Youth Access Program

For many young people across Washington, having the FIFA World Cup arrive in their backyard did not necessarily mean they would ever get inside the stadium.

The Youth Access Program set out to change that.

SeattleFWC26, the City of Seattle, King County Metro, professional sports teams, Host City Supporters, local businesses and individual donors came together to create the largest youth access initiative of any FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City.

More than 1,400 young people and their caregivers received match tickets, along with food vouchers and Seattle FIFA World Cup scarves. Select community organizations also received dedicated transportation to and from the stadium through King County Metro.

Forty nonprofit organizations ultimately participated in the program. When SeattleFWC26 began calling them with the news, the reaction said plenty about how unexpected the opportunity was.

“Many of them were like, ‘Is this a joke? Is this real? Who are you?’ People were crying,” recalled Dylan Ordoñez, who helped make those calls.

Then came the match days. Young people who had never imagined attending a World Cup walked into Lumen Field and experienced one in their own city.

The impact of that experience is best told by the young people, families, educators, coaches, and community leaders who experienced it. It is the truest measure of Seattle’s World Cup Legacy.  

“Opportunities like this expand horizons, create belonging, and remind our young people that they, too, are worthy of extraordinary experiences.”  

“They felt welcomed, valued, and part of something much bigger than themselves.”

“I never thought I would be able to go to a World Cup game.”  

“They weren’t just watching a soccer match. They were experiencing a global event that opened their eyes to new possibilities and created memories they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.”  

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