In partnership with the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™Local Organizing Committee, the Alliance will keep you informed and engaged as we prepare to host the world’s largest sporting event in 2026. Seattle will host six World Cup matches, June 15–July 6, 2026.
The first three matches set for Lumen Field will kick off at noon, with the fourth match set to start at 8 p.m. (PDT). Qatar’s opponent in the June 24 match will not be known until March when the group of four European teams compete for that spot. Italy is the favorite in that tournament.
There will be several distinct ticket sales phases through to the final match on July 19, 2026. Each phase may differ in purchasing processes, payment methods and ticket products, and full details on each phase will be released in the coming months.
Nadia Flusche connects you to the Local Organizing Committee and works to keep local businesses informed and engaged in shaping Pioneer Square’s FIFA World Cup experience, as well as to honor our Indigenous history. She also works to build the neighborhood’s long-term strength by positioning this historic district as a premier destination before, during, and beyond the tournament. She’s helping us all work together to make sure Pioneer Square benefits from the energy, visitors, and excitement the World Cup will bring to our neighborhood. Find out more about the work of the Stadium Neighborhood Liaisons.
Many resources are available to help your business get “World Cup Ready”! You’ll find toolkits, webinars, and the latest news.
You can also find business resources produced by the Seattle Chamber, including these webinars:
World Cup Ready Resources
The Football Forecast, 2025 Club World Cup Recap & FIFA Outlook
World Cup Ready: Small Business Mega Event Playbook
FAQs
The Games
Which teams are playing in Seattle?
The schedule for Seattle’s World Cup soccer matches was announced on Dec. 6. The first three matches set for Lumen Field will kick off at noon (PDT) on June 15 (Belgium v. Egypt), June 19 (USA v. Australia), and June 24 (Qatar v. Euro Playoff A Winner), with the fourth match (Egpyt v. Iran) set to start at 8 p.m. on June 26. One team in the June 24 match will not be known until March when the group of four European teams compete for that spot. Two other matches will be played on July 1 (Round of 32 Match) and July 6 (Round of 16 Match). Find out more: https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026
How can I get tickets
Sales phases began early October and will continue through July 2026. The next phase of ticket sales is the Early Ticket Draw with the entry period scheduled from October 27th-31st. Click here for details.
Where can I find the match schedule?
There will be 104 games featuring 48 teams played across 16 host cities in three countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States. You can see the match schedule, without the teams assigned yet, at this website. You can also watch this video about how the matches were scheduled across the venues.
How can I get tickets?
Those who want to enter the lottery for World Cup tickets have through Jan. 13 at 8 a.m. (PST) to submit their entry in the current selection draw. This is the third of several random selection draws that began in September and continue up to the matches in June. You may choose one match, ticket category, and a max of four tickets. If you’ve been chosen to purchase tickets you will be notified by Feb 5. Click here for details.
What is the Local Organizing Committee?
The local organizing committee (LOC) for the Seattle World Cup is a non-profit organization responsible for planning and executing Seattle’s role as a host city for the FIFA World Cup 26™. Its mission is to use the event to create a lasting legacy for the region, guided by the spirit of soccer, innovation, and inclusion.
How can I volunteer for World Cup events?
FIFA World Cup 26™ volunteers will be part of a once-in-a-generation team – uniting three countries, 16 Host Cities and billions of hearts around the world. Find out more about volunteering.
The Community
How many people are expected to attend the matches?
Current estimates expect 750,000 visitors across 24 days. Seattle also has three base cities nearby (Renton, Portland, Spokane) that will host teams for about three weeks. More updates will come once teams are drawn in December.
How will I know when there are more specific attendance numbers?
Stay updated by subscribing to the Alliance’s World Cup newsletter. Continuous information sharing, neighborhood planning, and collaboration are the keys to success. The Local Organizing Committee will share updates and better estimates once more details are confirmed, and we’ll share them with you as soon as we know more.
What streets will be closed during the events?
Street closures are being discussed and will likely be necessary given the size of the crowds. Any closures will include proper loading zones to maintain deliveries and operations.
What sanitation efforts are being put in place?
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) will continue their sanitation efforts across the neighborhood. If you need an immediate response for litter, needles, graffiti, etc., you can use the Find It, Fix It app.
What is the Seattle Stadium Neighborhood Liaison Program?
The Seattle Stadium Neighborhood Liaison Program connects the city, stadium organizations, and nearby neighborhoods to ensure strong communication, coordination, and community benefit around major events. Through regular meetings, shared planning, and collaborative problem-solving, the program helps balance event-day impacts with opportunities to enhance the local experience.
Partnering with the Seattle Local Organizing Committee, the WA Public Stadium Authority and Washington Department of Commerce, the liaison works closely with businesses, residents, and City departments to share information, address concerns, and develop activations that highlight the unique character of Pioneer Square, CID and SoDo.
Responsibilities include:
* Build the sports economy within Pioneer Square to create a lasting impact post World Cup 2026
* Champion short and long-term strategies focusing on collaboration and information sharing
* Lead strategies on business and residential communications for planning events, information sessions, and newsletters
* Build relationships and partnerships with World Cup agencies and businesses to advocate for Pioneer Square
* Become familiar with local sports planning and economic development leaders and initiatives to proactively strategize a positive experience for Pioneer Square
* Stay informed on current local, state, national, and international World Cup trends
Your Business
How can I find out more about hosting a watch party?
The Watch Party Playbook, produced by the Seattle Sports Commission, provides guidance about how to host public viewing parties for tournament matches. Find more information here.
What options do I have for serving alcohol?
Washington State recently passed a bill that expands options for alcohol consumption in public spaces. Read more here. There may be an option to apply for a special liquor license covering up to three neighboring businesses. Updates will follow as more details are confirmed.
What is the Community Brand Play Book?
The Community Brand Playbook, produced by Visit Seattle, comes with alternate color palettes, patterns, and graphic elements to be adopted alongside a business’s existing branding on window clings, coffee cup sleeves, and more. It also includes best practices to help apply the brand consistently and effectively. The Playbook is now available to download to help your business showcase Seattle’s spirit and create a memorable experience for fans from around the world. Download the Playbook.
What are the opportunities for outdoor or pop-up locations?
SDOT offers Outdoor Dining or Sidewalk Café Permits. They also provide permits for Sidewalk Merchandise Displays. It’s strongly recommended to apply early. Keep in mind that indoor seating is limited, and turnover may be low, so outdoor dining can help maximize sales.
How can my business help to prevent human trafficking during World Cup events?
The Seattle Local Organizing Committee, in partnership with Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST), offers information and training for business leaders near key event zones as well as Fan Zones throughout the region. This equips business leaders with tools to prevent, recognize, and respond to human trafficking as Seattle prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Learning More
Where can I find more information?
You can find more information at the following sites:
SeattleFWC26.org – Vision & legacy, match info, business & volunteer guides, news
FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 | seattle.gov – City planning: safety, transit, logistics, neighborhood preparation
https://www.seattlesports.org/events/fifa-2026 – Match schedules, Fan Fest, press updates, community programs
https://www.soundersfc.com/fifa-world-cup-2026 – Waterfront Fan Fest details, tickets, team-centric community updates
https://www.fifa.com/en/articles/world-cup-2026-host-city-seattle-guide – Official tournament overview, stadium info, visitor guidance
https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026 – ticketing program, schedule, hospitality, match schedule announcement