Santa Clara finalizes World Cup contracts, securing protections for city finances

City officials spent over a year negotiating to shield Santa Clara from Levi’s Stadium upgrade costs

by B. Sakura Cannestra, San Jose Spotlight February 20, 2025February 19, 2025

The Santa Clara City Council has approved agreements to move ahead with FIFA World Cup games at Levi's Stadium next year. (San José Spotlight file photo)

Santa Clara officials are paving the way for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finalizing responsibilities.

The City Council approved various agreements with the Bay Area Host Committee and the 49ers’ stadium management branch, ManCo, Tuesday in a 5-2 vote, with Mayor Lisa Gillmor and Councilmember Kelly Cox voting no. The agreement details operational and financial responsibilities for the six World Cup matches scheduled at Levi’s Stadium next year.

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