Your guide to the 2026 World Cup in Seattle

The World Cup is coming to Seattle. You’re going to hear about it a lot over the next couple months, so buckle in.

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

This is among the biggest sporting event 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 in the coming weeks.

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.

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

/

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.

Fan celebrations hosted by the Seattle World Cup Committee
Starts June 11
Pacific Place, Pier 62, Seattle Center and Victory Hall.
Free

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

Renton Ready to Play
June 18
Set in their brand new park, this live watch party has family-friendly activities and games, as well as an all-ages beverage garden.
Free

Watch parties

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.

Many bars are hosting watch parties around the region. 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.

Bremerton Fan Zone Juneteenth celebration
10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
🎟️ Free

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 event, many of which are free.

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

Related

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1. More public art expected in Seattle ahead of 2026 World Cup

Marysville Strawberry Festival
June 14-21
🎟️ Free, with various prices for participating

Edmonds Arts Festival
June 19-21
🎟️ Free, with paid tickets for certain events

Blues & Brews Festival in Stevenson
June 19-20
🎟️ $20 - $35

The Taste NW Food Festival in Puyallup
June 26-28
🎟️ Free

Dine We Must in Tacoma
June 26
🎟️ $104

Discover Pass Free Parking Day on Juneteenth
June 19
Parking is free at Washington state parks, so a Discover Pass isn't needed to park.

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

Seattle Pride Parade
June 28
🎟️ Free

Seafair 4th of July in Seattle
July 4
🎟️ Free, with paid reserved seating available

Resources

There is an app that takes you on a tour of the city 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.