The City of San José announced on June 3 that it will host a month-long series of public festivities in celebration of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, as teams and visitors arrive for matches at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. All teams playing in Bay Area World Cup games will stay and practice in San José, with Team Paraguay based there throughout the tournament.
City Manager Jennifer Maguire said, “San José is thrilled to welcome visitors, athletes, and fans from across the globe to fly, stay, and play in our City and experience our community, our culture, and the energy that makes our City a world-class center for sports entertainment.”
In partnership with the San Jose Earthquakes, San Pedro Square will serve as an entertainment zone hosting one of the largest fan fest celebrations globally. The site will feature watch parties for all 104 FIFA 2026 World Cup matches along with family activities. Festivities begin June 11 at San Pedro Square Market with watch parties for Mexico vs. South Africa at noon and Korea Republic vs. Czechia at 7 p.m., while Eastridge Mall hosts its first neighborhood watch party for Mexico vs. South Africa.
Additional events include a drone show at Lake Cunningham on July 4, a Zeds Dead concert at Discovery Meadow on July 20, soccer-themed art exhibits across the city, and over a dozen neighborhood watch parties. Mayor Matt Mahan said, “We’re just a week away from the world seeing everything San José has to offer. The celebration starts at San Pedro Square with the Earthquakes takeover and one of the biggest watch parties in the country — and extends across our city as we welcome fans from around the globe to experience San José.”
Earthquakes President Jared Shawlee said: “We look forward to inviting the world this summer to the epicenter of soccer in Northern California… we’re primed to carry that momentum into Soccer Celebration as we host the biggest FIFA World Cup watch parties in the region at San Pedro Square Market alongside our partners.” John Pooch of the San Jose Sports Authority added: “Through… SJ26 initiative… we have partnered with… dozens of community organizations to create a true World Cup experience for our residents and visitors…. Our goal is to unite our community, celebrate… soccer, and ensure that everyone has… opportunity to be part of this historic moment.” All celebrations are funded through corporate sponsorships raised by SJ26.
Fans can access real-time match updates via Game On SJ26 App or visit sj26.sanjose.org/world-cup for event details. The City aims to deliver quality public services while fostering vibrant communities, according to its official mission page. With almost one million residents representing diverse backgrounds—and initiatives like cultural sites such as Japanese Friendship Garden or Mexican Heritage Plaza—the city serves Santa Clara Valley neighborhoods while maintaining historical sites including museum collections, according to its historical context page. The mayor leads an eleven-member council elected by district, as described in its official charter.
