A key gateway to all the offerings of Northern California, San Francisco is a 2026 FIFA World Cup host city that promises a cosmopolitan vibe, beachside access, and a piece of the beloved Bay Area.
Known as “The Golden City,” or simply “The City” to locals, San Francisco will be home base while nearby Santa Clara hosts six games within three short weeks. The matches and corresponding dates scheduled at Levi’s Stadium are Qatar vs. Switzerland (June 13), Austria vs. Jordan (June 16), Paraguay vs. Kosovo/Romania/Slovakia/Türkiye (June 19), Jordan vs. Algeria (June 22), Paraguay vs. Australia (June 25), and Round of 32 – Match 81 (July 1).
Things To Do In San Francisco During The World Cup
The Golden City has many cultural hubs worth visiting. Among them are the African American Art & Culture Complex, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), and SFJAZZ. Also check out the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) and the Ruth Williams Opera House (formerly known as the Bayview Opera House).
As of this report, the location of San Francisco’s FIFA Fan Festival hasn’t been disclosed yet. However, the city notes on its official website that attendees can expect to watch live matches and enjoy an “electric atmosphere.” While there aren’t details about the event just yet, anticipate onsite food, entertainment, music, and more. Notably, San Francisco’s official host city website mentions “BAHC Live! Fan Zones” that promise similar attractions.
Be sure to take a cruise on the San Francisco Bay, walk Lombard Street (aka the “Crookedest Street in the World”), and take advantage of the city’s incredible food scene.
Where To Stay In San Francisco For World Cup Matches
The matches are taking place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The latter is a neighboring city to San Francisco, about 45 minutes to an hour away by car. If you want to stay near the stadium, there are well-rated, conveniently located hotels nearby. Airbnbs are also solid choices when looking for accommodations in either city.
It’s worthwhile checking if you can find a shuttle to and from your match. Public transportation from San Francisco to Levi Stadium is available, but not direct.
To enjoy the best of the Golden City’s nightlife scene, consider staying in Mission, North Beach, Union Square, Castro, or the South of Market area (SoMa).
Best Neighborhoods For Visiting Fans
Regardless of where you are in the city, be sure to practice standard traveler safety measures at all times. The best areas to stay in if you’re looking for something tourist-friendly and safe are Fisherman’s Wharf, Nob Hill, and Union Square. Those are also the neighborhoods where fans will likely choose to stay if in San Francisco.
Free Things To Do In San Francisco Between Matches
The top free thing international and out-of-town visitors should do in San Francisco is experience its most iconic landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge. Take a free walking tour or bike it and learn about the bridge’s engineering and history at its onsite exhibits. Nearby, head to Golden Gate Park, where you can visit the Japanese Tea Garden and the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. Elsewhere, Pier 39 is another local highlight. At the latter, you can see street performances, sea lions, murals, and more.
Roaming San Francisco’s neighborhoods will be the most enriching thing you can do if you want to see where culture and community shine. Mission, Japantown, and Western Addition/Fillmore are important cultural enclaves. The city also boasts several official cultural districts that celebrate African American, Latino, Pacific Islander, and American Indian contributions, as well as several dedicated to LGBTQIA+ and various Asian communities.
If you’re up for it, you won’t regret adventuring outside of San Francisco into nearby Oakland, another prominent Bay Area gem.
For those with soccer on the brain, watch parties should be happening throughout the city.
Bringing The Kids? How To Make It Family-Friendly
At the Exploratorium, all ages will be able to expand their imaginations and play with the over 700 hands-on exhibits.
For daytime fun outside, check out Yerba Buena Gardens, which has a children’s garden, a carousel, a bowling center, and much, much more. Beforehand, visit the nearby Children’s Creativity Museum, which will be particularly fun for kiddos, ages 2 through 12.
If you’ll be feeding a group and want to keep things wallet-friendly, explore some of San Francisco’s cheap eats.
