FIFA World Cup 2026: Santa Monica promises football fever with a coastal California twist; what travellers and fans should know

This summer, Santa Monica is set to become one of the most exciting destinations for football fans during the FIFA World Cup 2026. Combining beachside relaxation with nonstop match-day energy, the coastal city will host official activations, fan festivals, family-friendly events and vibrant watch parties throughout the tournament season. Located close to SoFi Stadium — one of the key venues for the tournament’s Los Angeles fixtures — Santa Monica offers visitors the perfect mix of football, entertainment, nightlife and California coastal culture.Where to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Matches in Santa MonicaMichelob ULTRA Pitchside Club at Santa Monica Pier (June 12–25)Fans aged 21 and above can head to the iconic Santa Monica Pier for the Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club, one of the city’s headline World Cup experiences. The event will feature live screenings, interactive games, fan competitions and appearances by athletes and special guests.Watch Party at Annenberg Community Beach House (June 25 | 6 PM–9 PM)Families and football lovers can enjoy a free World Cup-themed evening at the Annenberg Community Beach House. The event includes screenings of USA vs Turkey and Paraguay vs Australia, along with soccer-inspired games, crafts and activities set against scenic ocean views.Third Street PromenadeThird Street Promenade will serve as one of the city’s busiest football hubs throughout the tournament. Packed with restaurants, bars, nightlife venues and shopping, the promenade will host special “Golden Hour” events on June 12, June 27 and July 10, featuring outdoor entertainment, fan activations and themed experiences.Football fans can also enjoy the Entertainment Zone on weekends, where adults aged 21 and over can responsibly enjoy beverages while exploring the promenade between Broadway and Wilshire Boulevard. Sports lovers can additionally stop by Culto Futbol for authentic jerseys and football merchandise.Sports Bars and Local HangoutsSanta Monica’s sports-bar culture will also come alive during the tournament. Popular spots include:Barney's BeanerySanta Monica Brew WorksBig Dean's Ocean Front CafeThese venues are expected to host lively screenings, themed menus and fan gatherings throughout the World Cup season.Major Fan Activations and EventsFrom June 11 to July 19, Santa Monica will transform into a giant football celebration zone with events for all age groups.World Play Zone (June 11–27)Located in Downtown Santa Monica, the World Play Zone will feature daily watch parties, a large LED screen and kid-friendly soccer activities in the Junior Junction area, making it a family-focused fan destination.Golden Hour (June 12, June 27 & July 10)The Third Street Promenade will host enhanced outdoor dining, interactive exhibits and entertainment during these special evenings designed for pre- and post-match celebrations.The Garden Series (June 14 & July 12)Hosted at Tongva Park, this wellness-focused experience combines movement sessions, creative workshops and relaxation activities for visitors looking to recharge between matches.LA Metro Make Music Day (June 21)The Los Angeles Metro celebrations at Downtown Santa Monica Metro Station will feature live music, workshops and football-themed activations tied to the World Cup atmosphere.Pulse in the Park (July 4)Following Santa Monica’s annual Fourth of July parade, Tongva Park will host DJs, artists, social spaces and themed activations celebrating both Independence Day and the global football festival.COAST 2026 (July 19)The tournament season concludes with COAST 2026, a large-scale open-street celebration featuring live art, food trucks, interactive fan zones, music performances and a massive beer garden in the heart of the city.FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Dates at SoFi StadiumSoFi Stadium will host several key matches during the tournament:June 12 — USA vs ParaguayJune 15 — Iran vs New ZealandJune 18 — Switzerland vs Bosnia & HerzegovinaJune 21 — Belgium vs IranJune 25 — USA vs TurkeyJune 28 — Round of 32July 2 — Round of 32July 10 — QuarterfinalHow Fans Can Travel from Santa Monica to SoFi StadiumFans staying in Santa Monica will have multiple transportation options to reach SoFi Stadium:Metro Match Day Direct Service buses departing every 10 minutes from Santa Monica Parking Structure 1Big Blue Bus Route 3 with Metro shuttle connectionsMetro Rail and bus transfers via the Metro E LineHotel shuttle and park-and-ride servicesCycling routes with bike racks available at the stadiumRideshare services including Uber, Lyft and Waymo robotaxisStay, Play and Explore in Santa MonicaLocated just eight miles from Los Angeles International Airport, Santa Monica combines convenience with a laid-back coastal atmosphere. With more than 40 hotels and over 400 restaurants, visitors can balance World Cup excitement with beach walks, nightlife, shopping and wellness experiences.Several hotels are also introducing special FIFA World Cup 2026 packages. These include:Huntley Santa Monica Beach offering dining credits for extended stays during match daysSanta Monica Proper Hotel featuring dining offers, complimentary nights and breakfast packages for football fansWhether fans want nonstop match-day excitement, beachside relaxation or a mix of both, Santa Monica is positioning itself as one of the top destinations for experiencing the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Los Angeles.