The Golden State will become part of global sports history during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ taking place June 11 to July 29. For the first time in its 94-year run, the men’s soccer tournament (known as “football” internationally) will have three host countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
With a record 48 nations participating in 2026, the global soccer tournament is also expanding to a total of 104 games—14 of which will be played in Los Angeles County and the San Francisco Bay Area, both returning for their second stint as host cities. Matches were previously played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto during the 1994 tournament, which shattered attendance records by more than 1 million and set the bar as the most financially successful event in its history.
If you’re heading to the Golden State this summer, here’s what to expect at the host stadiums, what fan-centric parties to attend, plus insider tips for navigating your stay in Los Angeles or the Bay Area.
Key dates for the 2026 soccer tournament
As host countries, the United States, Canada, and Mexico automatically qualified for 2026. Argentina, the reigning champ, was the first to secure one of CONMEBOL’s six direct spots. Forty-two of 48 teams have qualified as of December 2025, and the final six teams will be decided in March 2026 through the UEFA and inter-confederation playoff system.
Los Angeles matches
- 6/12/26, USA vs. Paraguay, Match 4
- 6/15/26, Iran vs. New Zealand, Match 15
- 6/18/26, Switzerland vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina, Match 26
- 6/21/26, Belgium vs. Iran, Match 39
- 6/25/26, Turkey vs. USA, Match 59
- 6/28/26, Round of 32, Match 73
- 7/2/26, Round of 32, Match 84
- 7/10/26 Quarterfinal, Match 98
San Francisco matches
- 6/13/26, Qatar vs. Switzerland, Match 8
- 6/17/26, Austria vs. Jordan, Match 20
- 6/19/26, Turkey vs. Paraguay, Match 31
- 6/22/26, Jordan vs. Algeria, Match 44
- 6/25/26, Paraguay vs. Australia, Match 60
- 7/1/26, Round of 32, Match 81
Who will be playing
At the draw, held Dec. 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C., qualified teams were assigned opponents and specific match locations. Host nations were the first to receive their designations: Mexico will be in Group A, Canada will be in Group B, and the United States will be in Group D. Qualified teams and group designations include:
- Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, UEFA Play-off D Winner
- Group B: Canada, UEFA Play-off A Winner, Qatar, Switzerland
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA Play-off C Winner
- Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, UEFA Play-off B Winner, Tunisia
- Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
- Group I: France, Senegal, FIFA Play-off 2 Winner, Norway
- Group J: Argentina, Algeria. Austria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, FIFA Play-off 1 Winner, Uzbekistan, Colombia
- Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
No group has more than one team from the same federation (except UEFA). Teams will play three matches during the group stage, which will determine the top two countries from each group to advance. In addition, the eight best third-place teams will also advance to the knockout round stage.
2026 venues in California
The U.S. men’s national team will kick off the games in California with a scheduled match on June 12, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, a suburb of Los Angeles. The team will be playing its third group stage match in L.A. on June 25. If the Americans finish atop their group, the team will play another Golden State game in the Bay Area during the Round of 32 match on July 1.
SoFi Stadium, which opened in 2020, will be making its tournament debut by hosting a total of eight games. After the U.S. team’s opener, the stadium will host three additional qualifying matches. Group play will conclude at the stadium on June 25 and be followed by two Round of 32 knockouts and a quarterfinal.
Designed with narrower fields to accommodate its two NFL home teams, the indoor-outdoor facility began renovations in early 2024 to increase its playing area. In addition to replacing concrete in the lower bowl with retractable bleachers that can be rolled back during soccer matches, the stadium will also have a temporary grass field installed during tournament play.
Bay Area games will be held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, around 45 miles south of San Francisco. The first game will be played on June 13, followed by four more group stage matches and one Round of 32 contest.
Like SoFi, the NFL stadium that’s home to the San Francisco 49ers is undergoing renovations—an estimated $200 million will be spent on improvement projects, which include technology upgrades, a new club area, remodeled luxury suites, a 4K video board, and an LED field-lighting system.
What is the FIFA Club World Cup?
Not to be confused with the global soccer tournament of a similar name, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was also held in the United States. Previously an annual competition, it was revamped as a quadrennial event beginning in 2025 with 32 clubs from the six international confederations. Club teams feature players from anywhere in the world. This year’s Club World Cup took place between June 15 and July 13 at venues across the United States, including the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Chelsea was crowned champion after the final match in New Jersey in a 3-0 victory against Paris Saint-Germain.
Claudio Villa/Getty Images
How to get tickets
The first phase of ticket sales opened in 2025, followed by several subsequent drawing phases. Currently tickets to the football matches are available through the “Last-Minute Sales” on the official site. FIFA also co-hosts a secondary marketplace for locals looking to resell their tickets.
Ticket and tour packages
Official hospitality packages are available through On Location, including options that feature tickets, premium seating, fan experiences, and accommodations. As with ticket sales, travelers can follow a specific national team or attend matches in more than one city with guaranteed lodging. Additional experiences for non-game days are also available so fans can experience the city.
Fans from down under can take advantage of custom-tailored trip options: Australia has partnered with Keith Prowse Travel as their exclusive official travel partner. Follow your team with these bespoke trips that can include match tickets as well as special events and behind-the-scenes tours.
Traveling to California for the 2026 tournament
For visitors with tickets to matches at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the closest option—around 5 miles away. While it’s Southern California’s largest international airport, domestic travelers may also consider nearby airports located within an hour or so from the stadium, including Hollywood Burbank, Long Beach, John Wayne (Orange County), and Ontario.
Levi’s Stadium spectators also have options, the closest being San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC), which is about 10 minutes from Santa Clara. San Francisco International Airport and San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport are good alternatives, though travel times may be closer to an hour, depending on traffic.
A visa may be required for international visitors traveling to California. As an alternative to a B2 tourist visa, travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries may be eligible to apply now for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) that is valid for 90 days. Though processing times can be as quick as 72 hours, the anticipated demand may create delays in approvals. It’s recommended to apply early for a B2 visa, as they are generally valid for a period of several years. The steps to apply for a visa will vary by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate but typically require an online application, interview, issuance fee, and documentation including a passport valid for travel to the U.S.
What International Travelers Should Know
A visa may be required for international visitors traveling to California. As an alternative to a B-2 tourist visa, travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries can enter using the program with an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which allows stays of up to 90 days.
For a B-2 visa: The steps to apply for a visa will vary by the U.S. embassy or consulate, but typically require an online application, interview, issuance fee, and documentation including a passport valid for travel to the U.S. Though processing times can be as quick as 72 hours, the anticipated demand may create delays in approvals. It’s recommended to apply early for one, as they are generally valid for a period of several years.
For the Visa Waiver Program: The required accompanying ESTA is only available from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection ESTA website.
Australians traveling to California will need to have a minimum of 6 months validity on their passport.
To ensure the arrival experience goes as smoothly as possible, travelers are encouraged to download the free Mobile Passport Control app, which is an official U.S. Customs and Border Protection tool that allows ESTA travelers to fast-track immigration processing at major ports, including Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Getting around Los Angeles and the Bay Area
When visiting L.A., renting a car offers an easy way to explore Southern California’s diverse neighborhoods and landmarks. Those who don’t want to get behind the wheel can opt for an affordable ride on the county’s public transit system. Metrolink’s network of subways, rails, and buses offer service to SoFi Stadium with one-way fares starting at $1.75. Soccer fans staying outside of the immediate area can take the commuter rail into Los Angeles from Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange counties, then transfer to a stadium line at Union Station.
More: How to Use LA Metro: A Car-Free Guide to Los Angeles
Levi’s Stadium is close to the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light rail and bus lines, which connect to the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system that services the greater San Francisco Bay Area. This is the most direct public transit route to see a game, as there’s a light rail station located on the north side of the stadium. Single-ride fares on VTA start at $2.50 for adults, while BART fares are based on the length of trip.
Things to Do Pre- and Post-Game
Between matches, there's no doubt: San Francisco and Los Angeles are two of the best places in the world to find yourself with downtime. In San Francisco, iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and waterfront neighborhoods such as Fisherman’s Wharf provide easy, walkable experiences, while nearby wine country and coastal escapes are within day-trip range.
More: Beyond the Match: 5 Itineraries from the San Francisco Bay Area
Down in SoCal, Los Angeles delivers palm trees, culture, and entertainment—from Venice Beach to Hollywood to world-class museums like The Getty Center. In both you’ll find diverse dining scenes and plenty of watch parties for games you won't be attending in person. Whether you’re exploring landmarks, heading to the coast, or packing in a whirlwind of cultural experiences, there’s plenty to do before and after kickoff.
More: Beyond the Match: 5 Itinerary Ideas from Los Angeles
Best Los Angeles neighborhoods to stay in
An LAX-area hotel will be your best bet if the tournament is the only item on your itinerary. You’ll find dozens of options along the 20-minute route from the airport to SoFi Stadium, including major hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton and budget motels that offer a no-frills, affordable stay. To get started, check out these hotels that the L.A. Host Committee recommends for soccer fans.
But with all that Southern California has to offer in terms of activities and attractions, consider staying in a coastal community such as Marina del Rey. It’s around 10 miles from the stadium and offers waterfront views from luxury hotels like The Ritz-Carlton, located on one of the largest recreational marinas in the world. Opportunities to play, dine, and relax abound, from the family-friendly Mother’s Beach cove to the Venice Canals.
Just north of Marina del Rey about 12 miles from SoFi is another seaside gem, Santa Monica. Here you’ll find upscale boutique hotels, nightlife, restaurants, and shops along the 3rd Street Promenade, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier, home to Pacific Park’s amusement rides and carnival games.
A South Bay city like Redondo Beach is also a solid option if you’re seeking a more laid-back, family-friendly vibe. Located south of the stadium, the charming surf town has plenty of ocean-view hotels and restaurants—plus, it’s around 8 miles away from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, home of Major League Soccer's LA Galaxy.
Southern California offers plenty of year-round ways to enjoy more games. In Los Angeles’ Exposition Park, you can see regular matches throughout the year at BMO Stadium, which is owned by the MLS team Los Angeles Football Club and is also the home turf for Angel City Football Club, part of the National Women’s Soccer League. Less than two hours south is Snapdragon Stadium, the home pitch of the San Diego FC, who will be playing their debut season in the MLS this year.
Best Bay Area cities to stay in
A hidden gem of the Silicon Valley, Santa Clara is located less than an hour south of San Francisco. Levi’s Stadium is at the north end of the city near other attractions like California’s Great America theme park and the South Bay Shores water park, as well as the Intel Museum that offers a high-tech look at the computing industry. That means there are also plenty of lodging options, including the Hyatt Regency and Hilton, both within walking distance from the stadium.
Another nearby city is San Jose, around 10 minutes south of Levi’s Stadium. You can book boutique accommodations and chains downtown, or stay at the upscale Hotel Valencia on Santana Row, the city’s shopping and dining district. The Winchester Mystery House is just across the street and offers a fun way to pass time before or after your game. Halfway between downtown and Levi’s Stadium is PayPal Park, the home pitch for Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes. Tours are available Monday through Friday by appointment on non-match days.