July 8, 2026 — Global commercial real estate, engineering and investment management company Colliers recently released its inaugural metro report, From Stadiums to Skylines: Real Estate Trends in World Cup Host Cities, highlighting the San Francisco Bay Area’s dynamic growth and readiness to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The San Francisco Bay Area (SF Bay Area) welcomed hundreds of thousands of global visitors, athletes, and fans throughout the month of June. The SF Bay Area Stadium (also known as Levi’s Stadium) in Santa Clara hosted six FIFA Men’s World Cup matches, including five Group Stage matches and a Round of 32 Knockout match July 1.
Lisa M. Gillmor, Mayor of Santa Clara, remarked:
As both Mayor of Santa Clara and a California real estate Broker, I see the FIFA World Cup 2026 through two lenses that few others can combine. When nations like Qatar, Switzerland, Jordan, Algeria, Austria, Turkey, Paraguay, and Australia take the pitch at Levi’s Stadium this June, they aren’t just competing for a trophy, they are experiencing firsthand what Santa Clara has built: a city where world-class infrastructure, Silicon Valley innovation, and a carbon-free energy grid converge in one of the most investment-ready environments on the planet.
A global stage for soccer and innovation
The report, published just before the start of the World Cup matches, underscores the SF Bay Area’s status as a premier soccer hub, home to the San Jose Earthquakes, Bay FC, and the Oakland Roots, supporting professional soccer across leagues, genders and communities.
The Australian National Team used the Oakland Roots & Soul Sports Club Training Facility in Alameda as their Home Base Training Camp during the tournament. Lydia Tan, Chief Real Estate Officer of the Oakland Roots & Soul SC, commented:
Working closely with the Socceroos over the past few months, we have found so many synergies and commonalities that go beyond our shared dedication to excellent soccer: our shared commitment to culture and diversity, a mutual belief that soccer can bring communities together, and an interest in establishing lasting relationships among our business communities that will continue on even after the tournament is over.
The report also highlights the SF Bay Area as the world’s dominant hub for artificial intelligence (AI), attracting unprecedented global investment, talent migration, and corporate activity. Bryan Courson, Regional Executive Managing Director at Colliers,
It is an honor for the SF Bay Area to host matches for this historic tournament. Hosting these matches allows us the opportunity to showcase what our markets have to offer… The SF Bay Area is home to some of the world’s most advanced and innovative companies, leading breakthroughs in AI, hardware and beyond. The potential for growth and impact in this region is truly limitless.
Key findings from the report include:
- Amplifying the economy: Santa Clara County is expected to see the largest impact, estimated to be between $270 million and $360 million. San Francisco County is projected to receive $140 million to $180 million, driven largely by visitor spending, fan events, and tourism activity. In comparison, $70 million to $90 million will be distributed to other SF Bay Area counties.
- Global center of AI innovation and technology: As global interest in AI intensifies, the SF Bay Area remains the epicenter for cutting‑edge development, commercialization, and investment. The region continues to draw scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs from every continent. The SF Bay Area accounted for 60% of global venture capital funding for AI companies in 2025.
- Industrial cornerstone: The Bay Area industrial sector serves as the physical backbone of the region’s thriving technology economy, supporting everything from advanced manufacturing and AI infrastructure to logistics, R&D, and semiconductor supply chains. The Silicon Valley industrial market is highly specialized, with a large R&D base that can accommodate both traditional office functions and manufacturing uses.
For a full analysis of the San Francisco Bay Area’s real estate trends and its World Cup readiness, review the report: San Francisco Bay Area to Host FIFA Men’s 2026 World Cup: A Catalyst for Economic and CRE Expansion.
Collier’s second metro report is also now available: New York / New Jersey Metro Gears Up for 2026 World Cup.
