Your guide to the 2026 World Cup in Seattle

The World Cup is here. You’re going to hear about it a lot in the weeks ahead, so buckle in.

The tournament is hosted by 16 cities across three countries in North America — including Seattle.

This is among the biggest sporting events Seattle has hosted; an estimated 750,000 people are expected to visit over the six-week tournament. But in many ways it is a regional event.

The World Cup has pushed Washington’s municipal bodies to new creative heights; the Seattle Chamber of Commerce created a graphic novel. There’s a lot of seafood hype. There are local pro-soccer stars lauding the region. There is also an official song by a Seattle-based DJ.

To help you figure out what to do during this summer's tournament, we have compiled this guide to the World Cup, from the big soccer events in Seattle to festivities around the region.

And stay tuned! We will be adding to this guide as the tournament continues.

Jump to:

• Transportation and traffic
  
• How to enjoy a slice of the World Cup
  
• What to do around the fan zones
  
• Other cultural events
  
• Resources

Pacific Northwest schedule

The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup runs from June 11 to July 6. Seattle is scheduled to host six matches and Vancouver, B.C., will host seven.

Team home bases

Renton is the home base for the Belgian soccer team during the World Cup games. The Royal Belgian Football Association will train at the Seattle Sounder's facility there during the tournament.

Belgium played in Seattle's first match of the World Cup on June 15 against Egypt. Egypt is based in Spokane for the tournament. Both teams also have games in Vancouver, B.C.

The Jordan team will be based in Portland.

Emil Moffatt

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KNKX

Transportation and traffic

In Seattle

The Seattle Department of Transportation will watch the transportation system and make real-time changes, such as adjusting traffic signals. People can find more information on X @SDOTtraffic, and they can view SDOT’s travelers’ map on seattle.gov/Travelers.

Walkable areas

The Pioneer Square neighborhood near the stadium will become a walkable fan zone during the six match days. The city has more information about changes during those days.

Sound Transit

Sound Transit plans to run additional service this summer, with the Link light rail running more frequently on game days, as well as special Sounder game trains.

People going to the games at the renamed Seattle Stadium during the tournament can find more information at Sound Transit’s website.

ORCA now has a tap-to-pay option, which allows riders to use any contactless debit or credit card to pay their fare. The agency also has a new overnight ST Express bus service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to downtown Seattle.

Freddy Monares

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KNKX

Construction pause

SDOT will pause construction in some areas from June 8 to July 6. This means fewer work zones on streets and sidewalks and more space for transit and people.

Notably, the Revive I-5 construction will pause and all lanes will be open on the Ship Canal Bridge, according to a Washington State Ferries service plan. The work will then resume through the end of 2026. Find real-time travel information from WSDOT.

More ferries

There will be more boats on standby, additional staffing, faster response to service issues during the World Cup, according to a service plan from the Washington State Department of Transportation. The department will prioritize its busiest routes in central Puget Sound, including the routes from Seattle to Bainbridge Island and Bremerton, and the route from Edmonds to Kingston.

How to enjoy a slice of the World Cup

FIFA sells tickets to the games in phases. The final ticket sales phase started April 1, with many tickets priced higher than in earlier sales windows. But there are still plenty of ways to participate.

Freddy Monares

/

KNKX

Fan celebrations hosted by the Seattle World Cup Committee
Starts June 11
Pacific Place, Waterfront Park, Seattle Center and Victory Hall.
Free with paid tickets for the barge

Kickin’ It Federal Way
June 19-21
Live watch parties in theater, outdoor stage with live music, games + activities for families, soccer tournaments, food vendors
Free

There will be official watch parties at the Seattle Fan Celebrations along the “Unity Loop,” which includes Seattle Center, Waterfront Park, Pacific Place, and Victory Hall in SODO.

Keep an eye out for the Seattle Sounders' Sound Wave, the only official team pep band in the MLS, bringing their pop and jazz flair to the global stage with performances during the World Cup.

Saraphena Wong

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KNKX

What to do around the fan zones

There other watch parties will be held across the region, including in the five official fan zones: Bellingham, Everett, Bremerton, Puyallup and Olympia-Lacey. The Belgium National Team has its base camp in Renton.

Between hiking, art, and whale watching, these places offer lots to do beyond soccer. Check out what to do around the fan zones.

Sports

From Olympia to Bellingham, itineraries for local World Cup fans

KNKX staff

There are five official fan zones — plus the Renton base camp — in Western Washington. From hiking to art to whale watching, these places offer lots to do beyond soccer.

Other cultural events

Even without a major international sporting event, Washington summers buzz with events celebrating art, food, music, and the area's natural beauty. Take a timeout from soccer with one of these events, many of which are free.

Juneteenth events and exhibitions are taking place around the region.
June 19-20

Self-guided mural walk from Belltown to the Chinatown-International District in Seattle
Ongoing
🎟️ Free

Discover Pass Free Parking Day on Juneteenth
June 19
🚗 Parking is free at Washington state parks, no Discover Pass needed

Edmonds Arts Festival
The festival features more than 210 painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers and other artisans.
June 19-21
🎟️ Free, with paid tickets for certain events

Blues & Brews Festival in Stevenson
There will be live blues music on two stages, local food, and drinks from the Columbia Gorge region for this 21+ event.
June 19-20
🎟️ $20 - $35

Fremont Solstice Parade & Fair
A lively celebration of the Summer Solstice featuring a parade, craft market, music, and art.
June 20
🎟️ Free

Olympic Airshow in Olympia
The airshow will include aircraft and displays going back to World War II, as well as performers, tours and rides.
June 20-21
🎟️ $22 - $7

Lacey Pride Night Market
A lively marketplace with food vendors, local artisans and live entertainment. People can explore themed elements celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
June 26
🎟️ Free

The Taste NW Food Festival in Puyallup
This festival will have live music, more than 150 food and shopping vendors, and the 2nd annual Puyallup Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament.
June 26-28
🎟️ Free

Tacoma Highland Games in Graham
A day full of Scottish tradition and fun, there is also a celtic concert on June 26.
June 27
🎟️ $17 - 20

Bremerton Bridge Blast
The largest bridge fireworks show on the West Coast, there is also food, drinks, crafts and music.
June 27-29
🎟️ Free

Seattle Pride Parade
This community-led event brings more than 300,000 into the streets annually, marching for joy, justice, and belonging.
June 28
🎟️ Free

Seafair 4th of July in Seattle
This event has pre-show activities during the day and a fully choreographed and musically-timed fireworks display.
July 4
🎟️ Free, with paid reserved seating available

Resources

Reuse Seattle has tips for hosting zero-waste watch parties. The City of Seattle has guidelines and requirements for people who want to host their own World Cup events.

There is an app that takes you on a tour of Seattle and offers chances to win prizes.

There is also a SeattleFWC26 Community Event Calendar.

KNKX and NPR coverage

The World Cup stretches far beyond the soccer stadiums. From crowds to events, it’s going to have a big impact on our region and cities across North America.

As part of our local news coverage, KNKX will be reporting on this major international event in our backyard. A member of the NPR Network, KNKX will also bring you updates from NPR and other member stations around the country.

Tune in to KNKX at 88.5 FM or online for more soccer stories. See the latest at KNKX.org/worldcup.