San Diego leans into FIFA World Cup with matches and fan zones
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Soccer fans cheer ahead of the United States' roster reveal. Photo: Adam Hunger/Getty Images
San Diego isn't a 2026 FIFA World Cup host city, but local soccer fans can still get in on the action next month with international matches and massive watch parties.
The big picture: San Diego will host two international friendlies at Snapdragon Stadium ahead of the tournament — Switzerland vs. Australia on June 6 and Colombia vs. Jordan on June 7.
- Tickets start at $85 in seats with prime goal-scoring views.
- Two national teams are preparing for the tournament in San Diego and will be based here for their group stage games. Switzerland is training at San Diego Jewish Academy and New Zealand chose the University of San Diego.
These World Cup tie-ins come as San Diego continues to build its reputation as a soccer destination by embracing the cultural moment and tapping into the world's largest and most watched sporting event.
- The World Cup runs June 11–July 19 in 16 cities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
🎉 Meanwhile, San Diego FC is fueling the fun by turning Fit Social at Belmont Park in Mission Beach into a soccer fan zone with live viewings of all 104 World Cup matches.
- The free and family-friendly party will have big screens, live music, food and drinks, giveaways, SDFC player appearances and special merch.
- The fun kicks off Thursday, June 11.
⚽ The SDFC celebration extends to Chula Vista and Little Italy with watch parties for Team USA and Mexico games.
- June 12: Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center and Little Italy's Piazza della Famiglia
- June 18: Third Avenue and Memorial Park in downtown Chula Vista
🍻 Local sports bars go all in for World Cup games. Check out these soccer fan hubs:
- Shakespeare Pub in Mission Hills
- Fairplay and Bluefoot in North Park
- Tom's Watch Bar in Gaslamp
- Princess Pub in Little Italy
- Novo Brazil Brewing in Mission Valley
- PRK 101 in Carlsbad Village
🏟️ Frontwave Arena in Oceanside is also planning World Cup watch party events.
What we're watching: The success of these events and LA28 Olympic soccer matches at Snapdragon could boost San Diego's bid to host the 2031 Women's World Cup.