Surf and Celebrate FIFA World Cup in Santa Monica, California
This summer, Santa Monica is your ultimate beachside base to experience FIFA World Cup 2026™, where fans will cheer alongside fellow soccer lovers at official activations and local watch parties while enjoying easy access to all Los Angeles matches at nearby SoFi Stadium.
Just eight miles from Los Angeles International Airport and a short trip from SoFi Stadium, Santa Monica is transforming into Southern California’s premier World Cup fan destination. From June 11 through July 19, the iconic beach city will host an extraordinary lineup of watch parties, fan festivals, family-friendly activations, wellness experiences, live music events, and community celebrations that capture the global spirit of the tournament while embracing the laid-back charm of the California coast.
Whether you’re a lifelong football fan, a traveling supporter following your national team, or simply looking to soak up the atmosphere of one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events, Santa Monica offers the perfect blend of excitement, entertainment, and beachside relaxation.
Where to Watch the Matches
For fans looking to experience every thrilling moment alongside fellow supporters, Santa Monica has created a diverse range of viewing opportunities.
One of the season’s most anticipated attractions is the Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club on the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Running from June 12 through June 25, this immersive fan experience invites guests aged 21 and over to enjoy live match screenings, interactive games, athlete appearances, and a vibrant social atmosphere against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Few places in the world can rival watching World Cup action while standing on one of California’s most famous landmarks.
The excitement begins on June 12 with the Santa Monica USA Kickoff Celebration at Santa Monica Place. This all-day festival features a massive 30-foot LED screen broadcasting key matches, including Canada vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina and USA vs. Paraguay. Live DJs, food and beverage vendors, giveaways, VIP spaces, and interactive brand experiences create a festival-like atmosphere in the heart of downtown.
Families can join the action on June 25 at the Annenberg Community Beach House during a special World Cup Fun & Watch Party. Combining indoor and outdoor activities, the event features live match screenings, soccer-themed games, crafts, and family programming—all accompanied by stunning ocean views.
Meanwhile, the Third Street Promenade serves as the city’s unofficial fan boulevard throughout the tournament. Home to dozens of restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues, the pedestrian-friendly district buzzes with energy on match days. Visitors can enjoy special programming during Golden Hour celebrations and catch games while dining among local supporters. Soccer enthusiasts should also make time for a stop at Culto Futbol, where authentic team jerseys and premium soccer merchandise await.
Sports bars and pubs across the city provide even more opportunities to watch the action. From the lively atmosphere at Barney’s Beanery to locally crafted brews at Santa Monica Brew Works and oceanfront viewing at Big Dean’s Ocean Front Café, fans will find no shortage of welcoming places to cheer on their teams.
Beyond the Matches: A Festival for All Ages
Santa Monica‘s World Cup celebrations extend far beyond match viewing.
At the heart of the festivities is the World Play Zone in Downtown Santa Monica. Open daily from June 11 through June 27, this family-friendly destination features a giant LED viewing screen, youth activities, and soccer-themed play areas designed specifically for younger fans.
The city’s popular Golden Hour events return on June 12, June 27, and July 10, transforming the Third Street Promenade into a vibrant gathering place filled with interactive exhibits, outdoor dining experiences, and entertainment.
For those seeking a more relaxed pace, The Garden Series offers a refreshing counterbalance to the tournament’s high energy. Held in beautiful Tongva Park on June 14 and July 12, these wellness-focused events feature movement classes, creative workshops, mindfulness experiences, and premium lifestyle activations.
Music lovers won’t want to miss LA Metro Make Music Day on June 21 at the Downtown Santa Monica Metro Station. This free community celebration combines live performances, interactive workshops, soccer-inspired activities, and tributes to the centennial anniversary of Route 66.
On Independence Day, Pulse in the Park brings together patriotic festivities and global football excitement. Following Santa Monica’s beloved Fourth of July Parade, visitors can continue the celebration in Tongva Park with DJs, local artists, social spaces, and interactive experiences.
The grand finale arrives on July 19 with COAST 2026, an expansive open-street festival that promises to be one of Santa Monica’s largest community events of the year. Expect live art installations, global cuisine from food trucks, immersive activations, interactive zones, and a massive beer garden as the city celebrates both the conclusion of the World Cup season and its role as an international destination.
Easy Access to SoFi Stadium
Santa Monica’s appeal extends beyond its entertainment offerings. It also serves as an ideal home base for fans attending matches at SoFi Stadium.
The Los Angeles venue will host several marquee fixtures, including USA vs. Paraguay on June 12 and USA vs. Turkey on June 25, along with knockout-round matches and a quarterfinal.
Getting there is remarkably convenient. Fans can choose from direct match-day shuttle services departing from Santa Monica, public transit connections via Metro Rail and buses, private shuttle options offered by select hotels, cycling routes for adventurous travelers, or rideshare services such as Uber, Lyft, and Waymo.
This accessibility allows visitors to enjoy the excitement of match day without sacrificing the comfort and beauty of a beachside stay.
Stay, Play and Recharge by the Sea
What truly sets Santa Monica apart during World Cup season is its ability to balance excitement with relaxation.
Between matches, visitors can unwind on wide sandy beaches, explore scenic coastal bike paths, indulge in wellness experiences, or discover the city’s thriving culinary scene. With more than 400 restaurants and 40 hotels, accommodations range from luxury oceanfront properties to stylish boutique stays.
Several hotels are introducing special World Cup packages for the season. The Huntley Santa Monica Beach is offering its Summer 2026 Match Experience package, including generous dining credits for guests staying during Los Angeles match dates. Meanwhile, Santa Monica Proper Hotel has unveiled its Ultimate Fan Stay promotion, featuring dining credits, breakfast perks, and complimentary nights for longer stays throughout the tournament period.
The Perfect World Cup Escape
As millions of visitors flock to Los Angeles for the biggest sporting event on the planet, Santa Monica offers something increasingly rare: the opportunity to experience the energy of the World Cup while enjoying one of California’s most iconic coastal destinations.
Here, football fans can spend the morning on the beach, the afternoon exploring vibrant downtown neighborhoods, the evening cheering alongside supporters from around the world, and the night watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.
For travelers seeking more than just a ticket to the match, Santa Monica may well be the ultimate World Cup destination.
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