FIFA

Seattle gave 20 World Cup tickets to African Youth Sports Academy to send kids to a match. The group returned them after the U.S. denied entry to Somali referee Omar Artan.

World Cup excitement came to a head Thursday, when fans in Seattle got their first opportunity to watch the matches while on the water.

Crews have been working for years to prepare for six World Cup matches. The changes include a new pitch and the sponsor-free moniker "Seattle Stadium."

One restaurant group has shifted its strategy to anticipate last-minute bookings for the tournament, and a Tacoma soccer store is racing to open in time.

Researchers spent years developing pitches for World Cup stadiums across the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The fields are mostly natural grass reinforced with artificial blades.

Officials are boosting training for employees at the airport and shipping terminals, as well as at local hospitality businesses, to recognize and report cases of human trafficking.

Iran is scheduled to play two group-stage games in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle.

Officials say the so-called "fan zones" will bring the World Cup experience to locals who can’t get a ticket to a match, as well as bring tourism to areas outside major cities.

Seattle’s Lumen Field will host six games during next year's Club World Cup.

FIFA announced the match schedule for the 2026 Men's World Cup. Seattle will host six matches, including two in the knockout round and one of the three U.S. group stage matches.