World Cup 2026 live updates: Bay Area hosts 1st World Cup match at Levi's Stadium

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Last updated: Monday, June 15, 2026 2:06AM GMT
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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.

Team USA has its opening match at 6 p.m. Friday against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium.

We're bringing you live updates and everything you need to know.

Jun 12, 2026, 10:00 PM

Fans can take in the matches at watch parties across Bay Area

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.

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Jun 12, 2026, 10:27 PM GMT

World Cup begins with Mexico hosting South Africa in opening match

The largest World Cup in tournament history kicks off Thursday with co-host Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match.

Amid escalating protests and social tensions in Mexico's capital, more than 80,000 fans were making their way to Mexico City Stadium - better known as Azteca Stadium. It got a much-needed facelift ahead of the 48-team tournament that Mexico is hosting alongside the United States and Canada.

The iconic venue will be the first stadium to host three World Cup openers - after doing so in the 1970 and 1986 tournaments.

Jun 12, 2026, 10:00 PM GMT

Fans can take in the matches at watch parties across Bay Area

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.