Best Ways to Experience the World Cup in the San Francisco Bay Area

As California continues to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, California Now host Josh Meyers heads to San Francisco to explore the energy, innovation, and community shaping this iconic World Cup host region.

The journey begins at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, where Meyers meets Stephanie Rogers, executive vice president of marketing for the San Francisco 49ers. From a rooftop garden overlooking the field, Rogers shares what fans can expect when the World Cup comes to town, highlighting the stadium’s cutting-edge technology and fan-first design. The two also take a walk through the 49ers Museum before diving into Rogers’ top recommendations for where to eat, explore, and experience the best of Santa Clara.

Next, Meyers makes his way to McTeague’s Saloon in Lower Nob Hill to meet Zach Holman, president of the San Francisco chapter of American Outlaws, along with Vice President Jackie Choi. Inside the lively neighborhood bar, they break down what the grassroots soccer fan organization is all about and what makes watching a match with fellow fans so electric. The conversation covers the excitement building around the World Cup, how nonmembers can join in the fun, and their favorite local spots across San Francisco and beyond.

The episode wraps in the historic Castro District at Rikki’s, where Meyers sits down with co-owners Danielle Thoe and Sara Yergovich. As the first women-centric sports bar, Rikki’s offers a welcoming, inclusive space for fans of all kinds. Thoe and Yergovich share the story behind the bar, why the Castro was the perfect home, and what makes the game-day experience there so special—right down to their favorite cocktails. The episode closes with Meyers joining fans to watch a U.S. Women’s National Team match.

GUESTS

Stephanie Rogers, executive vice president of marketing for the San Francisco 49ers
Zach Holman, president of the American Outlaws San Francisco Chapter
Jackie Choi, vice president of the American Outlaws San Francisco chapter
Danielle Thoe and Sara Yergovich, co-owners of Rikki’s

RESOURCES

Stephanie Rogers is the executive vice president of marketing for the San Francisco 49ers.

San Francisco Bay Area
Santa Clara
Levi’s Stadium
Faithful Farm
Silicon Valley
Oakland
49ers Museum
San Jose Airport
California’s Great America
Clara’s Junction
Things to Do Around Levi’s Stadium

Zach Holman and Jackie Choi are leaders of the San Francisco chapter of American Outlaws, a grassroots soccer fan organization.

San Francisco
McTeague’s Saloon
Nob Hill
American Outlaws San Francisco Chapter

Danielle Thoe and Sara Yergovich are the co-owners of Rikki’s bar located in the historic Castro District.

Rikki’s
The Castro District
Kristi Yamaguchi

ABOUT THE HOST

Josh Meyers is a comedian, actor, and host of the California Now Podcast. He also cohosts the podcast Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers.

OUR TEAM

Host and Executive Producer, Josh Meyers
Editorial Director, Jené Shaw
Producer, Kate Eplboim
Videographer, Derin Thorpe
Video Editor, Dan Hook
Theme music, Staffan Carlén