The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to the Bay Area, with Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara hosting several exciting matches. Fans can see group stage games and a round-of-32 match featuring teams from around the world.
Which Teams Will Play in the Bay Area?
Levi’s Stadium will host five group stage matches and one round-of-32 match. The teams scheduled to play include:
- Switzerland
- Paraguay
- Jordan
- Qatar
- Australia
- Austria
- Algeria
- European playoff qualifier (Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo)
The Bay Area will host a round-of-32 match on July 1 between the winner of Group D (which includes the U.S.) and the third-place team from Group B, E, F, I, or J. Exact timing is still to be announced.
Levi’s Stadium 2026 Match Schedule
- June 13: Switzerland vs. Qatar at 12 p.m. (Group B)
- June 15: Austria vs. Jordan at 9 p.m. (Group J)
- June 18: Paraguay vs. European qualifier at 9 p.m. (Group D)
- June 22: Algeria vs. Jordan at 8 p.m. (Group J)
- June 25: Paraguay vs. Australia at 7 p.m. (Group D)
Where Will the U.S. Play?
The United States will play its group stage matches outside the Bay Area:
- June 12: U.S. vs. Paraguay at 6 p.m. (Los Angeles)
- June 19: U.S. vs. Australia at 12 p.m. (Seattle)
- June 25: U.S. vs. European qualifier at 7 p.m. (Los Angeles)
If the U.S. wins Group D, it could play the round-of-32 match at Levi’s Stadium on July 1, giving Bay Area fans a chance to see the home team in action.
Top Players to Watch in the Bay Area
While the Bay Area matches don’t include global superstars like Messi, Ronaldo, or Mbappe, there are several players to keep an eye on:
- Arda Guler (Turkey): Real Madrid midfielder and one of the world’s best young players. Turkey must win its European playoff to appear in Santa Clara.
- Musa Al-Taamari (Jordan): Offensive playmaker who plays for Rennes in Ligue 1.
- Miguel Almiron (Paraguay): MLS star with six goals and seven assists in qualifying.
Most Exciting Bay Area Match
The June 18 match between Paraguay and the European qualifier (likely Turkey) promises to be the most exciting group-stage game at Levi’s Stadium. Fans could see talented players like Guler, Zeki Çelik, and Kenan Yildiz in action.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for Levi’s Stadium matches are sold exclusively by FIFA. Key points:
- FIFA ticketing draw: Dec 11, 2025 – Jan 13, 2026
- Ticket prices: Group stage tickets range from $60 to $600
- Premium “pitchside lounge” seating for the round-of-32 match: $4,050
- Hospitality packages are available but expensive
- Resale platforms are another option for fans who miss the draw
Training Facilities in the Bay Area
Two known World Cup training sites are:
- Spartan Soccer Complex at San Jose State
- Oakland Roots Training Facility in Alameda
It is unclear whether practices will be open to the public.
Why the Bay Area Missed Big Stars
Levi’s Stadium will not host marquee teams like Argentina, Portugal, or France. Messi will play in Kansas City and Arlington, Ronaldo in Houston and Miami, and Mbappe will travel to New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Boston. This leaves Bay Area fans seeing mid-ranked teams but still enjoying high-level international football.
Conclusion
The Bay Area will welcome five group stage matches and one round-of-32 match at Levi’s Stadium during the 2026 World Cup. While fans won’t see Messi, Ronaldo, or Mbappe locally, the games will showcase competitive international teams and rising stars like Arda Guler. With tickets available through FIFA and limited premium seating, fans should plan early to secure their spot at Santa Clara’s World Cup action.
