The International Football Federation -FIFA- announced the selection of the San Francisco Bay Area as the official host community with its Levi's Stadium for the 2026 World Cup, which will be played jointly in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
In a live, globally televised announcement from New York City, the Federation announced that the Bay Area was included among the 16 cities that will host matches during the tournament, which will feature 48 teams and a record 80 matches for the first time in its history.
“The Bay Area and Los Angeles are home to cutting-edge sports venues, world-class restaurants, hotels and some of the world’s largest companies, but what truly makes them special is their people,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
“Both the Bay Area and Los Angeles have diverse communities that thrive on embracing people and ideas from around the world and have been growing soccer hubs for generations. California is a beacon of hope for immigrants around the world and we are excited to showcase our global community to the world, right here in our own backyard as hosts of the World Cup.”
Santa Clara City Councilwoman Karen Hardy said, “Hosting an event like the FIFA World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us and all soccer-loving Santa Clara residents.”
“This will bring a jolt of excitement to our community, but it will also be a significant economic boost for businesses that are coming out of two years of COVID-19 right now and need it more than ever.”
For Al Guido, Chairman of the San Francisco 49ers and Chairman of the Bay Area Host Committee Board, “Over the past eight years, innovative technology, sustainability and fan-centric design elements have cemented Levi's Stadium among the nation's premier sports and entertainment venues.”
“This place was made to host events like the FIFA World Cup, an event that will generate continued economic activity for our region for the next four years and beyond,” he added.
It should be noted that this week’s announcement follows decades of enthusiasm for soccer in the Bay Area, including the highest youth participation ever and a passionate fan base for the San Jose Earthquakes, the local professional team.
“Hosting FIFA World Cup matches in the Bay Area will not only attract visitors from around the world to experience what our region has to offer, but will reinvigorate the San José Earthquakes’ ongoing efforts to grow the sport in our communities,” said Jared Shawlee, team president.
In addition to San Jose, other host cities for the 2026 World Cup in the US will include Los Angeles, Kansas, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami and New York/New Jersey.
While in Canada the venues will be Toronto and Vancouver, and in Mexico, Guadalajara ‒Akron Stadium‒, Monterrey ‒BBVA Stadium‒ and Mexico City ‒Azteca Stadium‒.
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