Bay Area match days (save these dates)
Levi’s Stadium is slated to host six World Cup fixtures: five group-stage games in June and one Round of 32 match on July 1. The current schedule (teams and kickoff times to be announced closer to the tournament) is: June 13, 16, 19, 22, 25 (group stage) and July 1 (Round of 32).
Why this matters for planning: the earlier June dates are classic “first and second group games,” when fan groups are fresh and atmospheres are electric; July 1 is win-or-go-home knockout soccer, so build extra time for pre- and post-match crowds. Local organizers confirm this Bay Area allocation and will publish more venue-specific details (fan activations, city programming) as we get closer.
Getting to Levi’s Stadium from San Francisco (no car required)
Train + Light Rail is the stress-free move on match days. Take Caltrain from San Francisco to Mountain View, then transfer to the VTA Light Rail for a direct drop at Great America Station, right by the stadium’s north side. Both agencies run event service; Caltrain sells mobile tickets (including a joint Caltrain+VTA option for some events), and VTA extends service windows for big nights.
- Where you’ll get off: VTA’s Great America stop (north side of Levi’s).
- Tickets: Buy Caltrain mobile fares in advance; follow VTA’s guidance for match-day rail tickets.
- Driving? Expect heavy congestion and street closures around Tasman Drive on major event days—public transit is strongly encouraged.
Pro tip: If you’re already in the South Bay, VTA Light Rail reaches Levi’s from hubs in San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Milpitas, and Campbell, with trains scheduled to serve the stadium directly.
Stadium basics fans always ask about
Bag policy: Levi’s Stadium enforces a clear bag standard (clear bags up to 12″×6″×12″ or a small non-clear clutch). Check the permitted and prohibited lists before you go—policies are strictly applied at security.
Food & water: Stadium concessions are extensive; rules generally allow factory-sealed plastic water bottles under a size limit—always confirm the current list as events approach.
Cashless operations: Many Bay Area venues, including Levi’s, have adopted cashless operations—plan to use cards or digital wallets. (If reverse ATMs are in play on your day, signage will direct you.)
What about tickets, the draw, and fan zones?
Tickets: FIFA manages all ticketing; on-sale windows roll out in phases. Keep an eye on official channels for Bay Area inventory. (Third-party blogs will surface dates, but buy only through FIFA or trusted partners.)
Tournament draw: Media reports indicate the World Cup Draw is expected in December 2025 in Las Vegas (pending FIFA confirmation). That’s when you’ll know which teams are coming to the Bay Area.
Fan festivals: U.S. host cities are planning official fan zones, but duration and scale will vary by market—some will run for the full tournament, others in shorter windows. San Francisco/Bay Area specifics will be announced closer to 2026.
Why stay near Union Square (and Tilden Hotel)
Match days start early and end late. Basing in Union Square keeps you near Powell Street transit for quick hops to Caltrain, surrounded by dining for pre-game meetups and post-match debriefs. It’s also an easy launchpad for non-soccer days—Chinatown, the Ferry Building, the Castro, North Beach, and Hayes Valley all sit a short ride away. (Bonus: if you’re juggling work, many conferences also center on the Union Square–SoMa corridor.)
Between matches: easy SF add-ons
- Waterfront morning: Coffee and a Ferry Building market lap, then a stroll down the Embarcadero.
- Museums within minutes: Choose SFMOMA (SoMa), the Asian Art Museum (Civic Center), or the de Young + Academy of Sciences combo (Golden Gate Park).
- Classic neighborhoods: Dim sum in Chinatown, focaccia in North Beach, vintage hunting in the Haight, galleries in the Dogpatch.
- Microclimate memo: Pack layers. June can be warm in Santa Clara yet cool and breezy on San Francisco’s waterfront the same day.
Sample two-day itinerary for a Bay Area match
Day 1 — Settle in & city time
- Check in at Tilden Hotel (Union Square).
- Lunch in SoMa and a quick look at SFMOMA or Yerba Buena Gardens.
- Evening in North Beach or the Mission—book dinner early; June fills fast.
Day 2 — Match day
- Early breakfast; walk to Powell Street to head for Caltrain.
- Ride Caltrain to Mountain View, transfer to VTA Light Rail to Great America (Levi’s). Allow buffer: station queues can swell pre-match.
- Post-match: follow wayfinding back to VTA; Caltrain runs late trains on big event nights. (Always verify final departure times.)
Key tournament context at a glance
- Dates: June 11 – July 19, 2026 (tri-nation World Cup; expanded 48-team format).
- Bay Area allocation: 5 group matches + 1 Round of 32 at Levi’s Stadium (June 13, 16, 19, 22, 25; July 1).
- Final: The championship match is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium (NY/NJ).
Frequently asked fan questions
How early should I arrive? For World Cup days, add at least an extra hour over normal event timing—security, rail queues, and plaza crowds build fast. (Transit agencies typically publish special timetables and crowd-flow tips about a week out.)
Can I bring a bag? Only if it meets the clear-bag policy or clutch size limit; check the current list before you leave the hotel. Do not bring selfie sticks, large flags/poles, hard bottles, or oversized camera gear.
Will there be a fan fest in SF? Expect a major gathering, but scope and duration are city-specific and still being finalized across U.S. hosts. Watch the Bay Area Host Committee and city updates.
Book early—then enjoy the ride
World Cup demand builds months ahead. Secure your flights and hotel first, then watch for ticketing windows and the December 2025 draw to learn which teams you’ll see in Santa Clara. From there it’s all logistics and fun: plan your Caltrain/VTA route, pack layers, and leave time to soak up the city before and after the match.
Details (teams, kickoffs, fan zones) are subject to change. Always confirm on official sites before traveling.