San Francisco Bay Area
6 matches at Levi's Stadium plus SF landmarks, Mission burritos, and fog
At a Glance
- Location
- San Francisco Bay Area, California
- Country
- USA
- Metro Population
- 7.8 million (SF: 875,000, San Jose: 1M, Oakland: 440,000)
- Total Matches
- 6 matches
- Match Period
- -
- Primary Stadium
- Levi's Stadium
- Recommended Stay
- 4-5 days
- Daily Budget
- $100-200 USD per person
- Best Time to Visit
- Last Updated
Best Time
Ideal Stay
4-5 days
Daily Budget
$100-200 USD per person
Walkability
9/10 in SF - compact but VERY steep hills
Transit
9/10 - BART, Muni, Caltrain, VTA, ferries (Clipper Card works on all)
Safety
7/10 - Safe overall, avoid Tenderloin at night, visible homelessness
About San Francisco Bay Area
Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara will host 6 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches from June 13 to July 1, 2026, including Qatar vs Switzerland (June 13), Austria vs Jordan (June 16), and a Round of 32 match (July 1). The 68,500-seat stadium is home to the San Francisco 49ers and hosted Super Bowl 50 (2016). CRITICAL GEOGRAPHY: Levi's Stadium is in Santa Clara, NOT San Francisco - it's 40 miles (64 km) south of SF in the heart of Silicon Valley. Most fans will commute 75-90 minutes from SF hotels.
City Character
San Francisco is defined by contrasts: iconic landmarks (Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Cable Cars) vs tech innovation (Silicon Valley), steep hills vs flat Mission District, sunny microclimates vs heavy fog. SF is compact and walkable but VERY hilly (good walking shoes essential). The Mission District has best food scene with Latino culture and street art. Fisherman's Wharf is touristy but fun for families. Chinatown (since 1848) is oldest and largest in North America. Mark Twain allegedly said: 'The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.' Layers are essential year-round.
Stadium Location
Levi's Stadium is in Santa Clara, 40 miles (64 km) south of San Francisco, 10 miles from San Jose, in the heart of Silicon Valley. From SF: Caltrain from 4th & King station to Santa Clara (60 min), then VTA Light Rail to Great America station (15 min), then 15 min walk. Total: 75-90 minutes, $12-15. Uber/Lyft from SF is $60-80 normally, $100-150 with surge pricing on match days. Last Caltrain to SF around 11pm. Stay in San Jose to cut commute to 30 min on VTA.
Critical Info
STRICT clear bag policy (12x6x12 max) - there is NO bag check facility at Levi's Stadium. If bag rejected, throw it away or miss match. Clipper Card (...
Where to Stay
Bay Area has 1,200+ hotels (150,000+ rooms) but SF is most expensive US city ($200-500 USD per night Downtown). Expect 30-50% surge during World Cup. STRATEGIC CHOICE: Stay in SF for iconic sights (Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz) but accept 75-90 min commute to stadium ($12-15 transit or $100-150 Uber surge). Stay in San Jose for stadium proximity (30 min on VTA, $120-250/night cheaper) but miss SF culture. Union Square ($200-500) is central SF with Caltrain access. Mission District ($150-300) has best food. San Jose Downtown ($120-250) is closest to stadium. Santa Clara ($100-200) is walking distance to stadium but zero culture. Book 5-6 months ahead.
Levi's Stadium
Santa Clara, California
FIFA: Levi's Stadium
68,500
Capacity
6
Matches
40mi
From Downtown
2014
Opened
Transport
Caltrain + VTA Light Rail (75-90 min, $12-15) or Uber/Lyft ($100-150 surge)
Open-air stadium - no roof coverage
Economic Impact
$250-350 million USD to Bay Area economy from tourism, hospitality, and event spending
Get Involved
2,000 volunteers volunteers needed!
Bay Area Host Committee & FIFA World Cup 2026
Iconic Golden Gate Bridge meets Silicon Valley soccer in California's most expensive city
Top Highlights
Unique Experiences
- ★Walk or bike across Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise (best photos, fewer crowds)
- ★Alcatraz ferry tour - book WEEKS ahead as tickets sell out fast
- ★Cable car ride on Powell-Hyde line (most scenic route to Fisherman's Wharf)
- ★La Taqueria burrito in Mission District - order 'dorado' carne asada (cash only)
- ★Dim sum in Chinatown at City View or Hang Ah Tea Room
Perfect For
First-time California visitors (iconic SF landmarks)
Foodies (Mission District, Ferry Building, Chinatown)
Wine enthusiasts (Napa/Sonoma day trips)
Tech enthusiasts (Silicon Valley)
This City Might Not Be For You If...
Stadium Quick Tips
Weather During World Cup
California dry summer (SF cold/foggy, Santa Clara warm/sunny) • 54-67°F in SF, 75-85°F in Santa Clara
Average High
67°F
(19°C)
Average Low
54°F
(12°C)
Rainy Days
0-1 days/month
per month
Humidity
60-70%
Higher humidity near coast, drier inland
What to Expect
San Francisco in June/July is COLD compared to rest of USA - expect 60-70°F (16-21°C) with HEAVY morning fog ('Karl the Fog'). The fog usually burns off by midday in most neighborhoods, but western SF (Richmond District, Sunset District, Ocean Beach) stays foggy ALL DAY. The Mission District is the sunniest microclimate. NO RAIN in June/July (driest months). CRITICAL: Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara is MUCH WARMER (75-85°F / 24-29°C) because it's inland and south of SF. Open-air stadium with NO roof - bring sunscreen, hat, and layers. Mark Twain allegedly said: 'The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.' He's right.
Daylight Hours
14-15 hours daylight • 5:50-6:10 AM - 8:30-8:50 PM
Humidity Pattern
Higher humidity near coast, drier inland
Packing Essentials
- LAYERS (SF morning fog = jacket, afternoon = t-shirt, Santa Clara = shorts)
- Light jacket or hoodie (SF always cold, even in July)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen SPF 50+ (for sunny afternoons and Santa Clara)
- Hat for sun protection (Levi's Stadium open-air, HOT)
- Comfortable walking shoes (SF hills are STEEP)
- Power bank (10,000+ mAh)
- Clear bag for stadium (12x6x12 max)
- Reusable water bottle (for non-match days)
Plan Your Visit
Everything you need for an unforgettable World Cup experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Levi's Stadium in San Francisco?
NO. Levi's Stadium is in Santa Clara, 40 miles (64 km) south of San Francisco. It's closer to San Jose (10 miles). You'll need 75-90 minutes via Caltrain + VTA Light Rail to get there from SF ($12-15)...
Read more →Should I stay in San Francisco or San Jose?
Depends on priorities. Stay in SF if you want iconic sights (Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, cable cars, Mission food scene) and don't mind 75-90 min commute to stadium. SF is expensive ($200-500/night)...
Read more →How do I get to Levi's Stadium from San Francisco?
Caltrain from SF 4th & King station to Santa Clara (60 mins, $10-12), then VTA Light Rail (Green or Orange line) to Great America station (15 mins, $2.50), then 15 min walk to stadium. Total: 75-90 mi...
Read more →Why is San Francisco so cold in summer?
SF is surrounded by cold Pacific Ocean water. In summer, inland California heats up (90-100°F), pulling cold ocean air through the Golden Gate, creating heavy fog ('Karl the Fog'). SF stays 60-70°F wh...
Read more →Can I bring a backpack to Levi's Stadium?
NO. Levi's Stadium has a STRICT clear bag policy (max 12x6x12 inches). Small clutches (4.5x6.5 inches) are allowed. WARNING: There is NO bag check facility at the stadium. If your bag is rejected at s...
Read more →Is Alcatraz worth visiting?
YES. The ferry ride has stunning bay views, and the included audio tour is excellent (featuring stories from former inmates and guards). However, tickets sell out WEEKS in advance - book early! Day to...
Read more →Do I need a car in San Francisco?
NO for SF exploring. SF is compact and walkable (though VERY hilly). Use Muni buses, streetcars, cable cars ($8/ride or $13 unlimited day pass), and BART. Driving in SF is HARD (steep hills, one-way s...
Read more →What is the best burrito in San Francisco?
La Taqueria in Mission District - voted best burrito in America by FiveThirtyEight. Order carne asada 'dorado' style (grilled crispy). NO rice—just meat, pinto beans, cheese, guacamole, and salsa. Cas...
Read more →What is Karl the Fog?
Karl the Fog is the nickname locals gave to the heavy summer fog that blankets western San Francisco. It's caused by cold Pacific Ocean air rushing through the Golden Gate when inland areas heat up. T...
Read more →What is a Clipper Card?
Reusable transit card that works on ALL Bay Area public transit: Caltrain, VTA Light Rail, BART, Muni buses/streetcars/cable cars, and ferries. Buy at airport, Caltrain stations, or Walgreens. Load wi...
Read more →Is San Francisco expensive?
YES. San Francisco is the MOST EXPENSIVE city in the USA (tied with NYC). Hotels $200-500/night Downtown. Meals $20-40. Cable cars $8/ride. Parking $30-50/night at hotels. Even coffee is $5-8. BUDGET ...
Read more →When does the last Caltrain leave for San Francisco?
Last Caltrain from Santa Clara to SF is around 11pm on weekdays, midnight on weekends. Check exact schedule closer to match dates. If your match ends after 10:30pm, you may miss the last train. OPTION...
Read more →+ 3 more questions answered
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By KickoffAdventures Editorial Team