The City of San José announced on June 3 that it will host a series of events, watch parties, and concerts in celebration of the FIFA 2026 World Cup from June 11 to July 11. All teams playing in the Bay Area matches will stay and practice in San José, with Team Paraguay based in the city 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 soccer team, San Pedro Square will serve as an entertainment zone hosting one of the largest fan fest celebrations globally. The area will feature watch parties for all 104 FIFA World Cup matches along with family activities. Festivities begin on 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 scheduled events include a Zeds Dead concert at Discovery Meadow on June 20, a drone show at Lake Cunningham on July 4, as well as soccer-themed art exhibits. 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 Poch of the San Jose Sports Authority added: “The South Bay has a proud World Cup legacy…Through SJ26 initiative…our goal is to unite our community, celebrate global spirit of soccer…and ensure everyone has opportunity to be part of this historic moment.” All celebrations are funded through corporate sponsorships via SJ26 program.
To help fans follow matches and festivities, organizers recommend downloading Game On SJ26 App for real-time updates; more information is available online. The City serves nearly one million residents across diverse neighborhoods within Santa Clara Valley, according to its historical context page. The city aims to deliver quality public services while fostering vibrant communities, according to its official mission page.
