SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) — San Jose residents love soccer, especially when Mexico’s national team is playing and America is one of the World Cup host countries.

More than 20,000 people submitted RSVPs to attend a free World Cup watch party Thursday hosted by the San Jose Earthquakes soccer club and the city downtown in San Pedro Square, organizers said. The fan fest will kickoff with a match between Mexico and South Africa, beginning at 12 p.m.

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Organizers said watch parties will be held all this month for 2026 FIFA World Cup games. More than 100 matches will be broadcast live across multiple large screens. Admission is free with RSVP.

Raul Jimenez of Mexico celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the international friendly match between Mexico and Serbia at Nemesio Diez Stadium on June 4, 2026 in Toluca, Mexico. (Photo by Eduardo Valdez/Jam Media/Getty Images)

Raul Jimenez of Mexico celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the international friendly match between Mexico and Serbia at Nemesio Diez Stadium on June 4, 2026 in Toluca, Mexico. (Photo by Eduardo Valdez/Jam Media/Getty Images)

“The extravaganza will feature multiple viewing screens — the largest of them being nearly 500 square feet — along with dynamic soccer activities, a vibrant fan atmosphere with pre-match festivities and opportunities to honor the sport during a momentous summer of soccer,” organizers with the Earthquakes said.

Bay Area World Cup games: What you need to know

“This collaboration is slated to capture the passion for soccer among die-hard supporters, casual fans and families alike as the world comes together through the global game,” the team wrote.

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Soccer fans are encouraged to arrive early, allow extra travel time, and consider using public transportation.

World Cup matches will be played between June 11 through July 19.

On Saturday, Quatar will play against Switzerland at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. KRON4 Reporter Rob Nesbitt went on a tour with FIFA officials inside Levi’s Stadium, where six World Cup games will be played. Check out the stadium’s transformation in the video player above.

Levi’s Stadium World Cup games:

Saturday, June 13: Qatar vs. Switzerland — 12 p.m.

Friday, June 19: Turkey vs. Paraguay — 9 p.m.

Monday, June 22: Jordan vs. Algeria — 8 p.m.

Thursday, June 25: Paraguay vs. Australia — 7 p.m.

Wednesday, July 1: Round of 32 1D vs. 3BEFIJ — 5 p.m.

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