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 11–July 19, 2026. The Draw is set to take place at 9 a.m. (PST) on Dec. 5, 2025, with teams assigned to specific match schedules, including venues and kick-off times, shortly thereafter.
The application period for the first sales phase for the FIFA World Cup 26™ opened Sept. 10-19 with a VISA-sponsored offer for cardholders to have access to the first phase of ticket sales. The draw is an interest-only entry for a possible timeslot to buy tickets. Payment is made only upon purchase of the ticket(s).
There will be several distinct ticket sales phases from the start of sales in September 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
FAQs
The Games
When will we know which teams are playing in Seattle?
The Draw is set to take place at 9 a.m. (PST) on Dec. 5, 2025, with teams assigned to specific match schedules, including venues and kick-off times, shortly thereafter. The first game of the tournament will take place in Mexico City on June 11, and Mexico has been placed in Group A. Canada has been placed in Group B, while the United States is in Group D. Host cities were geographically grouped to optimize travel for teams and fans, with the exception of Canada and its opponent for the opening game in Toronto. Cities were split into three regions:
Western Region (Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles)
Central Region (Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City)
Eastern Region (Atlanta, Miami, Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, New York/New Jersey)
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.
How do I get involved wit Fan Fest at Seattle Center?
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?
Sales phases began in 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 Oct. 27-31. Click here for details.
How do I get involved with Fan Fest at Seattle Center?
The biggest community event outside of the matches themselves will be the Seattle Fan Celebration at Seattle Center. Fan Fest of Fan Celebration is not a FIFA event, but a community celebration by Seattle, for Seattle. Follow this link If you would like an opportunity to get involved with the Fan Celebration.
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 Brand Play Book?
The Brand Playbook, produced by Visit Seattle, shares specifics on not using FIFA logos, guidelines, assets.
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