100-Day Countdown Begins for 2026 World Cup in South Bay

Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara set to host six matches as the Bay Area prepares for a major global sports event.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The countdown is underway for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California set to host six matches during the tournament. The 100-day countdown began on Tuesday, as the Bay Area city expects the World Cup to bring tens of thousands of fans and have an even bigger economic impact than the recent Super Bowl 60 held in nearby San Jose.

Why it matters

The 2026 World Cup is a major global sporting event that will shine a spotlight on the South Bay region, providing a significant boost to local businesses and an opportunity to showcase the area's sports culture and community. As a host city, Santa Clara is preparing to welcome fans from around the world and capitalize on the worldwide attention.

The details

Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara will host six World Cup matches as part of the 2026 tournament, which will feature a total of 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Local officials expect the World Cup to have an even greater economic impact than Super Bowl 60, which recently packed downtown San Jose entertainment zones and boosted businesses. The countdown to the World Cup began on Tuesday, with sports apparel already on display and growing enthusiasm among fans and players alike.

  • The 100-day countdown to the 2026 World Cup began on March 4, 2026.
  • Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara will host six World Cup matches during the 2026 tournament.

The players

Matt Mahan

The mayor of San Jose, who said the World Cup is an opportunity to "bring people together, celebrate our community, give people fun, memorable, unique experiences."

Anouk Denton

A defender for Bay FC with international soccer playing experience, who said the World Cup will "bring attention to the team, bring attention to soccer in general, and I think grow the game."

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What they’re saying

“Obviously it is the biggest sporting event in the world. No doubt.”

— Ignacio Diaz, Soccer Post store employee and former player (ktvu.com)

“The opportunity with World Cup is, it's like six Super Bowls. Each match is of comparable scale and energy, and I think it's where San Jose is really going to shine.”

— Matt Mahan, Mayor of San Jose (ktvu.com)

“That will be amazing. I mean bringing teams from all around the world to the Bay Area it will bring attention to the team, bring attention to soccer in general, and I think grow the game.”

— Anouk Denton, Defender, Bay FC (ktvu.com)

What’s next

Local officials in Santa Clara and San Jose are working to finalize plans and preparations for hosting the 2026 World Cup matches and welcoming fans from around the world.

The takeaway

The 2026 World Cup represents a major global sporting event that will provide a significant economic boost and opportunity for the South Bay region to showcase its sports culture, community, and hospitality to an international audience.