FIFA World Cup excitement in the South Bay kicks off at Santa Clara night market

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (KGO) -- With the FIFA World Cup just days away, soccer fans were already getting into the spirit at Santa Clara's FIFA-themed night market.

The special World Cup-themed event started Friday and ends Saturday night in Santa Clara.

The free event features food and thrift vendors, live entertainment, cultural performances and soccer-themed activities and games hosted by the San Jose Earthquakes and Bay FC.

Families, soccer fans and visitors filled the market Friday evening, testing their skills at soccer challenges, shopping for jerseys and counting down to the start of the tournament.

"We have jerseys from all over the world," said vendor Dre Lucero with Pop Up San Jose. "Soccer jerseys are big sellers for the World Cup."

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The event is one of several World Cup-themed celebrations taking place across the South Bay ahead of the Bay Area's first match at Levi's Stadium on June 13.

For some fans, the excitement started in downtown San Jose, where a giant soccer ball installation outside San Pedro Square Market has become a popular destination for photos and social media posts.

"It's better than I imagined," said one visitor after seeing the display in person.

Fans proudly represented countries from around the world while discussing which teams they'll be cheering for during the tournament.

"The day U.S. is playing, we're cheering U.S., or the day Brazil is playing, the same happens with Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador," said soccer fan Claudette Bautista.

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The Bay Area will host six FIFA World Cup matches at Levi's Stadium this summer, bringing fans from around the globe to Santa Clara.

While some attendees said they are still hoping to score tickets to the games, others are planning to take part in watch parties and community events happening throughout the region.

Organizers say creating free events like the night market gives residents a chance to be part of the World Cup experience, even if they don't attend a match in person.

"We know not everybody can afford a ticket to go to one of these matches, so we wanted to bring some of that excitement to the community," said Santa Clara spokesperson Janine De La Vega.

For those looking to get a jump on World Cup festivities, Saturday's Night Market offers one more chance to enjoy the food, music and soccer-themed activities before the Bay Area's World Cup countdown enters its final week.