April 20, 2026. This past week brought a definite uptick in excitement as Seattle prepares to host the FIFA World Cup in our fair city. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the premier international men’s football tournament, held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across Canada, Mexico, and the USA, including Seattle. It is the largest tournament ever, featuring 48 teams (up from 32 in years past), 104 matches, and 16 host cities. The tournament opens in Mexico City on June 11 and concludes in New York City a month later.
Lumen Field in Seattle’s SODO neighborhood will host six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including four group-stage games, one Round of 32 match, and one Round of 16 match. Key matches include a USA group-stage game against Australia on June 19, 2026, and a Round of 16 tie. You can visit Seattle FIFA World Cup to learn more. It is your one-stop shop for all the updates on activities happening in and around Seattle.
How Small Businesses Can Participate
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will support Seattle’s small businesses through specialized training and dedicated neighborhood liaisons. These initiatives aim to help small businesses leverage the influx of visitors, expected to boost demand across the hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors. The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and SeattleFWC26 are providing a “Small Business Ready Playbook“—to help businesses with increasing visibility and prepare for an estimated $1 billion in regional economic impact. The city is also streamlining processes for hosting watch parties on private and public property. Visit Seattle is providing free branding materials to help businesses market themselves in accordance with FIFA’s trademark guidelines. Stay tuned for more information as we get ready for one of the biggest and most prestigious international events in Seattle.
Let’s Play SEA 26 and bring Washington to the world!
