what’ s working
Countdown to the World Cup
Projections show the 2026 FIFA World Cup will deliver a nearly $ 1 billion boost to the Seattle region.
Jacqueline Allison
Six World Cup matches will take place in Seattle next summer. Local organizers are working to make it a truly statewide event.
At A Glance
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature six matches in Seattle next summer. The Emerald City was selected as one of 16 host cities across North America for what will be the largest-ever World Cup.
Between June and July 2026, the six matches are projected to generate a minimum of $ 929 million in economic impact and support more than 20,700 fulltime and part-time jobs in King County, according to Visit Seattle.
An artist’ s rendering of a World Cup 2026 fan zone at Seattle Center. Nine additional fan zones are planned throughout the state.( Credit: Seattle FWC26)
Next summer, 750,000 soccer fans will descend on the Seattle area for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tournament will be the biggest-ever World Cup, with 48 international teams playing 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico. As one of 16 cities jointly hosting the tournament, Seattle will play a part in making history.
Seattle’ s Lumen Field will host six World Cup matches, including the U. S. men’ s national team’ s group stage match on June 19, 2026— one of only two cities to host the U. S. team during the group stage. The Seattle games are projected to generate at least $ 929 million in economic impact and support more than 20,000 jobs in the region. Millions more around the world will watch.
“ The countdown has really begun for us and for everybody,” said Rachel Smith, president and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.
Nine Washington cities will host official“ fan zones,” including Bellingham, Bremerton, Everett, Olympia / Lacey, Spokane, Tacoma, Tri- Cities, Vancouver and Yakima. Seattle Center will also host a fan celebration hub.
Local organizations are working to equip small businesses— near and far from the stadium— with tools to take advantage of the opportunities.
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