Learn how SeattleFWC26 and a world-class team of supporters, donors, and partners harnessed the attention and enthusiasm of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to advance local community priorities long after the final whistle.

Thank you to our Supporters, Donors and Partners who helped Seattle and Washington shine on the biggest stage.

Seattle’s FIFA World Cup 26™ success belongs to an extensive and extraordinary team. SeattleFWC26’s world-class Host City Supporters, generous donors, and the whole-of-government efforts at the State, King County, and City of Seattle levels were essential. Seattle Seahawks/First and Goal Inc., the Washington State Public Stadium Authority, Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Reign FC, Seattle Sports Commission, Washington State Labor Council, MLK Labor, Visit Seattle, Downtown Seattle Association, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Sound Transit, Hometeam, SODO BIA, CID BIA, SCIDPDA, GSBA, Black Players for Change, Alliance for Pioneer Square, and Pioneer Square Residents Council were pivotal partners.

As we celebrate the remarkable summer of 2026 and look forward to attracting more of the world’s highest visibility sporting events, our region is well positioned to build on our shared success thanks to our community partners.  

"Our vision for FIFA World Cup™ in Seattle is to create a people based legacy focused on our community, culture, and children...our goal is to bring Washington to the world."

Peter Tomozawa
CEO, SeattleFWC26

By the Numbers

Our region proved that wonderful things happen when we show up together and for each other.

400+
Organizations engaged in planning & coordination
3M+
Visitors in downtown Seattle on all six match days
5.4M
Lightrail Boardings
2k
Volunteers
300+
Small businesses included in SEA&WIN app and 15,000+ app users
70k
Marched to Matches including the 2 largest fan marches in Seattle history
2-10x
Increase in business volume in Pioneer Square
350+
SEA Beacons donated to small businesses
1.2M+
Seattle Fan Celebrations Attendees
401k
Match Attendees at Lumen for all six match days
Data sources: Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) Downtown Dashboard and King5.com

New, World-Class Fields

FIFA World Cup preparation helped accelerate new and improved soccer facilities at the University of Washington and Seattle University, creating permanent investments in collegiate athletics and the region’s ability to host future competition.

Corridor of Nations

Flags and artwork transformed the Seattle Center Monorail route into a moving welcome to the nations, communities and people who came together for the FIFA World Cup.

Reinvigorating Westlake Park

The first major renovation of Westlake Park in nearly 40 years brought new seating, play areas, artwork and other improvements to one of downtown Seattle’s busiest public gathering places.

SODO Welcome Center

Opened in the heart of SODO ahead of the FIFA World Cup, the SODO Welcome Center gave visitors a starting point for discovering the businesses, history, art and culture of the neighborhood surrounding Seattle’s stadiums.

Lumen Field Shines

Seattle and Lumen Field earned national recognition throughout the FIFA World Cup, with some of the tournament’s highest rankings for stadium experience, atmosphere and the city surrounding it.

Small Business Inclusion Training

140 businesses and community organizations participated in free LGBTQ+ inclusion training designed to help workplaces across Washington welcome employees, customers and visitors with greater understanding and confidence.

Community Playbooks

Free playbooks, toolkits and customizable resources gave businesses and community organizations across Washington practical ways to prepare for the FIFA World Cup and make the tournament their own.

International Media Center

Steps from Lumen Field, the Seattle International Media Center gave more than 1,000 journalists, reporters and content creators from around the world a place to work, connect and discover stories from across Seattle and Washington.

Pioneer Square Art Frames

Fifteen original works of public art transformed the streets and alleys of Pioneer Square into an open-air gallery celebrating FIFA World Cup nations, match-day themes and the cultures that shape Seattle.

The Legacy

Summer 2026 proved that Seattle is a soccer city. The Emerald City hosted six FIFA World Cup matches and welcomed fans from around the world to cheer on their teams. Learn more about the impact of the World Cup on Seattle and Washington state.