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MLS San Jose Earthquakes

Bay Area Unites to Play Host to Six Matches During FIFA World Cup 26™

February 4, 2024 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes News Release


SANTA CLARA, Calif. - FIFA today announced that the Bay Area, one of 16 regions across the U.S., Canada and Mexico that will play host to FIFA World Cup 26™, will be the destination for five group stage matches and one round of 32 match during the global tournament.

As part of the live broadcast reveal, each of the three host countries also learned the location of their national teams' three group stage matches, including the U.S. Men's National Team which will begin its World Cup campaign on June 12 in Los Angeles.

"There is nothing quite like a FIFA World Cup, and we are thrilled to be playing host to six matches," said Bay Area Host Committee president and CEO Zaileen Janmohamed. "This event generates global fandom, viewership, and visitors unlike any other. We believe that hosting these matches will have unprecedented tangible and intangible positive impact on the Bay Area, and we can't wait to bring this to life for the Bay in 2026."

The newly expanded FIFA World Cup™ format includes 48 teams across 104 matches and is expected to attract over six million fans and hospitality guests. The tournament is set to be the best attended and most watched FIFA World Cup in history.

FIFA World Cup 26 is part of the incredible sports momentum uniting the Bay Area. Super Bowl LX will also take place at Levi's Stadium in 2026, preceded by the NBA All-Star Game at the Chase Center in 2025. This blockbuster 18 months in sports quickly follows the introduction of professional sports expansion teams from the NWSL (Bay FC) and WNBA coming to the region in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

The Bay Area's bid to participate in FIFA World Cup 26 was met with unanimous support from regional stakeholders, including the City of Santa Clara where Levi's Stadium will serve as the home for matches coming to the Bay Area. At the heart of this resounding enthusiasm is the ability of the World Cup to reenergize the regional economy while showcasing the collective pride of communities around the Bay.

Fans can expect ongoing updates from BAHC as World Cup planning continues to take shape, including anticipated economic benefits from these events and opportunities for residents to participate in and beyond the matches themselves.

Match pairings and kick-off times will be confirmed following the FIFA World Cup 26 Final Draw, expected in late 2025. To view FIFA's current World Cup host city allocation announcement, visit www.FIFA.com.

The Bay Area Host Committee (BAHC) is a non-profit corporation focused on bringing major, world-class events to the San Francisco Bay Area. Its mission is to unite the region through sport by building pride, connecting local communities, and reenergizing the entire Bay.

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