Best Ways to Experience the World Cup in the San Francisco Bay Area

As California continues to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, California Now host Josh Meyers heads to San Francisco to explore the energy, innovation, and community shaping this iconic World Cup host region. The journey begins at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, where Meyers meets Stephanie Rogers, executive vice president of marketing for the San Francisco 49ers. From a rooftop garden overlooking the field, Rogers shares what fans can expect when the World Cup comes to town, highlighting the stadium’s cutting-edge technology and fan-first design. The two also take a walk through the 49ers Museum before diving into Rogers’ top recommendations for where to eat, explore, and experience the best of Santa Clara. Next, Meyers makes his way to McTeague’s Saloon in Lower Nob Hill to meet Zach Holman, president of the San Francisco chapter of American Outlaws, along with Vice President Jackie Choi. Inside the lively neighborhood bar, they break down what the grassroots soccer fan organization is all about and what makes watching a match with fellow fans so electric. The conversation covers the excitement building around the World Cup, how nonmembers can join in the fun, and their favorite local spots across San Francisco and beyond. The episode wraps in the historic Castro District at Rikki’s, where Meyers sits down with co-owners Danielle Thoe and Sara Yergovich. As the first women-centric sports bar, Rikki’s offers a welcoming, inclusive space for fans of all kinds. Thoe and Yergovich share the story behind the bar, why the Castro was the perfect home, and what makes the game-day experience there so special—right down to their favorite cocktails. The episode closes with Meyers joining fans to watch a U.S. Women’s National Team match.

You can listen to Best Ways to Experience the World Cup in the San Francisco Bay Area online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Best Ways to Experience the World Cup in the San Francisco Bay Area is an episode from California Now Podcast by Visit California.

This episode is 36:42 long.

This episode was published on May 5, 2026.

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