In preparation for the USA, Canada and Mexico’s co-hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, there are currently a number of venues hosting the FIFA delegation to present their suitability as a venue for the tournament. Levi’s Stadium, home to the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, is one such venue that has been presented to FIFA and US soccer representatives.
The 70,000 capacity venue in Santa Clara was the focus of the Bay Area Host Committee, who participated in the Infrastructure Workshop phase of the host city selection process for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The committee gave a virtual presentation to a delegation of FIFA and US Soccer representatives and a discussion led by representatives of the Levi’s Stadium Operations team highlighting the attributes and infrastructure of Levi’s Stadium along with the technical aspects related to the hosting of matches for the first 48-team FIFA World Cup in history.
Since opening in 2014, the technologically-advanced stadium has not only been home to the 49ers, but also staged Super Bowl 50 and several internationally renowned soccer events, including the Copa America Centenario, the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final, and annual installments of the International Champions Cup.
Being a technologically advanced and innovative stadium, the site features a ground-breaking infrastructure of internet access points strategically positioned beneath seats in the lower bowl – one access point for every 100 seats – that pioneered stadium-wide connectivity and ushered in countless fan-centric digital advances to the sports and entertainment industry. In the past year alone, the venue has also enhanced the fan experience by converting to a completely cashless venue and implementing the world’s first-ever fully integrated 8K video replay system, producing crystal clear replays on video boards throughout the stadium.
“Few venues can present the unique combination of greater infrastructure, amenities, field of play, and multi-functional space that Levi’s Stadium has to offer FIFA and each of its 48 member national teams that we hope to have the opportunity to host in 2026 and the lead-up to the world’s most popular event,” said Al Guido, Bay Area Host Committee Board President and San Francisco 49ers President. “As we have done with the Super Bowl, the CFP National Championship, and other major events, our host committee will serve as a great partner to FIFA and will bring the region together to stage an incredible event with Levi’s Stadium positioned as its centerpiece.”
The Infrastructure Workshop stage of the Candidate Host Community selection process was announced by FIFA in January 2021 and will be followed by another virtual discussion with each of the 17 United States candidate host communities on overall hosting strategy beginning in April 2021. FIFA has also stated its intent to begin venue visits of candidate host cities in July 2021 in accordance with governmental health and safety guidance. Following the conclusion of those venue visits, FIFA is ultimately targeting late 2021 for announcing its 16 host community selections for the shared hosting duties of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
