FIFA World Cup 2026 San Francisco Bay Area | The San Francisco Peninsula

FIFA World Cup 2026 is coming to the San Francisco Bay Area, and the San Francisco Peninsula is your starting point for all of it. Six matches at nearby Levi's Stadium, free public watch parties across Peninsula cities, world-class dining, stunning coastal scenery, and some of the most convenient hotel options in the region, all within easy reach of each other and connected by public transit. Here is everything you need to plan your trip.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Schedule at Levi's Stadium

Six group stage matches played right here in the Bay Area

Six FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage matches are coming to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, and the San Francisco Peninsula puts you closer to the action than anywhere else in the region. Qatar takes on Switzerland to open Bay Area play on June 13, with five more matches running through June 25 featuring teams from Austria, Türkiye, Jordan, Paraguay, Algeria, and Australia. Whether you have tickets in hand or are planning your Peninsula stay around the schedule, this is a once in a generation opportunity to experience the world's most watched sporting event right here in the Bay Area. Tickets and full match details are available through the Bay Area Host Committee.

Getting to Levi's Stadium from the San Francisco Peninsula

Skip the traffic. Here is how to get to every match using public transit from anywhere on the Peninsula.

Bay Area traffic is no joke. The good news is that the San Francisco Peninsula is one of the best-connected parts of the region for getting to Levi's Stadium without a car. Caltrain runs the length of the Peninsula with stops in San Bruno, Millbrae, San Mateo, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, and beyond, making it easy to board close to wherever you are staying and ride directly toward the stadium. From there, a single transfer to the VTA light rail puts you at the door.

GETTING THERE: STEP BY STEP

The most straightforward route from any Peninsula city to Levi's Stadium:

Board Caltrain at your nearest Peninsula station
Ride south to Mountain View Station
Transfer to the VTA Orange Line toward Great America
Arrive at Great America Station, a short walk from Levi's Stadium

Allow extra travel time on match days. Trains and platforms will be busier than usual, and security screening at the stadium adds time at the other end. Arriving early is worth it.

BUYING YOUR CALTRAIN TICKET

Caltrain uses a tap-to-pay ticketing system, so there are no paper tickets to worry about. The easiest way to pay is with a contactless credit or debit card, or a mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, tapped directly at the fare reader when you board.

If you prefer a dedicated transit card, Clipper is the regional option that works across Caltrain, BART, VTA, and more than 20 other Bay Area transit services. For visitors making multiple trips across different systems, it is the simplest way to keep everything in one place. You can load funds at station vending machines, online, or through the free Clipper app, which also lets you check your balance and manage your card from your phone before and during your trip.

Fares are based on the number of zones you travel through. A typical Peninsula to Mountain View journey covers two to three zones. You can check fares and plan your exact trip at caltrain.com/fares.

Watch: How to Take Caltrain

ARRIVING FROM SFO

Flying in for the matches? San Francisco International Airport is one of the Peninsula's biggest advantages. From SFO you can connect to Levi's Stadium using a combination of BART, Caltrain, and VTA without ever needing a car.

Open in Google Maps

MORE TRANSIT RESOURCES

Every transit system in the Bay Area has its own schedule and fare structure. The Bay Area Host Committee has pulled together a comprehensive transit guide specifically for World Cup match days, including real time updates, accessibility options, and guidance for getting around the broader region.

Download the apps before you arrive:

Clipper app — manage your Bay Area transit card and pay fares across Caltrain, BART, VTA, and more than 20 other regional transit services

BART app — real time departures, trip planning, and service alerts

Transit — live schedules across all three systems in one place

All three are free and available on iOS and Android.

The World Cup Starts at SFO

San Francisco International Airport kicks off the festivities before you even reach the Peninsula

The World Cup experience in the Bay Area begins the moment you land. From June 9 through July 7, San Francisco International Airport is hosting Game On, a month-long World Cup activation bringing soccer-themed entertainment directly into the terminals. Travelers can catch live matches on large screens throughout the airport, take photos at a dedicated soccer-themed photo area in Terminal 2 complete with oversized balls and a goal-net backdrop, and take part in fan activities including games and live entertainment.

SFO has also put together dedicated resources for World Cup visitors, covering travel tips, transportation connections to Levi's Stadium and Peninsula fan zones, and guidance for international travelers navigating the Bay Area for the first time. Whether you are arriving from across the country or around the world, SFO is making sure the welcome is worthy of the occasion.

Watch Parties & City Celebrations on the San Francisco Peninsula

You do not need a ticket to be part of the action

Not every World Cup memory happens inside the stadium. Across the San Francisco Peninsula, free public watch parties and fan activities are bringing the energy of FIFA World Cup 2026 to neighborhood settings. From the open-air plaza at Courthouse Square in Redwood City to Central Park in San Mateo and beyond, each fan zone drops you into the heart of a Peninsula community for every game. And the fun does not stop at the final whistle: Before or after kickoff, you are steps away from some of the Peninsula's best restaurants, local shops, and waterfront spaces.

SAN MATEO

San Mateo is turning the summer of 2026 into a citywide celebration through its Summer 2026 Soccer Celebrations initiative. Throughout the tournament, the city is hosting Soccer Social Pop-Up Events at local restaurants, bars, and businesses, bringing fans together for match-day atmospheres complete with food and drink specials, sports-themed activities, and big-screen viewing. Enjoy a live viewing of the USA vs Türkiye match on June 25 at Central Park, watch matches at businesses screening the games, and more.

San Mateo Soccer Celebrations

SAN CARLOS

San Carlos is bringing the World Cup to the heart of downtown with its own community Fan Fest experience. Centered around the city's vibrant local business district, the event features large-screen match viewing, family-friendly fan activities, and opportunities to gather with fellow soccer fans from across the Peninsula and beyond. Featured events include the Opening Week Watch Party (USA vs Paraguay) on June 12 and Soccer Final Watch Party on July 19, both held at Wheeler Plaza.

San Carlos Fan Fest

REDWOOD CITY

Soccer fans can gather in Downtown Redwood City this summer for Soccer on the Square, a series of free outdoor watch parties at Courthouse Square running from June 23 through July 19. Watch select matches live on a giant screen, enjoy Fan Zone experiences with family-friendly activities and games on select dates, and take the opportunity to explore the restaurants and businesses that make downtown Redwood City one of the Peninsula's most vibrant gathering spots. Whether you are a soccer fan or want a great reason to spend a summer evening in downtown, Soccer on the Square is one of the Peninsula's most welcoming World Cup experiences.

Redwood City Soccer on the Square

HALF MOON BAY

Half Moon Bay is running a World Cup Passport Program through July 4, inviting visitors to collect stamps at participating local businesses and bring completed passports to the July 4 Fun Zone for a chance to win prizes. Come to the World Cup Fun Zone as part of local World Cup celebrations on July 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Carter Park. The Fun Zone will provide a community gathering space where residents and visitors can come together to enjoy the excitement of the tournament through family-friendly activities, community performances, a youth soccer clinic, demonstrations, and raffle prizes.

Half Moon Bay Fun Zone & Passport

MORE PENINSULA WATCH PARTIES

Match	Date & Time	City	Location	Learn More
USA vs Paraguay	Friday, June 12 5:00 PM	East Palo Alto	Los Robles Ronald McNair Field951 O'Connor Street East Palo Alto, CA 94303	East Palo Alto Community Watch Party

Watch party locations, dates, and times are subject to change. Visit the Bay Area Host Committee Local Event Calendar for the most up to date details, and filter by the 'Peninsula' region to view events in our area.

Getting to the watch parties without a car is very doable. Both Courthouse Square in Redwood City and Wheeler Parking Plaza in San Carlos are a short walk from their respective Caltrain stations. For Central Park in San Mateo, the Hillsdale Caltrain station is the closest stop, with SamTrans bus connections available for the remaining distance. Use the Transit app to plan your exact route before you head out.

MORE PENINSULA WORLD CUP EVENTS

Explore the San Francisco Peninsula Between Matches

Five neighborhood guides to help you discover the best of the Peninsula before, during, and after the tournament

Between matches, the San Francisco Peninsula rewards exploration. Whether you want to hike the coastal bluffs above the Pacific, browse the farm stands of the coastside, or settle into a sunny downtown for an afternoon of great food and local character, there is a version of the Peninsula for every kind of visitor. We have put together a series of interactive guides to some of our favorite corners of the region, each one packed with specific places to go and things to do. Pick the one that sounds most like you and start planning.

Woodside and Beyond

Discover scenic ridge trails, the historic Filoli estate, and a peaceful escape into the wooded hills above…

Half Moon Bay

Enjoy the rugged Pacific coastline, fresh seafood, local farm stands, and the laid-back charm of California's…

Bayside North

Take in tree-lined streets, bayfront views, and a welcoming mix of dining, shopping, and culture across three…

South San Francisco Sign Hill with lettering that says South San Francisco The Industrial City

Bayside South

Nothing beats lagoon views in Foster City, live music in Redwood City, and the good-living charm of San Carlos…

Coastside Pacifica

Where the Pacific meets the Peninsula: crashing waves, coastal trails, and one of the Bay Area's most dramatic…

Earn a Free FIFA World Cup Scarf

Check in to Peninsula restaurants and experiences during the tournament and take home a piece of World Cup history

The World Cup brings together nations from every corner of the globe, and the San Francisco Peninsula is ready to celebrate all of them. Introducing our Bandwango Pass, a mobile experience that invites you to check in to local restaurants and experiences across San Mateo County during the tournament. Whether you are sampling the cuisine of a competing nation before kickoff or discovering a hidden gem between matches, every check-in brings you closer to earning a free FIFA World Cup scarf.

Two experiences will be available:

Explore Flavors of the World Cup on the Peninsula: A culinary tour of the nations playing at Levi's Stadium, with Peninsula restaurants representing the culinary traditions of each competing culture.
Explore the San Francisco Peninsula: A broader range of local experiences across the region, from coastal adventures to cultural stops and everything in between.

Collect enough check-ins on either pass and the scarf is yours. The pass launches June 11 alongside the opening of the tournament. Check back here to download yours and start exploring.

Peninsula Scarf

DOWNLOAD ON MOBILE NOW

Sign up by tapping one of the "Sign Up" buttons below from your mobile device. You'll be prompted to "check out" (but don't worry, it's free!) to get access to the passes. Then, install the pass dashboard on your home page so it's within easy reach when it's time to check in to your passes. Note: If you do not see both passes after adding to your home screen, tap "Explore" to add the other pass.

Both passes will go live on June 11, 2026. Until then, you can explore the experiences each pass offers and plan your itinerary. On June 11 you can start officially "checking in" to all the experiences in both passes.

Where to Stay for FIFA World Cup 2026 on the San Francisco Peninsula

Staying on the Peninsula means easy Caltrain access to every match, quieter surroundings than the city, and a genuine escape to come home to after the final whistle.

World Cup Dining on the San Francisco Peninsula

San Mateo County is home to 18 Michelin-recognized restaurants and a culinary scene rooted in locally sourced ingredients, international flavors, and West Coast hospitality.

Know Before You Go

Safety resources and practical information for every World Cup visitor

Whether this is your first time in California or your first time in the United States, we want you to feel at home here before you even arrive. The San Francisco Peninsula is one of the most diverse, welcoming regions in the country.

Here is a practical orientation to help you settle in quickly and make the most of your time with us.

For even more information about how to make the most of your visit during the World Cup, visit the Bay Area Host Committee's official website and the City of Santa Clara's visitor information page.

VISITING THE SAN FRANCISCO PENINSULA

Weather

June on the Peninsula is mild and comfortable, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from the low 60s to mid 70s Fahrenheit (around 16 to 24 degrees Celsius). Evenings and coastal areas can be noticeably cooler and foggy, especially near Pacifica and Half Moon Bay. A light jacket or layer is worth having on hand even if the afternoon feels warm. Inland cities like Redwood City and San Mateo tend to be sunnier and a few degrees warmer than the coast.

Language

English is the primary language, but the Peninsula is genuinely multilingual. Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, and many other languages are spoken widely across the region. Most major venues, transit systems, and hospitals offer multilingual support, and you will find signage in multiple languages throughout the area.

Money and Payments

The currency in the United States is the US dollar. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost universally across the Peninsula, including at restaurants, shops, transit ticket machines, and most vendors at events. ATMs are widely available in all Peninsula cities. Contactless payment is broadly supported.

Tipping

Tipping is a standard part of the service culture in the United States and is an important part of how service workers are compensated. A general guide: 18 to 20 percent is standard at restaurants, 15 percent is acceptable for more casual service, and a few dollars per drink at a bar is appreciated. You will often see a tip prompt on a card reader at cafes and quick service spots, where leaving one or two dollars is a kind gesture though not required.

ATTENDING SAFELY

The Santa Clara Police Department is the lead security agency for all World Cup matches at Levi's Stadium, coordinating with federal, state, and local law enforcement throughout the tournament. According to the Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Management, the county has published safety tips specifically for World Cup visitors and wants everyone to stay safe and enjoy the day.

Before you arrive, we recommend reviewing these official resources:

At the Venue

Resource	What You Will Find
Levi's Stadium Bag Policy	Permitted items, bag size limits, and gate entry requirements. Check back the week of your match for any FIFA-specific updates
Levi's Stadium Website	Full stadium policies, accessibility information, permitted items, and parking
Ready.gov FIFA World Cup 2026 Safety Guide	Comprehensive preparedness guidance from U.S. federal authorities
AlertSCC.org	Sign up for Santa Clara County emergency alerts by texting FIFA26 to 888-777
Official FIFA World Cup 2026 WhatsApp Channel	Real time match day updates, safety alerts, and fan guidance
FIFA Events and Service Notices	Accessibility options, California laws, and safety resources

Arriving from Outside the United States

Resource	What You Will Find
CBP FIFA World Cup 2026 Travel Guide	Entry requirements, customs information, and tips for a smooth arrival
Safety4TheBay Bay Area Embassies and Consulates	Find your nearest embassy or consulate during your stay

Human Trafficking Awareness

Awareness of human trafficking is one of the most powerful tools we have as a community and as visitors. For a full overview of what human trafficking is and how to recognize it, visit the Safety4TheBay human trafficking resource page, a Bay Area-specific resource covering signs, impacts, and how to get help.

Resource	What You Will Find
Safety4TheBay Human Trafficking Resources	What human trafficking is, how to recognize it, and how to get help
Safety4TheBay Reporting Page	Bay Area law enforcement contacts organized by city and county
National Human Trafficking Hotline	Call 1-888-373-7888 or text "HELP" to 233733, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Stay Updated with the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 WhatsApp Channel

Real time match alerts, travel tips, and fan information delivered straight to your phone

Staying informed on match day is half the battle, especially in a new city or country. The official FIFA World Cup 2026 San Francisco Bay Area WhatsApp channel is the fastest way to get real time updates directly from FIFA and the Bay Area Host Committee, including match day travel guidance, security information, transit alerts, and fan experience highlights. Whether you are heading to Levi's Stadium or watching at a Peninsula fan zone, following the channel before you arrive means you will always have the latest information at hand when you need it most. The channel is free to follow and available to anyone with WhatsApp, no matter where in the world you are joining us from.

Your World Cup Questions, Answered

Where are the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches being played near the San Francisco Peninsula?

All Bay Area matches are being played at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, located just minutes from the San Francisco Peninsula. The stadium will be referred to as San Francisco Bay Area Stadium during the tournament per FIFA guidelines. Six matches are scheduled there between June 13 and July 1, 2026, including multiple USA group stage games.

Where should I stay on the San Francisco Peninsula during the World Cup?

The Peninsula offers 130+ hotels across a range of budgets and styles, from boutique properties in Burlingame and San Mateo to coastal options near Half Moon Bay. Staying on the Peninsula puts you close to Levi's Stadium while giving you a quieter, more relaxed home base away from the crowds of the city. Many properties offer easy access to both Caltrain and SFO.

What is there to do on the San Francisco Peninsula between World Cup matches?

Plenty. The Peninsula offers miles of Pacific coastline, ancient redwood preserves, world class dining including Michelin recognized restaurants, charming downtowns, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. Whether you want to hike the coastal bluffs at Pacifica, explore the farms of the coastside, or wander through the towns of Burlingame or Redwood City, there is an authentic Northern California experience waiting in every direction.

To help you make the most of your time here, we have put together a series of interactive Peninsula guides through Mindtrip, covering areas from the Skyline and Woodside to the coastside and the bay. You can also participate in the Peninsula World Cup Pass, a mobile experience that lets you check in to local restaurants and experiences across San Mateo County throughout the tournament and earn a free FIFA World Cup scarf along the way. Find both on this page.

Where can I watch the World Cup games without a ticket on the San Francisco Peninsula?

Several free, public watch parties are happening across the Peninsula throughout the tournament, including fan zones in Redwood City at Courthouse Square, San Mateo at Central Park, and San Carlos at Wheeler Parking Plaza. Events cover key matches including USA vs South Korea, USA vs Türkiye, and the FIFA World Cup Finals. Check our watch party table above or visit the Bay Area Host Committee’s Events Page for full dates, times, and locations.

What is the best way to get to Levi's Stadium from the San Francisco Peninsula?

Caltrain is one of the most convenient options for Peninsula visitors. Take Caltrain to the Mountain View station and transfer to VTA light rail toward Great America station, which stops near the stadium. With San Francisco International Airport just 30 minutes away and easy freeway access via Interstate 101, getting to and from the Peninsula before and after a match is straightforward from most directions.

Is parking available at Levi's Stadium for World Cup matches?

Parking at the stadium is limited and fans are strongly encouraged to use public transit on match days. Caltrain and VTA light rail offer direct connections from Peninsula cities. For the most current parking and transit guidance, the Bay Area Host Committee at sfbayareafwc26.com/transit has the latest match day information.

How is security being handled at Levi's Stadium during the World Cup?

The Santa Clara Police Department is the lead agency for security coordination across all World Cup matches at Levi's Stadium, working alongside federal and local law enforcement. Enhanced screening, bag restrictions, and increased personnel will be in place on all match days. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, follow all stadium guidelines, and download the official FIFA WhatsApp channel for real time updates and safety information.

FIFA World Cup 2026 on the San Francisco Peninsula