World Cup 2026: San Jose launching massive, free 39-day soccer fan fest with 500-sq-ft screen

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Downtown San Jose is preparing to transform into the ultimate soccer destination as the South Bay gears up to host the Bay Area’s largest month-long World Cup celebration.

The San Jose Earthquakes, in partnership with the City of San José, the San José Sports Authority, and the Bay Area Host Committee (BAHC), announced on Monday the launch of "Soccer Celebration" at the iconic San Pedro Square Market. The massive, 39-day fan fest will run from the opening kickoff straight through the tournament final, offering local fans a centralized hub to catch world-class soccer action.

Soccer Celebration: What You Need to Know

What: The Bay Area's largest free FIFA World Cup watch party series.

Where: San Pedro Square Market (87 N. San Pedro St., San Jose).

When: Thursday, June 11 through Sunday, July 19.

Admission: Completely FREE with an RSVP.

Parking: Available adjacent to the market, with the first two hours free.

104 Matches, Giant Screens, and 'To-Go' Drinks

Organizers are pulling out all the stops to give soccer fans an epic community experience, expecting thousands—if not tens of thousands—of attendees to flood downtown streets daily.

Soccer Celebration will be the only viewing location in the Bay Area to broadcast all 104 matches live. Games will be shown on multiple jumbo screens placed throughout the open-air market and surrounding streets, featuring a flagship screen measuring nearly 500 square feet.

"This event for San Jose will be where the focal point of the World Cup will be for the Bay," said Zaileen Janmohamed, President and CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee.

To maximize the party atmosphere, the city is utilizing its Entertainment Zone designation at San Pedro Square, allowing adult fans to purchase and consume "to-go" alcoholic beverages outdoors within the festival perimeter. Additionally, San Pedro Square Market’s diverse culinary vendors will serve specialized, World Cup-themed menu items and drink specials representing the competing global nations.

For families, a dedicated "Soccer Village" will feature youth zones, face painting, interactive soccer games, and appearances by Earthquakes mascot Q. Fans can also look forward to meet-and-greets with soccer legends and an exclusive merchandise line only available at the site.

Big Business and Lifelong Memories

While San Jose recently hosted a Super Bowl that drew 500,000 fans to the region, local leaders emphasize that the weeks-long World Cup will bring an entirely different level of sustained economic and cultural impact.

"Super Bowl is great. It's a weekend. It's one game. This is 104," said John Poch, Executive Director of the San Jose Sports Authority.

City officials say the extended festival is a massive win for the local economy, keeping downtown vibrant for over a month straight.

"Our hotels are full, small businesses are going to benefit," said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. "And most importantly for me, it's an opportunity for people to experience their city in a new way and build lifelong memories and really be proud of the city they live in."

For San Jose Earthquakes President Jared Shawlee, the magic hits close to home. Shawlee recalls how watching the Brazilian national team practice in the Bay Area during the 1994 World Cup completely changed the trajectory of his life.

"It changed my life. That's what committed me to want to work for the Earthquakes and work in soccer and bring the World Cup back," Shawlee said. "And so here we are. We're hoping to do this for another generation of young kids and inspire them forward."

Opening Weekend Kickoff

The month-long festival officially kicks off on Thursday, June 11 with a highly anticipated opening day doubleheader:

12:00 PM (PT): Mexico vs. South Africa (Tournament Opening Match)

7:00 PM (PT): Korea Republic vs. Czechia