisco Bay Area World Cup Fan Festival has not been announced, it is widely expected to take place in San Francisco itself due to to its global recognition, accessibility, and infrastructure. Potential options include Golden Gate Park or Civic Center Plaza, which both offer easy public transit access, open spaces, and experience hosting large-scale public events.

Here, fans will be able to enjoy live match screenings, food vendors, music performances, and interactive games. If you're attending a game or just looking to soak up the vibes, the Fan Festival promises to be a lively experience.

Accommodation tips in the city for football fans

If you've got tickets to a World Cup match in Santa Clara and you would like to stay close to the stadium, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Here's a full guide of the options you have at your disposal.

Near Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, California)

Category	Hotel Name	Distance
Budget-Friendly (< £130/night)	Motel 6 Santa Clara	10-minute drive
Quality Inn Santa Clara Convention Center	5-minute drive
Extended Stay America – San Jose – Santa Clara	5-minute drive
SureStay Plus by Best Western Santa Clara	10-minute drive
Days Inn by Wyndham San Jose Airport	10-minute drive
E-Z 8 Motel San Jose II	10-minute drive
Mid-Range (£130–£230/night)	Hilton Santa Clara	5-minute walk
Hyatt Regency Santa Clara	5-minute walk
Aloft Santa Clara	5-minute drive
Element Santa Clara	5-minute drive
Courtyard by Marriott San Jose North	10-minute drive
AC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Santa Clara	10-minute drive
Luxury (> £300/night)	Santa Clara Marriott	5-minute drive
Hotel Valencia Santana Row (San Jose)	15-minute drive
Signia by Hilton San Jose	20-minute drive
The Westin San Jose	20-minute drive

If you are staying for a longer period of time or you are travelling as part of a group, you could consider booking an Airbnb or a short-term rental. For all stays, ensure you book early to avoid price surges as the World Cup draws closer and demand for accommodation skyrockets.

How to get to city (city centre)

If you are flying from the UK, the most common route to the San Francisco Bay Area is from London Heathrow to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Direct flights are widely available and typically take around 11 hours.

Once you arrive, getting into the city is relatively straightforward. SFO is located about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown San Francisco, depending on traffic. Taxis, airport shuttles and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft operate 24/7, and rental cars are available from multiple providers. For short trips or exploring areas like the Mission District, Fisherman's Wharf or Golden Gate Park, bike-share stations and e-scooter rentals are common throughout central San Francisco.

Driving is an option, but traffic in the Bay Area can be unpredictable, especially near major venues such as Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara or the expected Fan Festival site in San Francisco. Public transport, including BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), Caltrain, and Muni, is often a smarter choice for navigating the region efficiently and avoiding parking hassles.

Travel information between connected cities

The San Francisco Bay Area is part of the Western Region, which includes Los Angeles, Seattle, and Vancouver. These cities are spread across the Pacific coast and are not connected by a single trainline like in the Eastern Region, but Amtrak does operate scenic long-distance routes such as the Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner. Train journeys can be lengthy, but Amtrak trains are comfortable and offer stunning views of the coastline and mountains along the way.

If you've got tickets for a World Cup fixture but would prefer not to travel by train, flights between these host cities are frequent and affordable, especially with airlines like Southwest, Alaska and Delta. Domestic flights are considered the quickest way to travel between cities in the Western Region, so they're a great option if you're on a tight schedule.

You do also have the option of going on a road trip, but they do tend to be quite time-consuming, as you can see below:

Route	Distance (miles / km)	Driving Time
Los Angeles → San Francisco	381 mi / 613 km	6–7 hours
Los Angeles → Seattle	1,136 mi / 1,828 km	17–18 hours
Los Angeles → Vancouver	1,082 mi / 1,741 km	19–20 hours
San Francisco → Seattle	808 mi / 1,300 km	12.5–13 hours
San Francisco → Vancouver	950 mi / 1,529 km	14.5–15.5 hours
Seattle → Vancouver	142 mi / 229 km	2.5–3 hours

Football history in the city

Football made its first appearances in the San Francisco Bay Area during the 1850s, brought across the Atlantic by immigrants from the British Isles following the Gold Rush. Football in the Bay Area remained largely informal and unstructured until 1902, when the San Francisco Soccer Football League (SFSFL) was founded. The SFSFL, which is still up and running today, is considered the oldest continuously operating football league in the US.

However, it wasn't until 1967, when the North American Soccer League (NASL) was founded, that the area had a professional team to rally behind, with teams like the Oakland Clippers and San Jose Earthquakes emerging. The Earthquakes became a fixture in the region, and, following an 11-year interlude following the disbandment of the NASL, continued into the MLS era in 1995. Playing their games at PayPal Park, San Jose, the Earthquakes have gone on to be hugely successful, winning the MLS twice and the Supporters Shield once.

A major driver of their success lies in the club's ability to attract top talent and cultivate homegrown stars who leave a lasting impact on and off the pitch. Fans of the club have witnessed countless legends grace Paypal Park over the years, including prolific scorer Chris Wondolowski, midfield maestro Dwayne De Rosario, and USMNT legend Landon Donovan.

With such a rich football heritage, San Francisco Bay stands as a natural choice to host the World Cup and is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience for all football fans descending on the area this summer.

San Francisco Bay Area World Cup 2026 FAQs

How many World Cup matches will be played in the San Francisco Bay Area?

The Bay Area will host 6 matches during the 2026 World Cup. This includes five group-stage matches and one Round of 32.

What stages of the tournament will the Bay Area host?

The Bay Area will host five group-stage matches and one Round of 32.

When do World Cup tickets for Bay Area matches go on sale?

Tickets are already available on the LiveFootballTickets website. The best time to buy is after the official draw so you know which teams are playing. Tickets for specific fixtures will be released shortly after the draw.

Can I buy tickets for multiple matches in the Bay Area?

Yes, you can buy tickets for multiple matches, but each order must be placed separately. Since the system doesn’t use a shopping cart, you’ll need to complete a new transaction for each game.

What is the closest airport to the stadium?

The closest major airport is San Jose International Airport (SJC), located about 10 miles from Levi’s Stadium. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) are also nearby and offer more international connections.

How do I get from the airport to Levi’s Stadium?

From San Jose Airport, you can take a taxi, rideshare, or the VTA light rail to the stadium. From San Francisco or Oakland airports, Caltrain and BART connect to VTA services. Travel times range from 30 to 90 minutes depending on your starting point.

How far is the Bay Area from other World Cup host cities?

Here are the approximate distances from the Bay Area to other host cities:

• Los Angeles – 380 miles
• Seattle – 680 miles
• Dallas – 1,450 miles
• Houston – 1,650 miles
• Atlanta – 2,400 miles
• Miami – 2,900 miles
• New York/New Jersey – 2,900 miles
• Boston – 3,100 miles
• Philadelphia – 2,850 miles
• Guadalajara – 1,650 miles
• Mexico City – 2,050 miles
• Monterrey – 1,650 miles
• Kansas City – 1,800 miles
• Toronto – 2,300 miles
• Vancouver – 950 miles

Air travel is the most efficient way to visit multiple host cities, especially for longer distances.

Can I take a train from the Bay Area to other World Cup host cities?

Train travel is possible to nearby cities like Los Angeles via Amtrak, but it’s slower than flying. For most host cities, flights are faster and more practical.

What is the best way to get around the Bay Area during the World Cup?

Use a mix of BART, Caltrain, VTA, walking, and rideshares. Public transport connects San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose with links to Levi’s Stadium. Bike-sharing and scooters are also available in central areas.

What are the best neighbourhoods to stay in the Bay Area for World Cup fans?

San Francisco, Palo Alto, and San Jose are top choices. San Francisco offers iconic sights and nightlife. Palo Alto is close to the stadium and tech campuses. San Jose is nearest to Levi’s Stadium and has good transport links.

When should I book my hotel in the Bay Area for the World Cup?

Book as early as possible. Prices will rise and availability will shrink as the tournament approaches. Many hotels offer flexible cancellation policies, so you can reserve now and adjust later.

Where is the official Bay Area Fan Festival located?

The official Fan Festival will be held at Embarcadero Plaza in San Francisco, a central waterfront location with excellent public transport access.

Do I need a ticket to enter the Bay Area Fan Festival?

No ticket is required. The Fan Festival is free and open to the public.

What can I expect at the Bay Area Fan Festival?

Expect giant screens showing live matches, live music, food trucks, sponsor activations, interactive games, and merchandise booths. It is family-friendly and welcoming to fans of all ages.

What are the must-see attractions in the Bay Area?

Top attractions include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Muir Woods, and the tech museums in Silicon Valley.

Where can I watch other World Cup matches in the Bay Area if I'm not attending in person?

You can watch matches at the Fan Festival or at local football bars like McTeague’s Saloon, Kezar Pub, and Britannia Arms. Many hotels and restaurants will also screen games.

What will the weather be like in the Bay Area during the World Cup in June?

Bay Area weather in June is mild and dry, with average highs around 75°F (24°C) and lows near 55°F (13°C). Coastal areas may be cooler with morning fog.

What should I pack for a World Cup trip to the Bay Area in summer?

Bring layers, including light clothing for daytime and a jumper or jacket for cooler evenings. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle are also recommended.

Is it safe to walk around downtown San Francisco at night?

Downtown San Francisco is generally safe in busy areas near the stadium and Fan Festival. Stay alert, avoid isolated streets, and travel in groups when possible.

Has the Bay Area hosted World Cup matches before?

Yes, the Bay Area hosted matches during the 1994 World Cup at Stanford Stadium. It has also hosted major international football events and is well-prepared for 2026.

Can I attend a San Jose Earthquakes match during my World Cup visit?

It’s unlikely, as the league will pause during the World Cup. However, you may be able to visit PayPal Park and take a stadium tour if available.

How long is the flight from London to the Bay Area?

A nonstop flight from London to San Francisco takes about 11 hours. British Airways and United Airlines offer direct service between Heathrow and SFO.

What time zone is the Bay Area in?

The Bay Area is in the Pacific Time Zone (PT), which is UTC−8 during standard time and UTC−7 during daylight saving time. In June, the region will be on daylight saving time.

How do I get between Levi’s Stadium and the Bay Area Fan Festival?

Levi’s Stadium is located in Santa Clara, about 45 miles south of San Francisco. You can take Caltrain to San Jose, then transfer to VTA light rail. Rideshares and shuttles will also be available. Travel time is typically 60 to 90 minutes depending on your route.

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World Cup 2026 Venue in San Francisco

Stadium	Capacity	Key Matches
Levi's Stadium	68,500	Group Stage, Round of 16

Other World Cup 2026 Venues in the United States

City	Stadium	Key Matches
New York/New Jersey	MetLife Stadium	Final, Semi-final
Los Angeles	SoFi Stadium	Semi-final, Quarter-final
Dallas	AT&T Stadium	Quarter-final
Atlanta	Mercedes-Benz Stadium	Quarter-final
Houston	NRG Stadium	Group Stage, Round of 16
Kansas City	Arrowhead Stadium	Group Stage, Round of 16
Philadelphia	Lincoln Financial Field	Group Stage, Round of 16
Miami	Hard Rock Stadium	Group Stage, Round of 16
Seattle	Lumen Field	Group Stage, Round of 16
Boston	Gillette Stadium	Group Stage

World Cup 2026 Qualified Teams

Pot 1 (Top Seeds)	Pot 2	Pot 3	Pot 4
Spain	Croatia	Scotland	Ghana
Argentina	Morocco	Egypt	Cabo Verde
France	Uruguay	Tunisia	South Africa
England	Colombia	Algeria	Curaçao
Portugal	Japan	Ivory Coast	Haiti
Netherlands	Senegal	Saudi Arabia	Panama
Brazil	South Korea	Qatar	UEFA Playoff (Path A)
Belgium	Iran	Australia	UEFA Playoff (Path B)
Germany	Switzerland	Uzbekistan	UEFA Playoff (Path C)
United States (Host)	Austria	Jordan	UEFA Playoff (Path D)
Mexico (Host)	Norway	Paraguay	Inter-Confed Playoff 1
Canada (Host)	Ecuador	Venezuela	Inter-Confed Playoff 2

Useful Links

• Official FIFA World Cup 2026 website
• World Cup tickets
• USA World Cup tickets
• World Cup final tickets
• How to buy World Cup tickets guide
• Find your accommodation in San Francisco
• Route to Levi's Stadium