As the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway, California is positioning itself as a destination that combines football with leisure travel, hosting 14 tournament matches across the Los Angeles region and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Eight matches will be played at Los Angeles Stadium in
Inglewood, while six will take place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara,
including the United States' opening match, group-stage fixtures, knockout
games and a quarterfinal.
The Bay Area schedule also includes matches featuring Qatar
and Jordan.
State tourism officials are encouraging visitors to extend
their stay beyond match days by exploring California's beaches, cities,
national parks and coastal road trips. Southern California destinations such as
Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Dana Point offer
beachfront experiences, luxury resorts and outdoor activities within easy reach
of Los Angeles.
Following the reopening of Highway 1 through Big Sur earlier
this year, travellers can once again drive the full coastal route between
Southern and Northern California, visiting destinations including Santa
Barbara, Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Visitors attending matches in Santa Clara can also explore
San Jose, San Francisco, Napa Valley and nearby redwood forests.
California is also promoting its diverse culinary scene,
including farm-to-table dining, fresh seafood and a wide range of international
and halal-friendly restaurants.
For nature
enthusiasts, attractions such as Yosemite National Park provide opportunities
to extend their trip beyond the tournament with hiking, wildlife viewing and
scenic outdoor experiences. -TTN