World Cup 2026 live updates: US looks to win first knockout match in 24 years in Bay Area

Team USA is expected to arrive in the Bay Area on Monday as preparations continue for its World Cup knockout match on Wednesday.

The team will play Bosnia and Herzegovina in Round 32 in Santa Clara, California.

The U.S. team appears set to be based in the South Bay, where the San Jose Earthquakes are hosting the squad as it prepares for the next round of play.

World Cup enthusiasm remains high across the Bay Area, with at least 16 watch parties planned throughout the region.

Organizers have scheduled events at locations including Thrive City in San Francisco, Courthouse Square in Redwood City and the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton.

Tickets for Wednesday's match are selling for about $1,500 for the least expensive seats.

The official U.S. watch party will be held at San Pedro Square.

Organizers said the site has welcomed more than 350,000 fans since the World Cup began.

Due to strong turnout, organizers are adding an additional 450-square-foot giant screen for Wednesday's event.

Fans will also have an opportunity to take part in the official U.S. Soccer Fan Celebration on Tuesday evening.

The public event is scheduled from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Clara's Junction in Santa Clara.

Additional details about Team USA's arrival in the Bay Area were not immediately available.

As the Bay Area hosts FIFA World Cup matches, law enforcement agencies say they are increasing vigilance for potential human trafficking.

As the Bay Area hosts FIFA World Cup matches, law enforcement agencies say they are increasing vigilance for potential human trafficking.

For years, major sporting events have been linked to concerns about increased sex trafficking. However, some experts say there is limited evidence supporting a direct connection and that it's important to always be on the lookout for this activity.

With matches scheduled in nearby Santa Clara, the San Francisco Police Department's Special Victims Unit is coordinating closely with regional partners. Acting Lt. Tony Flores said the city already experiences steady activity due to frequent events and tourism.

"In San Francisco, we have the World Cup every weekend. We have so many big events. So we pretty much see a steady line of things that are going on, of people coming in. We have a lot of tourists now," Flores said.

Flores said SFPD is working with agencies in Santa Clara and sharing information daily as preparations continue.

"We work with our partners in Santa Clara. We have daily briefings that we talk about the things that we did and things that are coming up and things that maybe we learn from each of those operations that we do together," he said.

The Santa Clara Police Department has formed an anti-trafficking subcommittee and is applying strategies developed during February's Super Bowl. SFPD is doing the same, with an expectation of increased police presence, especially as Team USA plays in Santa Clara this upcoming Wednesday.

Full stoy here.

From Santa Clara to San Jose, World Cup fever swept through the South Bay again on Thursday. At San Pedro Square in San Jose, thousands came out to cheer on the U.S. as they took on Turkey.

From Santa Clara to San Jose, World Cup fever swept through the South Bay again on Thursday.

At San Pedro Square in San Jose, thousands came out to cheer on the U.S. as they took on Turkey.

"I'd say at least quarter finals. That's my prediction. But, obviously, I've got faith in this team. This is arguably the best team we've seen in a minute," said Andres Dewerk.

Fans came from all around the Bay Area and the world.

Many, like Amar Patel and his wife Ella, say they're excited to share the game they love.

"I do it for a living. And we met playing soccer and that's why we have two wonderful kids," said Amar.

And those kids also not missing out on any of the excitement.

"I think that's so cool, especially for him. He knows what's going on and can feel the energy. And he loves it. He's obsessed with it now," said Ella.

Throughout the tournament, San Pedro Square has become the place to be to watch games.

Creating an electric vibe that can be felt around the city.

"We expected over the 35 days of game play that we'd have about 350,000 people come through San Pedro. We're on day 13 and we've just broken 300,000 so it looks like we're going to double or triple what we expected," said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.

Those numbers are helping to drive a new generation of fans say people like Daniel Munie.

Munie plays for the San Jose Earthquakes and tells us soccer's popularity is growing more and more each year in the U.S.

"They sell out these games no matter who's playing and it's been awesome to see and it's only going to grow," he said.

Team USA has already qualified for the next round of the tournament beginning next week.

And that game is what many fans here say they're focusing on.

"I feel like there's a lot at stake next week. So just calm down a little bit this week and prepare for the next," said Adam Irwin.

Travelers from around the world are passing through Bay Area airports for FIFA World Cup matches, creating busy days for TSA checkpoints.

Travelers from around the world are passing through Bay Area airports for FIFA World Cup matches, creating busy days for Transportation Security Administration checkpoints and a shared experience for fans of all backgrounds.

People of all ages traveling to and from matches say going through TSA has become a key part of the journey.

"I like to go to the World Cup matches. I had never been to one before," said Lucia Piccini, visiting from Mexico City.

"This is my first match in a World Cup in my life. So, it was I wanted to experience that," said Fernando Montalvo, also from Mexico City.

For some, the airport screening process itself brought uncertainty.

"I did not know what to expect because I was a little bit afraid," Montalvo said.

TSA officials say they are prepared for the surge in travel tied to the tournament. Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl said the agency has already experienced multiple days with more than 3 million travelers nationwide and expects similar numbers to continue.

"We have been doing a ton of planning both here within San Francisco and across the United States. Really tremendous job at the federal, state, local level, working to ensure a safe, seamless and enjoyable World Cup," Stahl said.

Travelers reported mixed experiences at security checkpoints.

"Very easy, very easy. It is really fast and no problems," said Paolla Piccini, also visiting from Mexico City.

Others disagreed.

"The lines are pretty long. I am not going to lie," said Carlos Meza of Monterey.

Many fans are traveling with souvenirs purchased during their trips, including stickers, bottle openers, backpacks, T-shirts and hats, which officials say are generally allowed through security.

"Folks coming from abroad heeded the advice to really, again, come prepared. And they know what to pack, when not to pack. So, so far, so good," Stahl said.

However, TSA officials note one item has caused confusion.

"The international folks love Ranch, so I am sure you see it on our socials and a lot of guidance about what to pack. It is clearly a liquid," Stahl said.

For others, the most meaningful takeaways cannot be screened.

"Just memories. A lot of memories," Meza said.

TSA officials say they expect especially heavy travel days to continue during the tournament and are encouraging passengers to arrive two to three hours early for their flights.