East County News Service
June 6, 2026 (San Diego) — The global stage is set for San Diego this weekend.
The local Major League Soccer team, San Diego FC, in partnership with Snapdragon Stadium, Sports San Diego and Lions Sports & Media, will host the “Countdown to ’26” international soccer weekend.
The event features two pre-World Cup friendly matches at Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley.
For fans unable to secure tickets to the actual World Cup this summer — or those who simply want to skip the drive to Los Angeles — this weekend offers a rare chance to watch top-tier national squads in person.
All four nations competing this weekend in San Diego are headed to the FIFA World Cup, being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.
Switzerland — along with New Zealand — has made San Diego their home base for the duration of the tournament, giving locals a special connection to the Swiss squad.
Kickoff for Switzerland vs. Australia is scheduled for noon today, Saturday, June 6, followed by Colombia vs. Jordan at 4 p.m. PT tomorrow, Sunday, June 7 at Snapdragon Stadium.
Colombia, ranked 13th in the FIFA world rankings, will play its first two World Cup matches in Mexico, while Jordan plays its first two group stage matches in Santa Clara. The Colombia vs. Jordan match will serve as Colombia’s final preparation before heading to their official basecamp in Guadalajara.
With international crowds descending on Mission Valley, traffic will be heavy, and on-site parking at Snapdragon runs upwards of $40. For East County residents, the Metropolitan Transit System Green Line Trolley provides a direct ride straight to the stadium gates.
Pre-event, the San Diego Trolley departs stations every 15 minutes or better; post-event trolleys depart Stadium Station every 15 minutes or better in both directions, with additional trips added as needed.
Parking is free at several transit hubs, including El Cajon Transit Center (Green Line and Orange Line) where there are more than 400 free parking spots; Grossmont Transit Center (Green Line and Orange Line) where there are 220 free parking spots and Amaya Drive (Green Line and Orange Line) where there are 230 free parking spots.
Further west but worth noting are the Old Town Transit Center (Green Line and UC San Diego Blue Line) where there are more than 400 free parking spots, and overflow parking available across the street at Caltrans District 11 at 4050 Taylor St. with more than 300 additional free spaces; and Morena/Linda Vista (Green Line) where there are 200 spaces, with most parking available off Friars Road.