business
World Cup crowds have San Jose businesses bringing in more staff and alcohol
By Alyssa Goard at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC)
· June 19, 2026
· 1 min read
San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose has continued to see enormous crowds day after day for World Cup watch parties. Thursday, the area was crowded with more than 30,000 fans clamoring to watch the Mexico versus South Korea matchup, so many people that security had to turn some away.
The San...
Key takeaway Thursday, the area was crowded with more than 30,000 fans clamoring to watch the Mexico versus South Korea matchup, so many people that security had to turn some away.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
The World Cup watch parties in San Pedro Square are not only a boon for local businesses, but also an opportunity for San Jose to showcase its vibrant downtown area to a global audience. As thousands of fans flock to the square, businesses are stepping up to meet the demand, with some ordering beer and liquor daily and calling in extra staff. This influx of visitors is a chance for San Jose to make a lasting impression on people who may not have previously considered the city a destination. The fact that international visitors are also drawn to the area suggests that San Jose's reputation as a welcoming and exciting city is spreading. As the World Cup continues, it will be worth watching how the city's businesses and residents capitalize on this momentum to create a lasting impact on the local economy and community.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose has continued to see enormous crowds day after day for World Cup watch parties. Thursday, the area was crowded with more than 30,000 fans clamoring to watch the Mexico versus South Korea matchup, so many people that security had to turn some away.
The San...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alyssa Goard at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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