This Thursday, April 16, it was officially announced that Snapdragon Stadium will host a pair of international friendly soccer games before the much-anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Snapdragon Stadium will not see any official World Cup games, but will play a role in the upcoming global competition. Switzerland will play an international friendly match against Australia on June 6. Colombia and Jordan will also face off at the Mission Valley Fortress on June 7.

Countdown to ’26 is coming to @Snapdragon Stadium this June! 🏟️⚽️

Switzerland will take on Australia on Saturday, June 6, followed by Colombia vs. Jordan on Sunday, June 7.

Tickets are on sale now! 🎟️: https://t.co/x2VV8lNWcM pic.twitter.com/QNPvgUSvJ8

— Snapdragon Stadium (@SnapdragonStdm) April 16, 2026

All four teams will feature in the 2026 World Cup, with Colombia being a dark horse candidate in the competition. Switzerland has inclusively set Snapdragon Stadium as its pre-tournament training base along with New Zealand.

The Red Crosses breezed through qualification for the big tournament, finishing first in their group. Nati will now be in a World Cup group with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, and hosts Canada.

Switzerland has a team made up mostly of players from Europe’s top leagues. This includes players like Gregor Kobel, Manuel Akanji, Granit Xhaka, and Dan Ndoye.

Australia was a bit of a surprise in the 2022 World Cup, making the round of 16 stage. The Socceroos will be looking to make the knockout stage once again and will be in a group with Paraguay, Turkey, and the hosts USA.

Colombia is definitely the most talented of the four that will be playing at Snapdragon Stadium and has the biggest fan base by far as well. Los Cafeteros finished third in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying just behind Ecuador and Argentina.

Colombia made the round of 16 stage in 2022, but will be looking to improve significantly on that. The South American team made the Copa America final in 2024 and has been one of the more consistent international teams in recent years.

La Tricolor has world-class talent with players like James Rodriguez and Bayern Munich’s Luis Diaz. Colombia is in a group with Portugal, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo, where Los Cafeteros are expected to battle for the first-place spot with Portugal.

Jordan was a surprise in the AFC qualifiers, finishing above Saudi Arabia in their group. The Middle Eastern side has a tough task in the World Cup, sharing a group with Algeria, Austria, and current champions Argentina.

This will be a massive test for Jordan against Colombia in what is expected to be a lively game at the Mission Valley Fortress.

Snapdragon Stadium has been used more frequently for these high-profile international games, and it is surely a positive sign to see these types of teams consistently visiting San Diego.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 28, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.