World Cup 2026 Tickets San Francisco: Levi’s Stadium & Potential USA Round of 32

The 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket lottery results came last week. If you got tickets, congratulations! You’re set for Silicon Valley World Cup football. If your name was not included with the fortunate winners, SoccerNews.com is here to guide you through the entire process of acquiring tickets through alternative routes.

This GUIDE has all the info in one place, detailing how and where to get World Cup tickets for every USA host city. This piece, however, is for those looking to visit San Francisco during the football’s most anticipated event.

San Francisco Bay Area’s Levi’s Stadium will host six matches. There is a critical variable to be considered, however: the July 1 Round of 32 could feature the USA if they win Group D! This detail could be a proper game-changer for everyone seeking to purchase tickets early on.

The San Francisco matches span Qatar vs Switzerland (June 13) through Paraguay vs Australia (June 25), along with the aforementioned knockout football on July 1. Levi’s Stadium is located in Santa Clara. It’s 45 minutes south of San Francisco, right in the Silicon Valley heart, where tech campuses surround the venue. This isn’t San Francisco in its true glory; it’s South Bay suburbia, where Caltrain actually reaches.

Here’s what matters now that we’re four months out: whether Paraguay vs Australia justifies secondary market costs, how the USA winning Group D creates Round of 32 premium, what Caltrain delivers versus driving I-280, and whether Silicon Valley tourism exists beyond tech campuses.

Levi’s Stadium: The Venue

• Capacity: 68,500 (World Cup configuration)
• Location: 4900 Marie P DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054
• Opened: 2014
• Cost: £1.02 billion ($1.3 billion)
• Distance from San Francisco: 45 miles
• Distance from San Jose: 7 miles

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The stadium opened in 2014 as the San Francisco 49ers’ home, replacing Candlestick Park. Super Bowl 50 (2016) christened the venue, thus officially establishing infrastructure competence for major events. The open-air design creates direct sunlight exposure, which is something that should be considered a high priority in match planning. Due to this, June afternoon matches mean serious sun, so make sure to bring proper protection.

Location Reality: Levi’s Stadium sits in Santa Clara, not San Francisco. Silicon Valley tech campuses (Google, Apple, Meta) surround the venue. This is the suburban Bay Area, with car-dependent sprawl, where Caltrain provides a single transit alternative.

Soccer History: Hosted 2016 Copa América Centenario (Colombia vs Costa Rica, Mexico vs Jamaica), International Champions Cup fixtures, occasional friendlies. Natural grass replaces FieldTurf for the 2026 World Cup as per FIFA requirements.

Official Resources:

• Stadium:levisstadium.com
• Bay Area Host Committee:  bayareahostcommittee.com
• FIFA: fifa.com/worldcup2026

Complete Match Schedule

*Playoff Winner: Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo (determined March 2026)
Source: FIFA Official Schedule

The Critical Match

Round of 32 (July 1): Group D winners face the third-place team from Group B, E, F, I, or J. If Team USA wins Group D, they play here on July 1. Current Group D standings are obviously to be guessed until June, but the USA enters the tournament as the favorites. The expectations are high, both within the team camp and within the soccer-oriented public. However, defeating Paraguay, Australia, and a playoff winner is a tall order. The US national team will have its work cut out for them but is relying on home support to lead the way.

USA Scenario: Win Group D → Play Santa Clara July 1. Finish second → Play elsewhere. This creates secondary market volatility, which means that prices will double if the USA confirms Bay Area appearance.

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Group Stage Fixtures

Qatar vs Switzerland (June 13): 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar face European qualifier Switzerland. Neither team commands a massive premium, but it’s still a match that carries certain weight. After all, it’s a tournament opener for Bay Area, likely to command a moderate secondary market pricing.

Austria vs Jordan (June 16): Late evening kickoff (9:00 PM, midnight ET), Group J fixture. Austria returns to the World Cup, with their last appearance dating back to 1998. The Austrian diaspora in the Bay Area is sure to create modest support against the debutant minnows, Jordan.

Playoff Winner vs Paraguay (June 19): One of Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo (which will be determined in March) faces South American qualifier Paraguay. If Turkey qualifies, the Bay Area’s Turkish community activates instantly. Otherwise, this game is likely to generate modest to low interest.

Jordan vs Algeria (June 22): Group J’s third round pits two Middle Eastern teams against each other. Bay Area’s diverse population includes significant communities for both, and it’s as good an opportunity as any to show their support.

Paraguay vs Australia (June 25): Group D’s final group match. It’s two notable football nations going head to head in a match where both teams could potentially need a positive result for advancement. Australian diaspora in the Bay Area (substantial tech worker population) creates big support and can offer a significant upper hand for the Down Under team.

More detailed World Cup 2026 match previews can be expected HERE, on our dedicated page filled with useful team info and game predictions.

Ticket Reality Check (February 2026)

The lottery results came last week. Successful applicants got charged, partial allocations received some matches, while the unsuccessful lot got nothing. The secondary market is now the only option for those shut out, and our team can suggest visiting sites like TicketCenter.com as a safe and secure alternative.

Official FIFA Pricing (What Lottery Winners Paid)

Secondary Market Reality (February 2026)

TicketCenter.com currently quotes:

• Qatar vs Switzerland: £197-315 ($250-$400) for Category 2, comands a tournament opener premium.
• Paraguay vs Australia: £237-394 ($300-$500) for Category 2. Group D advancement implications are a big factor price-wise.
• Round of 32 (Pre-USA Confirmation): £394-631 ($500-$800) for Category . All in all, speculative pricing until the USA’s Group D performance is known.
• Round of 32 (If USA Confirmed): Estimate £946-1,577 ($1,200-$2,000) for Category 1. The host nation’s knockout football creates a massive premium.

The USA Variable

Everything changes if the USA wins Group D. Current secondary market pricing reflects mere speculation. Once the US bracket path is clarified, prices should be expected to adjust dramatically. If you’re chasing USA knockout football, wait until Group D completes (June 25) before buying. This way, you will pay a premium price, but you know what you’re getting.

Budget Strategy: Qatar or Austria matches at £197-315 ($250-$400) deliver World Cup atmosphere without USA speculation. Paraguay vs Australia offers competitive football at a reasonable cost.

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Getting to Levi’s Stadium

Caltrain reaches Mountain View station, where you should take a shuttle bus to the stadium. This works but requires planning. Driving to the stadioum ispossible, but parking is expensive, while egress is lengthy. These are the options at hand:

By Caltrain + VTA Light Rail (Recommended)

From San Francisco (4th & King Station):

• Caltrain southbound to Mountain View
• VTA Light Rail (Green Line) to Great America Station
• 15-minute walk to the stadium
• Journey time: 90-110 minutes total
• Cost: £5.93-7.90 ($7.50-$10), Caltrain + £1.58 ($2) VTA

Service Reality: Caltrain runs hourly off-peak, more frequently during peak hours. World Cup will feature expanded match-day service similar to 49ers games. Check schedules in advance and remember: missing a train means a 60-minute wait.

Post-Match: Return trains are scheduled but limited. Expect crowded conditions, and plan a 60-90 minute station wait.

Caltrain Info: caltrain.com
VTA Info: vta.org

By Car

• Parking: Stadium lots £39.50-63.19 ($50-$80), surrounding areas £31.60-47.40 ($40-$60)
• Access: US-101 or I-280 to Great America Parkway
• From San Francisco: 45-60 minutes I-280, 50-70 minutes US-101
• From San Jose: 15-20 minutes
• Egress: 90+ minutes post-match for 68,500 people

By Rideshare

Costs:

• From San Francisco: £63.19-94.78 ($80-$120) normal pricing
• From San Jose: £19.75-31.60 ($25-$40)
• From Palo Alto: £15.80-23.70 ($20-$30)
• Post-match surge: 3-4x standard rates
• Reality: San Francisco distance (45 miles) makes rideshare expensive both ways

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Where to Stay

Bay Area accommodations are divided between San Francisco proper (45 miles north), San Jose proximity (7 miles), and the Santa Clara immediate vicinity. There is plenty to choose from, but these are our recommendations:

San Francisco

• Cost: £237-394 ($300-$500) per night
• Caltrain: 4th & King Station direct access, 90-110 minutes to the stadium
• Advantages: Full San Francisco experience, tourism infrastructure, restaurant/bar density
• Best For: Prioritizing San Francisco tourism over stadium convenience
• Reality: 45 miles means a serious commute. Budget 2+ hours each direction for match days

San Jose

• Cost: £158-237 ($200-$300) per night
• Caltrain: Multiple stations, 30-40 minutes to Mountain View, then VTA
• Advantages: Closer proximity, lower costs than SF, dining options
• Best For: Balancing access with reasonable costs
• Area: Downtown San Jose, Santana Row shopping district

Santa Clara / Mountain View

• Cost: £158-315 ($200-$400) per night
• Caltrain: Mountain View Station is one stop away or within walking distance
• Advantages: Minimal commute, tech campus proximity
• Best For: Match-focused visit, minimizing travel time
• Reality: Suburban hotels, limited walkable entertainment, car-helpful

Palo Alto

• Cost: £197-315 ($250-$400) per night
• Caltrain: Stanford Station, 15-20 minutes to Mountain View
• Advantages: Stanford campus, University Avenue dining, relative charm
• Best For: Academic interest, midpoint between SF and stadium

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Bay Area Experience

Whether you are a first-time visitor or not, San Francisco has plenty to offer. It would take an entire guide (or two) to properly describe the places worth seeing, wo here is a curated list instead.

San Francisco Tourism

• Golden Gate Bridge: Iconic suspension bridge, walkable, photo opportunities
• Alcatraz Island: Former prison, ferry required, book advance
• Fisherman’s Wharf: Tourist concentration, sea lions, sourdough bread
• Cable Cars: Historic transit, $8 rides, tourist experience

Reality: San Francisco tourism is excellent, but most notable destinations are 45 miles from the stadium. This is more than enough to create a logistics challenge that football-oriented travelers might not want to get into.

Silicon Valley

• Tech Campuses: Apple Park (Cupertino), Google (Mountain View), Meta (Menlo Park)—most offer limited public access
• Computer History Museum: Mountain View, tech evolution exhibits
• Stanford University: Palo Alto, campus tours available

Timing: Half-day for campus tours, full-day for multiple sites.

Wine Country

• Napa Valley: 60 miles north of San Francisco, full-day minimum
• Sonoma: Similar distance, more casual than Napa
• Timing: Day trip possible, overnight preferred

Reality: Wine country requires a car, which is in direct conflict with match-day timing unless you’re preparing for a multi-day stay.

Beyond Match Days

• Monterey / Carmel: 90 minutes south, coastal scenery, Cannery Row
• Muir Woods: 30 minutes north of SF, redwood trees, half-day
• Berkeley: UC campus, Telegraph Avenue, San Francisco Bay views

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Where to Eat

San Francisco cuisine is a vibrant mix. Not as gastronomically exciting as some other World Cup 2026 host cities, but still worthy of tasting. From essentials to tech worker favorites, here is what you should consider.

San Francisco Essentials

• Mission District Burritos: La Taqueria, El Farolito—San Francisco burrito style
• Sourdough Bread: Boudin Bakery, tourist staple
• Dungeness Crab: Fisherman’s Wharf, seasonal (November-June)

Silicon Valley / South Bay

• San Jose: Santana Row (upscale), San Pedro Square Market (casual)
• Palo Alto: University Avenue concentration, California cuisine
• Mountain View: Castro Street, diverse Asian restaurants

Tech Worker Favorites

• In-N-Out Burger: California institution, animal style required
• Philz Coffee: San Francisco chain, customized coffee
• Ike’s Love & Sandwiches: South Bay origin, massive sandwiches

The Bottom Line: Ticket Strategy from February 2026

Got lottery tickets? Book refundable accommodations now, plan Caltrain/driving logistics.
Missed the lottery? Monitor TicketCenter.com, target Qatar or Austria for value at £197-315 ($250-$400).
Chasing USA Round of 32? Wait until June 25 when Group D completes. If the USA wins their group, pay £946-1,577 ($1,200-$2,000). If the hosts finish second, save money and watch elsewhere.

TL;DR

Levi’s Stadium sits in Silicon Valley, not San Francisco. Paraguay, Australia, potential USA Round of 32. Four months out, plan logistics, monitor Group D results. June football in California sunshine—bring sunscreen, expect crowds, hope USA wins their group.

FAQs

Did I get lottery tickets?
Results came last week (February). Check email for FIFA confirmation. If nothing, the secondary market only option now.

Will the USA play here?
Only if they win Group D. Paraguay, Australia, playoff winner all beatable—USA favored but not guaranteed. Group stage completes June 25; USA’s Round of 32 location clarifies then.

Is San Francisco or San Jose a better base?
San Francisco for tourism, accept 90-110 minute Caltrain commute. San Jose/Santa Clara, for proximity, accepts limited walkable entertainment. Most choose San Francisco for the experience.

Does Caltrain really work?
Yes, but requires planning. Hourly service off-peak, expanded match-day schedule. 90-110 minutes from San Francisco to the stadium. Post-match waits 60-90 minutes for crowded return trains.

What’s June/July weather like?
Mild to warm: 65-80°F (18-27°C) in San Francisco (cooler), 70-90°F (21-32°C) in Santa Clara (warmer). Afternoon sunshine is intense at the stadium—bring sunscreen, hat. San Francisco is famous for microclimates—pack layers.

How early should I arrive?
Any match: 2 hours for Caltrain timing, security, and parking. USA match (if it happens): 3 hours minimum. Gates open 3-4 hours before kickoff.

Stadium bag policy?
Clear bags (12” x 6” x 12”) or small clutches (4.5” x 6.5”) only. Prohibited: backpacks, large purses, outside food (except sealed water), and umbrellas.

Can I tour tech campuses?
Apple Park Visitor Center open (limited), Google/Meta generally restricted to employees/guests. Computer History Museum (Mountain View) provides tech history without campus access.

If the USA doesn’t win Group D?
Round of 32 features Group D winner (potentially Paraguay, Australia, or playoff winner if USA finishes second). Still World Cup knockout football, just without the host nation premium.