Fourteen games of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be played in Los Angeles County and the San Francisco Bay Area—but there’s much more on the agenda than just on-field match-ups.
The world’s most-watched soccer tournament takes place June 11–July 20, and both of California’s host cities are ready for action with 39 days of fan celebrations, watch parties, and community programming.
From soccer player meet-and-greets and live music to limited-edition merch, there are ample ways to celebrate. Here’s a guide to watching the games and some of the top local events, plus tips for turning a tournament trip into a Golden State getaway.
Before the Matches: Pre-Game Events in Southern California
The festivities started early in Southern California, where the LA Galaxy kicked off a 100-day countdown in March. In the days leading up to the games, the Major League Soccer team is hosting special events, including a tribute on April 26 to Cobi Jones, a former Galaxy player who is the all-time leader of the United States in appearances at the global tournament.
The team’s three-city summer celebration begins in Long Beach (June 11–27) and continues with activations at Galaxy Park in Carson (July 4–7) and Hermosa Beach (July 14–19). Open to the public, the coastal events will feature appearances from Galaxy alumni and players, youth clinics, limited-edition merch, giveaways, music, photo ops, and family-friendly fan zones.
Come during the extended opening weekend (June 11–15) for an official fan festival at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. In addition to match broadcasts, fans can expect a lineup of live music and entertainment, immersive activations, foods that showcase L.A.’s dining scene, and cultural programming that celebrates the city’s diverse heritage.
Before the Matches: Pre-Game Events in Northern California
In the Bay Area, the San Jose Earthquakes will celebrate the opening weekend (June 11–14) with fan zones, exclusive merch, meet-and-greets with soccer legends, and an appearance by the team mascot at San Pedro Market Square. The festivities also feature a family-friendly soccer village with face painting, games, and giveaways.
Where to Watch: Soccer Fan Zones in California
On match days throughout June and July, make the most of the official fan zones in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. At these free public viewing events, you’ll find international cuisine, interactive soccer games and skill challenges, and live entertainment, along with giant screens broadcasting the games.
Los Angeles County Fan Zones Locations:
Original Farmers’ Market (June 18–21)
City of Downey (June 20)
Los Angeles Union Station (June 25–28)
Hanen Dam Lake (July 2–5)
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park (July 4–5)
Whittier Narrows (July 9–11)
Venice Beach (July 11)
Fairplex in Pomona (July 14–15 and July 18–19)
West Harbor (July 14–15 and July 18–19)
Downtown Burbank (July 18–19)
Bay Area Fan Zone Locations:
More than 30 venues are hosting fan zone experiences across the Bay Area in San Francisco, the East Bay, South Bay, North Bay, the San Francisco Peninsula, and Santa Cruz.
The Embarcadero at Pier 39
Thrive City in Mission Bay
China Basin Park at Mission Rock
Alameda County Fairgrounds
Museum of Art & History in Santa Cruz
Additionally, San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community is hosting the SF Pride Watch Party on June 25 at Yerba Buena Lane for the U.S. matchup against Turkey. Check out the full list of participating Bay Area venues.
Stadium Guide: Getting to SoFi Stadium and Levi’s Stadium
If you’re heading to the matches with tickets in hand, allow plenty of time to reach your destination. At SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where parking is limited, fans are encouraged to take direct Metrolink transit from park-and-ride locations across the region. Game-day fares are an affordable $1.75 each way, and bus and rail transportation will arrive at the stadium up to four hours before the start of each match.
The Bay Area has a robust public transit system that provides easy access to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The Valley Transportation Authority offers the most direct access in the South Bay with light rail, buses, and event shuttles, as well as connections to downtown San Jose and several park-and-ride locations.
Extend Your Trip: Things to Do in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area
Los Angeles
Watching the matches and visiting fan zones make a great trip—but it’s easy to turn that trip into a full Golden State vacation. Sports fans visiting the greater Los Angeles area can pack their itineraries with tours of iconic venues including the Rose Bowl in Pasadena or Dodger Stadium, home to the 2025 World Series champions.
Myriad outdoor activities will entertain thrill-seekers, whether you get behind the wheel at the Porsche Experience Center or catch a wave at the beginner-friendly Venice Beach. There’s plenty of arts and culture to take in, too, from can’t-miss Los Angeles museums such as The Getty Center and The Broad to historic districts such as Olvera Street and Little Tokyo. To broaden your reach, explore these day trips and weekend getaways around Southern California.
San Francisco Bay Area
With so many destinations within driving distance, the Bay Area has no shortage of attractions. Shop, stroll, and dine at the vibrant Santana Row in San Jose after visiting the city’s Winchester Mystery House, a sprawling Victorian mansion with bizarre architectural features. South of the stadium, Santa Cruz is an outdoor playground thanks to its classic surf scene, its Beach Boardwalk, and the towering trees at nearby Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
Make time for a visit to the City by the Bay, where you can spend days exploring landmarks like Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, Alcatraz, and diverse San Francisco museums such as SFMOMA and California Academy of Sciences. Want to take extra time? Check out these classic California destinations that are not far from the Bay Area, including wine country and national parks.