Your guide to the 2026 World Cup in Seattle

The World Cup and summer are here, so buckle in.

The men's international soccer tournament is hosted by 16 cities across three countries in North America — including Seattle.

This is among the biggest sporting events Seattle has hosted; hundreds of thousands of people have come through already, according to the local organizing committee. 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.

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.

The U.S. will play Belgium in Seattle's final match July 6 at 5 p.m. in the Round of 16.

The World Cup final will take place on Sunday, July 19 in New Jersey. Shakira, Madonna and BTS will headline halftime show.

Team home bases

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

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

Belgium will play in Seattle again Monday, July 6 for a knockout match against the U.S.

Emil Moffatt

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KNKX

Transportation and traffic

The World Cup matches in Seattle are helping set record numbers for our region's air and transit systems.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport saw its three-top travel days ever and a combined 1.2 million passengers coming through the airport, according to the local World Cup organizing committee.

An estimated 280,000 people boarded Sound Transit light rail on June 19, establishing a new single-day ridership record for the agency. The record-setting day was the U.S. versus Australia World Cup match, a home Mariners game, and the Juneteenth holiday. The previous ridership high, for February's Seahawks Super Bowl parade, was 220,000 passengers.

In Seattle

The Seattle Department of Transportation will watch the transportation system and make real-time changes, such as adjusting traffic signals. The city is encouraging people to take transit, walk or bike on match days. 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 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. Bikes and scooters are not allowed on trains on match days. Sound Transit recommends:

• Go to your destination early and leave later.
• Spread out on the platforms. The first and last train cars are often less crowded.
• Consider other transit options like buses, bikes or scooters.

There are multiple stations close to the renamed Seattle Stadium. People going to the games 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.

Martin Meissner

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AP

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

Securing tickets to the games through FIFA hasn't been straightforward. While some fans are snagging last minute tickets, resale prices can climb quickly due to dynamic pricing. But there are still plenty of ways to participate.

Freddy Monares

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KNKX

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

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.

Pioneer Square Pedestrian Zone
On Seattle Match Days
The Stadium District and Pioneer Square. (It was quite the scene for the U.S. vs. Australia match!)
🎟️ Free

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.

Downtown Seattle Association Soccer Watch Parties
Seattle Match Days and quarterfinals up to the final match
Westlake Park
🎟️ Free

The Beautiful Game: How soccer connects us all
Ongoing
MOHAI
🎟️ $19-25, free for ages 14 and under

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 time-out from soccer with one of these events, many of which are free.

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

See new public art along the Seattle Unity Loop
Ongoing
🎟️ Free

Seattle Art Walks
Various dates
Self-guided, all ages events featuring local art held monthly across 13 Seattle neighborhoods
🎟️ Free

SeattleFWC26 

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 has 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.