FIFA World Cup 26 Seattle™ is less than a year away. Below are key takeaways and the latest in SeattleFWC26 planning and answers to the most frequently asked questions:

Key Takeaways:

  • Planning remains on track in coordination with FIFA, federal, state, and local partners.
  • The next milestone is the Final Draw on December 5, which will determine which teams play in Seattle.
  • Seattle will host four matches, including the S. Men’s National Team on June 19, 2026.
  • Up to 750,000 fansare expected across three weeks of events.
  • The Chamber is serving as the statewide small business liaisonand will release a Small Business Playbook later this year.
  • Fan zonesare planned in nine cities statewide. Businesses planning public viewing events with more than 1,000 attendees or commercial sponsors will be required to obtain a FIFA license; the online portal is expected to open later this year.
  • 2,500 hospitality and event workersare receiving human trafficking prevention training as part of the tournament’s legacy and safety efforts.

Here’s the in-depth list of new key messages:

Local Planning

  • Current operational focus: The local organizing committee is continuing to work closely with community and governmental partners on operational planning for safety and security, transportation, and fan activations.
  • What’s next: The next major moment is the World Cup Final Draw on December 5, where qualified national teams will find out what group they’re in – and we’ll then know which teams are playing here for the Group Stage.
  • Seattle Host City status: Our planning is on track and we’re well coordinated with FIFA and all local delivery partners. Only FIFA can move its 104 matches and has no plans to change course. We’re continuing to work closely with FIFA, White House Task Force, state and local partners to ensure we’re ready to welcome fans to a safe, welcoming, and inclusive Seattle & Washington state next summer.

Legacy & Community

  • Current legacy focus: Legacy projects are in full swing too! This summer we unveiled two new murals in Seattle, and kicked off our soccer ball and backpack giveaways in Bremerton, Yakima, Vancouver, and Puyallup. And our partners at RAVE Foundation have opened 33 playfields, with 9 additional planned to open later this year including two at Lummi Nation School.
  • Small business engagement: The Seattle Metro Chamber is our statewide small business liaison; they are on-track to publish a Small Business Playbook by end of year and have already published this online resource. Our three Stadium Neighborhood Liaisons are also working in the CID, SODO, and Pioneer Square.
  • Fan activations: No matter your budget, there will be ways to experience the World Cup excitement. With official fan activations in Seattle and nine fan zones, and countless unofficial parties anticipated in bars, community centers, and neighborhoods, world-class watch experiences will be accessible to everyone.
  • Fan zones: We have partnered with the largest city in the 9 largest counties outside of King County to host official fan zones, ensuring as many Washingtonians as possible can have a World Cup experience: Bellingham, Bremerton, Everett, Olympia/Lacey, Spokane, Tacoma, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Yakima
  • Public viewing parties: Viewing parties with more than 1000 people or commercially driven events will require a license from FIFA. FIFA will be opening an online portal to submit requests by the end of the year. Our partners the Seattle Sports Commission have shared a Community Playbook for tips and considerations to help planners.

Safety & Security

  • Public safety: Safety is our top priority, and we are working closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to provide a secure environment for all fans. As the local organizing committee, we remain focused on the areas we have control – ensuring that we provide a welcoming, safe, fun, and inclusive Seattle.
  • Seattle Police Department staffing: SPD and King County Sheriff Office are coordinating with regional partners to ensure that additional officers and specialized units are available for match days and major fan events. We anticipate Mutual Aid staffing from law enforcement agencies across WA. This collaborative approach allows us to scale resources as needed, maintain a strong security presence, and provide a safe environment for fans, teams, and residents.
  • Travel Ban: FIFA is working closely with the U.S. Department of State and Department of Homeland Security on all matters related to immigration, visas, and border. The U.S. government has made clear, both in public remarks and policy guidance, that athletes, coaches, and support staff traveling for the World Cup are exceptions under current immigration policy.
  • White House Task Force: We meet regularly with the White House World Cup Task Force Executive Director and senior staff. They’ve visited multiple times, meeting with the LOC and our security partners to coordinate and review our plans.
  • Human trafficking: We are working with Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST) to train 2,500 frontline personnel—including service and hospitality workers—on how to recognize and respond to signs of trafficking. Businesses being trained are primarily in downtown Seattle and Washington’s nine fan zone cities. By equipping thousands of individuals with the knowledge and tools to intervene, we aim to create a safer environment and leave a lasting legacy of vigilance and prevention in our community.

Tournament

  • Purchasing tickets: Tickets are sold exclusively through FIFA and will be releasing tickets through a phased lottery. The next lottery will begin on October 27. To be eligible, make sure you’ve signed up on the com/tickets.
  • Qualified teams: Qualifying games are still in progress with 17 of 38 teams in so far: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, New Zealand, Paraguay, South Korea, USA, Uzbekistan, and Uruguay.
  • Teams playing in Seattle: As of right now, we know that the U.S. will play here on June 19 and we’re still waiting to learn what other teams will be here. The FIFA Final Draw takes place on December 5 at 9:00 a.m. — shortly after that we will know what other teams are playing here for the four group stage matches!
  • Expected crowds: With the potential for up to 750,000 fans (not all are visitors) here over the course of the three weeks we host matches locally, this will be the largest event held locally since the 1962 World’s Fair. The crowds will be heavily dependent on which teams ultimately play here. After the Final Draw we will get updated crowd expectations to inform our community planning and preparations.
  • International tourism: The World Cup is the largest sporting event in the world and one of the most powerful drivers of global tourism. Despite dynamic geopolitics, we are confident, even with challenges, the tournament will still draw massive crowds.