The World’s Biggest Soccer Tournament is Coming to the Bay Area Summer 2026

With the San Francisco Bay Area slated to host six matches (comprising five group fixtures and one knockout game), the Bay Area and Silicon Valley regions are slated to show up and show out for the world’s most anticipated soccer tournament. 

Levi’s Stadium (rebranded for the games as San Francisco Bay Area Stadium) will serve as the epicenter of the global games action, but Silicon Valley and San Francisco as a whole will count as the fans’ playground during the two weeks of gameplay, from June 13, 2026 to July 1, 2026. 

The best way to take advantage of all the region has to offer? Stay in Menlo Park, which connects visitors to San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara, SFO, SJC, and San Francisco Bay Area Stadium — all from the heart of Silicon Valley.

Here’s why Hotel Nia in centrally located Menlo Park should be your global games home base.

Why Menlo Park Is the Perfect Base for the Upcoming Global Games

Skip the frantic urban settings of San Francisco and San Jose and stay where Silicon Valley’s brightest innovate and unwind:

• Menlo Park provides easy access to Bay Area stadiums, airports, and attractions, without the gridlock or chaos of the city. Guests can explore thriving communities in nearby Palo Alto and Redwood City, enjoy the farm-to-table scene at local restaurants, and unwind in serene outdoor spaces.
• Menlo Park is centrally located and offers stress-free access to San Francisco, San Jose, and San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara
• Enjoy elevated dining, boutique wine bars, and cultural experiences, all at a laid-back pace.
• Convenient proximity to both San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
• Ideal for travelers who want to experience the Bay Area and Silicon Valley’s serene nature and innovative arts and culinary scenes between the matches.

Getting to San Francisco Bay Area Stadium from Hotel Nia

• Traveling from Menlo Park to San Francisco Bay Area Stadium is simple and efficient: take Caltrain south to Mountain View, then transfer to VTA Light Rail directly to the stadium.
• Approximate travel time: 55 minutes by public transit
• Drive time: About 30 minutes from Hotel Nia, depending on traffic
• Many fans will commute via public transit, which allows a safe and streamlined way to partake in Silicon Valley’s restaurants, parks, and nightlife before and after each match.

Where to Stay in Silicon Valley

For fans seeking modern luxury, plush amenities, comfort, and connection, Hotel Nia, Autograph Collection offers an elevated stay in the heart of Menlo Park. Enjoy perks from one of Condé Nast Traveler’s top hotels in Northern California, including:

• Easy access to Caltrain and major highways leading to San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
• Luxury accommodations that feature floor-to-ceiling windows, rainforest showerheads and soaking tubs, private balconies, and smart technology to best accommodate each guest's preferences.
• Verve Cafe, an on-site coffee house serving innovative pick-me-ups (like pistachio matcha lattes and ube specialty drinks).
• Porta Blu, the hotel’s Mediterranean-coastal restaurant and lounge, which specializes in familiar dishes made with a twist. (Don’t sleep on the Honey Lavender Chicken or Smoked Brisket Nachos, ideal for sharing with friends before or after the game.)
• Amenities that make the most of Menlo Park’s sunny weather (eat your heart out, San Francisco), including a resort-style, heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi with towel, food, and beverage service. Plus, a large fitness center, wellness programs (such as sound baths), and outdoor courtyard experiences.
• Minutes from downtown Palo Alto, Stanford University, and premium shopping at Stanford Shopping Center.

Travel Tips for Visiting the Bay Area During the 2026 Global Games

• Book Early: Hotels across the Bay Area will fill months in advance.
• Use Public Transit: Traffic will be heavy around the Santa Clara and 101 corridors, so avoid driving on match days. Caltrain and VTA offer direct access to San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
• Explore Beyond the Stadium: Check out the Google Garage in Menlo Park, Stanford Dish Loop Trail in Palo Alto for sweeping views, the dramatic beaches of Half Moon Bay, and cultural landmarks in San Francisco.
• Pack for Microclimates: Days in Menlo Park are warm and sunny, while evenings are cool (and perfect for al-fresco dining at Hotel Nia).

Are There Fan Zones or Viewing Parties Planned in the Bay Area?

Details on Official Fan Zones are forthcoming, but the Bay Area Host Committee anticipates Fan Fest engagement sites to provide immersive experiences. Cities like San Francisco and San Jose are just a few of the Bay Area and Silicon Valley locales expected to offer screenings of live matches, food vendors, drone shows, live entertainment, and brand activations.

What Else Can I Do in the Bay Area Between Matches?

The Bay Area and Silicon Valley offer endless ways to play between matches, and with games played days apart from one another, there is plenty of downtime to do so. Here are just a few ways to enhance your visit:

• Explore Stanford University campus and its free art museum, Cantor Arts Center; or check out the bloom-filled Filoli Historic House & Gardens in Palo Alto.
• Spend a day on the rugged coast of Half Moon Bay or Santa Cruz.
• Enjoy wine tasting in Los Gatos (including the low-production and single-vineyard wines produced by Saison Winery); forest bathing in Portola Redwoods State Park; or boutique shopping in Downtown Menlo Park (where the handcrafted jewelry at Shady Lane is not to be missed).
• Back at Hotel Nia, unwind by the pool or enjoy a seasonal cocktail (like the Spicy Michocana or zero-proof Cucumber Martini) at Porta Blu before your next match.

When Should I Book My Hotel?

Rooms across the Bay Area and Silicon Valley will sell out early, so it’s best to reserve your stay 6–12 months in advance (especially if you want proximity to San Francisco Bay Area Stadium and convenient transit access).

Will There Be Traffic or Road Closures During the Matches?

Yes, expect heavier traffic around San Francisco Bay Area Stadium and Highway 101. For the most efficient way to reach the games, take public transportation via Caltrain and VTA.

No matter if you’re cheering from the stands, catching the match on a big screen, or exploring the city between games, Menlo Park puts the excitement of the world’s biggest soccer tournament right at your doorstep. Book your stay at Hotel Nia now and experience the Bay Area like a local while staying close to all the action.