From stadiums to sunsets: A traveller’s guide to FIFA World Cup 2026 in California

California is set to become part of global sports history during the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, taking place from June 11 to July 29, 2026. With a record 48 nations participating, the tournament will feature 104 matches, making it the largest World Cup ever.

Out of these, 14 matches will be hosted across Los Angeles County and the San Francisco Bay Area, both returning as host regions. With strong air connectivity via Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience California’s vibrant sporting culture. If you're planning a trip, here’s what to expect—from match schedules to year-round sports experiences.FIFA 2026 Match Schedules and Venues in CaliforniaThe U.S. Men’s National Team will kick off its California campaign on June 12, 2026, at SoFi Stadium, located in Inglewood near Los Angeles. The team will also play its third group-stage match here on June 25. If the U.S. tops its group, it will return to the Bay Area for a Round of 32 match on July 1.SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles Area)Opened in 2020, SoFi Stadium will make its World Cup debut by hosting eight matches, including:U.S. opening matchThree additional group-stage gamesTwo Round of 32 matchesOne quarter-final on July 10Levi’s Stadium (San Francisco Bay Area)Matches in the Bay Area will be played at Levi’s Stadium, located about 45 miles south of San Francisco. The venue will host:First match on June 13Four additional group-stage matchesOne Round of 32 fixtureAbsorb California’s Year-Round Sports CultureWhile the World Cup is the highlight, California is a year-round sports powerhouse, home to some of the biggest professional teams and iconic venues.

Los Angeles Sports ExperiencesLos Angeles is one of the world’s premier sports cities, boasting 11 professional teams and major global events like the 2028 Summer Olympics.Must-Watch Teams & VenuesBaseball: Los Angeles Angels at Angel StadiumBasketball:Los Angeles LakersLos Angeles SparksBoth play at Crypto.com ArenaLos Angeles Clippers at Intuit DomeHockey:Los Angeles KingsAnaheim Ducks at Honda CenterUnique Experiences

For immersive viewing, book a session at Cosm Los Angeles, a cutting-edge venue with massive 8K LED screens.A visit to Dodger Stadium is a must. It’s the first U.S. sports arena with an accredited botanical garden. You can:Watch the Los Angeles Dodgers liveTake a stadium tourHike in nearby Elysian ParkPopular trails include:West Loop Trail (2 miles) for skyline viewsAngel’s Point Trail (3 miles) for a longer warm-upSan Francisco Bay Area Sports ExperiencesThe San Francisco Bay Area is another major sports hub with world-class teams and scenic venues.Top Teams & VenuesBaseball: San Francisco Giants at Oracle ParkBasketball: Golden State Warriors and Golden State Valkyries at Chase CenterA Giants game at Oracle Park is iconic—especially with views of McCovey Cove, where fans even watch from kayaks.Getting there

Skip traffic and take scenic ferry routes:Golden Gate Ferry (from Larkspur)San Francisco Bay Ferry (from Oakland, Alameda, Vallejo)Beyond the World Cup: Nearby AttractionsIn San Jose, explore the quirky Winchester Mystery HouseVisit PayPal Park, home of the San Jose EarthquakesHead to Sacramento to catch:Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 CenterOakland Athletics at Sutter Health ParkFrom World Cup thrills to year-round sporting action, California in 2026 will be a dream destination for sports lovers. Whether you're cheering inside a packed stadium or exploring iconic venues, the Golden State promises an unforgettable experience.