FIFA World Cup 2026 Travel Guide To California’s Best Hotels And Restaurants
- The Style List
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
The countdown has officially begun, with just a month to go, for FIFA World Cup 2026™, taking place from June 11 to July 29 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This year, soccer fever is taking over California, as 48 national teams compete in the FIFA World Cup 2026, with matches held across Los Angeles and the San Fransico Bay Area.
Over these 39 days, the city will offer global travellers the perfect opportunity to turn match days into an immersive Golden State escape, featuring fan celebrations, watch parties, and community programming. From soccer player meet-and-greets and live music to limited-edition merch, there are ample ways to celebrate.
Beyond the matches, Los Angeles offers plenty to explore. Sports fans can visit iconic venues such as the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and Dodger Stadium. Adventure seekers can drive at the Porsche Experience Centre or surf at Venice Beach, while culture enthusiasts can explore The Getty Centre, The Broad, Olvera Street, and Little Tokyo.
The Bay Area also makes for an exciting getaway. In San Jose, visitors can shop and dine at Santana Row or visit the famous Winchester Mystery House. Santa Cruz offers beaches, surfing, the Beach Boardwalk, and nearby scenic redwood forests. No Bay Area trip is complete without exploring San Francisco’s iconic attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, Alcatraz, SFMOMA, and the California Academy of Sciences. Here’s a guide to the best luxury stays and fine Dining experiences in California during the FIFA World Cup 2026, the match calendar and the teams in each group.
Where to Stay In Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, the U.S. Men’s National Team will kick off the state’s World Cup matches on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Fans heading to matches at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles are encouraged to use public transport, as parking is limited. Direct Metrolink services from park-and-ride locations across the city will run on match days, with fares priced at just $1.75 each way.
Beyond the action on the field, the city presents one of the country’s most dynamic landscapes for high-end hospitality and dining. For those seeking elevated stays, The Peninsula Beverly Hills stands out as a refined French château-style retreat set amidst lush tropical gardens. Known for its serene spa, cabana-lined pool, and signature afternoon tea in The Living Room, it offers a tranquil counterpoint to the energy of the games.
Image Credits: Visit California and Max Whittekar
Image Credits: thepeninsulabh/IG
Along the waterfront, The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey offers sweeping marina views from every room, complemented by experiences ranging from bespoke spa treatments to private tennis sessions and curated luxury drives.
Image Credits: ritzcarltonsanfrancisco/IG
Further south, Terranea Resort spans 102 acres along the coast, blending eco-conscious design with expansive accommodations, from private villas to ocean-facing guestrooms, and offering multiple dining venues and pools.
Image Credits: terranearesort/IG
Dining In LA
Los Angeles’ fine dining scene is equally compelling. Michelin-starred restaurants such as Hayato in Downtown, Mélisse in Santa Monica, and Providence, which also holds a Michelin Green Star for sustainability, offer standout dining experiences. Additional highlights include Pasta Bar, Camphor, Citrin, and République, each offering its own take on contemporary Californian cuisine.
Image Credits: citrinla/IG
Image Credits: providencela/IG
Image Credits: republiquerestaurantla/IG
Where To Stay In San Francisco
In Northern California, matches in the Bay Area will be held at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, about 45 miles from San Francisco. The Bay Area, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, is easily accessible through public transport. The Valley Transportation Authority offers light rail, buses, and event shuttles, along with easy connections to downtown San Jose and nearby parking hubs. This proximity offers a seamless blend of matchday excitement and refined city experiences.
Luxury accommodations begin at The St. Regis San Francisco, located in the historic Williams Building and adjacent to cultural landmarks including the Museum of the African Diaspora and SFMOMA. Its expansive Presidential Suite, refined dining at Astra, and the signature Art of Sabrage experience at the bar exemplify understated sophistication.
Image Credits: Tripadvisor
Another iconic stay, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, occupies a landmark address in Nob Hill. Here, guests can unwind with limited-edition wines and handcrafted cocktails, alongside sweeping views of the city skyline. The hotel also offers easy access to the city’s iconic cable cars, connecting to neighbourhood highlights like Fisherman Wharf and Ghirardelli Square.
For a more intimate experience, Sutter Mansion offers Victorian-era grandeur in a restored historic mansion. Each suite is uniquely designed, blending period architecture with modern luxury, and curated art collections enhance the sense of exclusivity.
San Francisco’s Michelin-starred dining scene is equally distinguished. Restaurants such as Quince, Benu, Atelier Crenn, Californios, and Birdsong showcase innovative versions of Californian cuisine. In Chinatown, Mr Jiu offers a modern take on Chinese dining, while Empress by Boon reimagines Cantonese fine dining in a historic setting.
Image Credits: atelier.crenn/IG
Image Credits: empressbyboon/IG
The San Francisco area is a traveller’s top choice, with endless options for sightseeing and exploration, from a majestic view of the Golden Gate Bridge to sampling the complex flavours of wines from the Napa Valley’s premium vineyards.
Qualified teams and group designations include:
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, the Republic of Korea, UEFA Play-off D Winner
Group B: Canada, UEFA Play-off A Winner, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA Play-off C Winner
Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, UEFA Play-off B Winner, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, FIFA Play-off 2 Winner, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria. Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, FIFA Play-off 1 Winner, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
Los Angeles matches
6/12/26, USA vs. Paraguay, Match 4
6/15/26, Iran vs. New Zealand, Match 15
6/18/26, Switzerland vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina, Match 26
6/21/26, Belgium vs. Iran, Match 39
6/25/26, Turkey vs. USA, Match 59
6/28/26, Round of 32, Match 73
7/2/26, Round of 32, Match 84
7/10/26 Quarterfinal, Match 98
San Francisco matches
6/13/26, Qatar vs. Switzerland, Match 8
6/17/26, Austria vs. Jordan, Match 20
6/19/26, Turkey vs. Paraguay, Match 31
6/22/26, Jordan vs. Algeria, Match 44
6/25/26, Paraguay vs. Australia, Match 60
7/1/26, Round of 32, Match 81
Comments