The 2026 FIFA World Cup brought 1 million people to downtown San Jose over six weeks, Mayor Matt Mahan said Friday.
Watch parties, fan activities and community celebrations “created a landmark stretch for the restaurants, bars and small businesses that call the downtown pedestrian district home,” the mayor said.
“A million fans, families, and visitors have now experienced our vision for a downtown–and a broader sports and entertainment district — that serves as a destination for the entire region,” Mahan said.
From June 13 through July 19, more than 500,000 passengers traveled through San Jose Mineta International Airport, according to the mayor.
For the U.S.-Bosnia and Herzegovina match alone, nearly 200 private aircraft landed at SJC, “more than it handled during Super Bowl week earlier in 2026,” according to the mayor.
From June 12 through July 11, he said, San Jose hotels recorded a 9% year-over-year increase in occupancy, a 17% increase in average daily room rates and a 28% increase in revenue per available room.
San Jose’s 2026 sports events established the city as a year-round sports and entertainment destination, the city said.
“We didn’t just host World Cup celebrations — we showcased San Jose to the world as a premier destination for sports, culture and community,” said John Poch, director of the San Jose Sports Authority.