SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway, and the Bay Area will get to see a piece of the action during the supersized tournament.
The U.S. will host 78 matches, six of which will take place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. The venue will be known as the San Francisco Bay Area stadium for the duration of the tournament.
Following Paraguay's stunning 1-0 upset over Turkiye, the U.S. has officially clinched first place in Group D, securing a highly anticipated Round of 32 knockout match at Levi's Stadium.
The crucial single-elimination game is locked for Wednesday, July 1 at 5 p.m.
We're bringing you live updates and everything you need to know.
Starting on June 11, fans can watch matches for free from more than 30 locations as well as participating sports bars around the Bay Area. The Golden State Warriors and Valkyries' Thrive City big screen at Chase Center is one, along with China Basin at Mission Rock near the San Francisco Giants' ballpark. Also, PIER 39 should provide a picturesque backdrop for games.
In the East Bay, the independent Oakland Ballers team will host games at its home field of Raimondi Park. The famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is another spot.
"The FIFA World Cup 2026 is about bringing communities together and celebrating the beautiful game in every corner of our region," said Zaileen Janmohamed, President & CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee. "We're harnessing the breadth, diversity, and natural beauty of the entire Bay Area to ensure that no matter where you live or visit, you'll have access to fun, community celebrations. This regional approach reflects our commitment to inclusivity and gives every county and community the opportunity to activate and be part of this historic moment."
For a full list of events, click here.
Following Paraguay's stunning 1-0 upset over Turkiye, the U.S. has officially clinched first place in Group D, securing a highly anticipated Round of 32 knockout match at Levi's Stadium.
The crucial single-elimination game is locked for Wednesday, July 1 at 5 p.m.
Soccer fans across San Francisco packed watch parties Friday as Team USA secured a spot in the World Cup knockout round.
Large crowds gathered at venues including The Crossing at East Cut, where families and fans cheered together during a family day watch party.
Bars throughout the city were packed with Team USA fans. Soccer camp kids in Ocean Beach also got got in on the World Cup action.
Many fans said the combination of the Juneteenth holiday, having a chance to catch the USA vs Australia showdown at a watch party outside, and a Team USA victory made for a celebratory day throughout the city.
Tens of thousands of soccer fans packed downtown San Jose this week as World Cup watch parties at San Pedro Square drew massive crowds for both Mexico and the United States.
An estimated 30,000 fans attended a watch party Thursday night as Mexico clinched a spot in the Round of 32. Thousands more gathered Friday to watch the U.S. men's national team secure its place in the knockout stage.
San Pedro Square has become a focal point for World Cup celebrations in the South Bay, with fans from across the globe coming together to watch matches on large screens.
Organizers said the goal was to create a community space for fans to enjoy the tournament together, though turnout has surpassed expectations.
San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Niko Tsakiris, who grew up in nearby Saratoga, said the atmosphere reflects the region's passion for soccer.
"To grow up in the bay, to have an event like this at a tournament like this here, here in the States and to have games here in Santa Clara and right in our backyard, it's amazing," Tsakiris said. "It's amazing. And for me, selfishly, growing up, you always watched the World Cup and following the World Cup and just how people are rallying around here in the Bay has been really special to see."
Attendance at the watch parties has continued to grow with each match, surpassing 100,000 combined visitors over the course of the week. Local businesses have seen a surge in activity, with food and drinks - particularly alcohol - selling out daily.
For now, fans in the South Bay continue to celebrate as the World Cup brings record crowds and a global atmosphere to downtown San Jose.
The United States has punched its ticket to the knockout round of the 2026 World Cup after beating Australia 2-0 in front of a raucous crowd in Seattle on Friday.
This is the first time since 1930 that the US has won back-to-back matches at the World Cup.
