The biggest sports event on the planet — the FIFA World Cup — kicks off June 11 and runs through July 19. Naturally, dozens of big World Cup watch parties are scheduled at FIFA “fun zones” throughout the Bay Area. Here are seven venues where you can turn your soccer viewing into a full day or evening, with family-friendly activities, dining, music or movies. Find a day-by-day list of other spots at sfbayareafwc26.com/bay-area-events.
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DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE and beyond
The South Bay’s massive watch party — the Bay Area’s largest — will be centered at downtown San Jose’s San Pedro Square, as it was for the Super Bowl in February. That entire entertainment district will be given over to World Cup activities, with restaurants, bars and the market courtyard broadcasting the 104 matches.
Two humongous video screens outdoors on San Pedro Street will show all of the FIFA action, with family-friendly games, inflatables, photo ops, merchandise booths and more extending out to Santa Clara Street on one side and Sharks Way on the other.
The San Jose Sports Authority is also funding watch parties on various dates in all 10 city council districts, including a July 4 drone show at Lake Cunningham. Other party sites include Grand Century Mall, Gordon Biersch in Japantown, the Mexican Heritage Plaza and Almaden Lake Park.
On June 27, Volta3s will present a daylong community celebration of soccer with a 3v3 youth tournament and watch party at Arena Green Park. Two video screens will allow for six World Cup games to be shown. Attendees will find activities, food, drink and more along Sharks Way and in the Little Italy historic district.
Details: Find info on fan zones and watch parties at sj26.sanjose.org.
ALAMEDA COUNTY FAIR, Pleasanton
How’s this for a plan? Every time the announcer yells GOOOOAAAAL, you celebrate with another spin on the Zillerator or Wave Swinger or treat yourself to some more food-on-a-stick.
That’s easily done because the dates for three weeks of World Cup align with the Alameda County Fair’s annual run.
When the fair is open — that’s Wednesdays through Sundays from June 19 to July 12 — attendees can watch the action for free, with paid fair admission, at three watch party sites at the Pleasanton fairgrounds near downtown. Seating is first-come, first-served, but no reservations are needed.
There will be a Jumbotron and chairs set up at the Michelob Ultra Concert Lawn, where there’s also room for folks to set down blankets for viewing. Fairgoers will find several TVs at The Farmhouse and a large screen at The Crafted Cocktails & Beer Bar.
The first match will be USA vs. Australia at noon on the fair’s opening day, Friday, June 19.
Details: Fair hours are noon to 11 p.m. at 2005 Valley Ave., Pleasanton; annual.alamedacountyfair.com.
BEACH BOARDWALK, Santa Cruz
Beach soccer meets World Cup soccer at this sandy destination, with free events on five dates.
On June 24, Coasters Bar & Grill (next to Boardwalk Bowl) will host the 6 p.m. Mexico vs. Czechia viewing, starting with a set of mariachi music at 4:30 p.m.
On June 25, the massive LED screen will be set up on the Main Beach, along with a beer garden. Fans are encouraged to stake a spot early for the 7 p.m. USA vs. Turkey match.
On June 26, the action moves back to Coasters for the 5 p.m. Uruguay vs. Spain match while Free Movie Night takes over the beach screen. The 1995 soccer comedy “Kicking & Screaming” will be shown.
On June 27-28, footvolley and beach soccer exhibitions are planned on the beach at noon, followed by youth skills sessions at 2 p.m. and DJ dance parties at 8:30 p.m.
Bonus: You might be the only soccer fans in the world munching on saltwater taffy during the FIFA matches. Get yourself a bag from one of the Marini’s stands on the Boardwalk before heading to the viewing.
Details: Bring low-back chairs and blankets. You can combine your soccer-watching with free Boardwalk movies, rides and other activities. Check the schedule at beachboardwalk.com/world-soccer-celebration.
SANTANA ROW, “The Row Cup,” San Jose
This center, which always attracts an international array of diners and shoppers, will turn its focus to soccer for the five-week duration of the World Cup, with free viewing of all 104 matches planned.
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More than 15 restaurants and bars with patios will add large screens and host outdoor watch parties, and a “Sip & Stroll Zone” will allow guests to carry open-air cocktails and beer throughout the Row, from one venue to another.
Among those that will be showing all games are El Jardin Tequila Bar, Fogo de Chao, Left Bank, LB Steak, Meso Mediterranean, Straits, Suspiro, Yard House and Zazil. Some will offer extended happy hours or other specials.
Fans can find official tournament merch, gear and clothing at a FIFA pop-up shop that will be open near the Blue Bottle Coffee shop from now through July 20.
Details: Find locations, happy hours and live music options at santanarow.com/event/the-row-cup.
FIESTA CULTURAL STREET FAIR, Walnut Creek
On Saturday, June 13, the Lesher Center for the Arts will combine World Cup action with its fourth annual free Fiesta Cultural Fair.
Culture vultures who also love soccer can enjoy Latin American music, dance performances and food outside from noon to 5 p.m. and watch FIFA matches indoors.
The Hofmann Theater will screen two games that day: Qatar vs. Switzerland at noon and Brazil vs. Morocco at 3 p.m. Tickets are free, but those who’d like to attend must reserve seats online ahead of time.
The fair kicks off the night before with the headliner, Pacific Mambo Orchestra, performs in a ticketed concert.
Details: Noon-7 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek; sfbayareafwc26.com/bay-area-events/watch-party-walnut-creek.
SOCCER ON THE SQUARE, Redwood City
Courthouse Square in downtown Redwood City has become an appealing Peninsula venue for outdoor movies, concerts and festivals during the summer and Oktoberfest in the fall. With its location near dozens of restaurants, a large movieplex, the Caltrain station and underground parking, it also makes a smart choice for a World Cup fan zone.
From June 23 to July 19, there will be three types of soccer experiences: Match Viewing Days offer free matches on the big screen. On Fan Zone Match Days, there will also be an inflatable play area, cornhole and beer/wine sales. On select days, the Fan Zone + Youth Interactive Zone events will feature local soccer clubs, climbing walls, lawn games and more.
The viewing starts Tuesday, June 23, with matches including England vs. Ghana at 1 p.m., Panama vs. Croatia at 4 p.m. and Colombia vs. Democratic Republic of the Congo at 7 p.m.
Details: Find match dates, times, activities and business promotions at redwoodcity.org/soccer2026.
RAIMONDI PARK, Oakland
One of the biggest games in the tourney will take place on Friday, June 12, when Team USA takes on Paraguay in its World Cup opener in Los Angeles. How far will the USA go in the competition? Bay Area fans are expected to pack parties to see, especially the free event at the home of the Oakland Ballers.
The Oakland Sports Group, which comprises the Ballers, Roots and other teams, is inviting fans to Raimondi Park to wear team colors, wave their flags and watch the match together on the big screen. Family-friendly activities are planned, and a pre-party will be held nearby at the Prescott Marketplace.
The ballpark seats 4,000, plus however many will fit on the field. The organizers are encouraging local soccer teams and summer youth programs to join in, especially because some group transportation is available, courtesy of Opterra Energy Services.
Fans should RSVP for a free ticket to ensure they get seating. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the match will begin at 6.
Details: 5 p.m. Friday, June 12 at1689 20th St., Oakland. Sign up for free tickets at events.ticketleap.com/tickets/oaklandroots/raimondi-world-cup-watch-party-usa-vs-paraguay.
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