an Francisco Bay Area Stadium
(Levi’s Stadium)
Key facts:
World Cup matches: 6
Type: Outdoor, permanent grass pitch
Capacity: 69,391 (source – Fifa)
Opened: 2014
Time difference: -8 hours BST
Average daily high in June: 24C
Though home to five-time Super Bowl winners the 49ers, this stadium lies 35 miles south-east of San Francisco in Santa Clara, in the heart of Silicon Valley and part of the Bay Area conurbation.
It cost $1.3bn to build but is mainly uncovered, leaving fans exposed to the elements come rain or shine. While NFL seasons don’t begin until September, the risk posed by heat will obviously be greater at the World Cup, with strong sunlight particularly affecting the eastern side of the stadium.
Adding a roof or shade isn’t feasible as there are building height restrictions in place because San Jose airport is nearby.
A $200m renovation project was completed in the summer of 2025, improving drainage and ventilation for the grass playing field and reconfiguring corner seating to make room for Fifa’s standard pitch dimensions.
In addition to staging World Cup games in 2026, the venue will host its second Super Bowl in February.
an Francisco Bay Area Stadium
(Levi’s Stadium)
Key facts:
World Cup matches: 6
Type: Outdoor, permanent grass pitch
Capacity: 69,391 (source – Fifa)
Opened: 2014
Time difference: -8 hours BST
Average daily high in June: 24C
Though home to five-time Super Bowl winners the 49ers, this stadium lies 35 miles south-east of San Francisco in Santa Clara, in the heart of Silicon Valley and part of the Bay Area conurbation.
It cost $1.3bn to build but is mainly uncovered, leaving fans exposed to the elements come rain or shine. While NFL seasons don’t begin until September, the risk posed by heat will obviously be greater at the World Cup, with strong sunlight particularly affecting the eastern side of the stadium.
Adding a roof or shade isn’t feasible as there are building height restrictions in place because San Jose airport is nearby.
A $200m renovation project was completed in the summer of 2025, improving drainage and ventilation for the grass playing field and reconfiguring corner seating to make room for Fifa’s standard pitch dimensions.
In addition to staging World Cup games in 2026, the venue will host its second Super Bowl in February.
Post time: May-27-2026