Complete Guide to the World Cup in the Bay Area
If you’re in the Bay Area or traveling to the Bay Area for the FIFA World Cup, here’s everything you should know to prepare. The San Francisco Bay Area, specifically Levi’s Arena in Santa Clara, California, will host six World Cup games this year.
Bay Area World Cup Games
June 13 - Group B: Qatar vs. Switzerland
The Bay Area's first World Cup match features Qatar and Switzerland. Switzerland has been one of Europe's most consistent international teams over the last decade, regularly advancing out of the group stage at major tournaments. While it may not be one of the tournament's marquee matchups, it offers fans the chance to attend the first World Cup game ever played at Levi's Stadium.
June 16 - Group J: Austria vs. Jordan
Austria enters the tournament as the favorite on paper, led by a squad that has become increasingly competitive in European competitions. Jordan, meanwhile, qualified for its first-ever World Cup and will bring passionate support. This game has also emerged as one of the least expensive World Cup tickets available in Santa Clara, making it an attractive option for fans looking to experience the tournament without paying premium prices.
June 19 - Group D: Turkiye vs. Paraguay
This could be one of the most competitive matches hosted in Santa Clara. Turkiye and Paraguay both have extensive World Cup histories and strong fan bases. Expect a lively atmosphere, as both countries are known for traveling supporters and passionate crowds.
June 22 - Group J: Jordan vs. Algeria
Algeria brings one of the largest and most energetic supporter grous of any nation playing in the Bay Area. Jordan will be looking for valuable points in Group J, while Algeria enters as one of Africa's most accomplished football nations. Like Austria vs. Jordan, this matchup has generally been among the lowest-priced tickets available at Levi's Stadium.
June 25 - Group D: Paraguay vs. Australia
Australia and Paraguay both have long histories of qualifying for the World Cup and regularly produce entertaining, physical matches. With group-stage advancement potentially on the line, this could end up being one of the most meaningful games played in Santa Clara.
July 1 - Round of 32: 1D vs. 3B/E/F/I/J
The Bay Area's only knockout-round match will likely be the most sought-after ticket at Levi's Stadium. Knockout matches carry significantly higher stakes, with the losing team eliminated from the tournament. Ticket prices for this game are substantially higher than any of the group-stage matches, reflecting the increased demand.
How to Get to the Stadium
Despite being marketed as a San Francisco host venue, the matches are actually being played at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, roughly 45 miles south of downtown San Francisco. Visitors staying in San Francisco should plan for at least an hour of travel time on match days.
Public transportation is strongly recommended. Levi's Stadium is served by VTA Light Rail and is accessible via Caltrain connections from San Francisco and throughout the Peninsula. Driving is possible, but parking is limited, and traffic around the stadium can become extremely congested before and after matches. Fans who drive should arrive early and expect delays leaving the venue after the final whistle.
Least Expensive World Cup Tickets
One of the biggest advantages of attending a World Cup match in Santa Clara is affordability. Because the Bay Area did not receive any group-stage matches involving traditional global powers such as Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany, or the United States, ticket prices have generally remained lower than in many other host cities.
As of early June, the least expensive Santa Clara matches are:
- Jordan vs. Algeria (June 22)
- Austria vs. Jordan (June 16)
- Paraguay vs. Australia (June 25)
These matches start at $200-300 each. For comparison, several World Cup matches in Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, and Toronto have had entry prices well above $600-$800, particularly for games involving host nations or tournament favorites. Santa Clara has consistently ranked among the least expensive World Cup host venues in North America, making it one of the best destinations for fans who want the World Cup experience without paying premium prices.
If your goal is simply to attend a World Cup match, the June 16 and June 22 games at Levi's Stadium offer some of the best values of the entire tournament. Those matches provide the same World Cup atmosphere, pageantry, and once-in-a-generation experience at a fraction of the cost of many higher-profile fixtures.
