The FIFA World Cup 2026 is approaching fast, bringing international soccer excitement to North America. As one of the selected venues, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara will play a significant role in this historic tournament. The stadium will transform into a global soccer destination, hosting six thrilling matches during the competition.
I want to share all the essential details about this magnificent venue, from its impressive capacity to its strategic location in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Levi’s Stadium Location and Accessibility
Levi’s Stadium sits in the heart of Santa Clara, California, approximately 40 miles south of San Francisco. The exact address is 4900 Marie P DeBartolo Way, making it a centerpiece of the Silicon Valley region.
For international travelers flying in for World Cup matches, San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) offers the most convenient access, located only about 10 minutes from the stadium.
The San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport serve as excellent alternatives, though travel times may extend to about an hour depending on traffic conditions.
The stadium’s position in the San Francisco Bay Area provides easy access to numerous hotels, restaurants, shopping districts, and tourist attractions, creating an ideal environment for hosting the thousands of international soccer fans expected to attend the World Cup matches.
Stadium Capacity and World-Class Facilities
During the FIFA World Cup 2026, Levi’s Stadium will accommodate an impressive 70,909 spectators. This expanded tournament capacity exceeds its regular capacity of 68,500, ensuring maximum attendance for these historic matches. The stadium features 174 executive suites and state-of-the-art facilities that provide exceptional comfort and views for all attendees.
Since opening in July 2014, Levi’s Stadium has established itself as one of America’s premier sports venues. The facility cost approximately $1.3 billion to construct, reflecting its cutting-edge design and modern capabilities. Its Tifway II Bermuda Grass playing surface ensures ideal conditions for world-class soccer.
For the World Cup tournament, the venue will be officially renamed San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in accordance with FIFA’s regulations that prohibit corporate naming during international tournaments.
World Cup 2026 Matches at Levi’s Stadium
Levi’s Stadium will host a total of six exciting matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The schedule includes five group stage matches and one Round of 32 knockout game. The specific dates for these matches are:
- June 13, 2026 – Group Stage (featuring the Canadian national team)
- June 16, 2026 – Group Stage
- June 19, 2026 – Group Stage
- June 22, 2026 – Group Stage
- June 25, 2026 – Group Stage
- July 1, 2026 – Round of 32
These matches represent a significant portion of the tournament that will span across 16 cities in North America. The 2026 World Cup marks a historic expansion to 48 teams and 104 total matches, making it the largest FIFA World Cup in history. The United States will host 78 matches overall, with Canada and Mexico hosting 13 matches each.
Renovations and Improvements for World Cup 26
In preparation for hosting World Cup matches, Levi’s Stadium is undergoing significant renovations. The San Francisco 49ers organization plans to invest $120 million in upgrading the stadium to meet FIFA’s stringent requirements for international competition. These improvements include premium seating enhancements, scoreboard upgrades, and various infrastructure modifications.
The total investment for improvement projects is estimated at approximately $200 million, covering technology upgrades, a new club area, remodeled luxury suites, a state-of-the-art 4K video board, and an advanced LED field-lighting system.
These renovations aim to enhance the experience for players, officials, media representatives, and fans alike. The improvements come at a perfect time, as Levi’s Stadium will also host Super Bowl LX in February 2026, making for an unprecedented year of major sporting events at this venue.
Fan Experience at Levi’s Stadium
Attending a World Cup match at Levi’s Stadium promises an unforgettable experience. The venue has already demonstrated its capability to host major soccer events, including the 2016 Copa América Centenario, the 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup, and multiple International Champions Cup matches. The stadium design provides excellent sightlines from every seat, ensuring fans enjoy unobstructed views of the soccer action.
Modern amenities, diverse concession options, and cutting-edge technology enhance the overall spectator experience. Beyond the stadium itself, the San Francisco Bay Area is planning extensive fan festivals and activities throughout the region.
These fan zones will feature live match screenings, interactive games, local food vendors, and entertainment, creating a festive soccer atmosphere throughout the entire Bay Area during the tournament.
Economic Impact and Benefits
Hosting FIFA World Cup matches at Levi’s Stadium will generate substantial economic benefits for Santa Clara and the broader San Francisco Bay Area region. The tournament is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors, resulting in millions of dollars flowing into the local economy.
Hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and retail businesses anticipate a significant boost from the influx of international and domestic tourists.
The global media exposure will showcase the San Francisco Bay Area to a worldwide audience, potentially attracting future tourism and business opportunities. Levi’s Stadium has already generated more than $2 billion for the local economy since opening about a decade ago.
The stadium authority has repaid the construction costs decades ahead of schedule, saving approximately $100 million in interest costs. The World Cup matches in 2026 will further contribute to this positive economic trajectory for the region.
Levi’s Stadium History and Major Events
Since its grand opening in 2014, Levi’s Stadium has hosted numerous high-profile sporting events and concerts. The stadium replaced Candlestick Park as the home of the San Francisco 49ers NFL team after negotiations between the team and the city of San Francisco led the organization to focus on a site adjacent to their administrative offices in Santa Clara.
Santa Clara voters approved the stadium project in June 2010, paving the way for construction to begin in April 2012. The stadium officially opened on July 17, 2014. Over the years, it has hosted Super Bowl 50 in 2016 and numerous international soccer matches. The record attendance at the stadium stands at an impressive 80,000, achieved during Ed Sheeran’s concert in September 2023.
The selection of Levi’s Stadium as a World Cup venue continues its legacy of hosting prestigious international events. This marks the second time the San Francisco Bay Area hosts World Cup matches, following Stanford Stadium’s role during the 1994 tournament, which set attendance records and became the most financially successful World Cup in history at that time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What will Levi’s Stadium be called during the 2026 World Cup?
During the 2026 World Cup, Levi’s Stadium will be called San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. This name change follows FIFA’s regulations that require neutral stadium names during international tournaments to avoid conflicts with official tournament sponsors.
2. How many matches will Levi’s Stadium host during the 2026 World Cup?
Levi’s Stadium will host a total of six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup: five group stage matches and one Round of 32 match.
3. What are the dates for World Cup matches at Levi’s Stadium?
The World Cup matches at Levi’s Stadium will be held on June 13, 16, 19, 22, and 25, 2026 for the group stage, and July 1, 2026 for the Round of 32 match.
4. What is the capacity of Levi’s Stadium for the World Cup?
The tournament capacity for Levi’s Stadium during the 2026 World Cup will be 70,909 spectators.
5. Where is Levi’s Stadium located?
Levi’s Stadium is located in Santa Clara, California, approximately 40 miles south of San Francisco in the San Francisco Bay Area.
6. What renovations will Levi’s Stadium undergo for the World Cup?
Levi’s Stadium will undergo approximately $200 million in renovations, including premium seating improvements, scoreboard upgrades, technology enhancements, a new club area, remodeled luxury suites, a 4K video board, and an LED field-lighting system.
7. Which teams will play at Levi’s Stadium during the World Cup?
The Canadian national team will play the first match at Levi’s Stadium on June 13, 2026. The other teams that will compete at the venue will be determined after the World Cup draw.
8. What other major events will Levi’s Stadium host in 2026?
In addition to the FIFA World Cup, Levi’s Stadium will also host Super Bowl LX in February 2026, making it an unprecedented year for major sporting events at the venue.
9. What is the closest airport to Levi’s Stadium?
San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) is the closest airport to Levi’s Stadium, located approximately 10 minutes away.
10. Has Levi’s Stadium hosted international soccer matches before?
Yes, Levi’s Stadium has previously hosted several major soccer events, including the 2016 Copa América Centenario, the 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup, and multiple International Champions Cup matches.
