The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the most passionate soccer fans on the planet and will finally get a chance to showcase that devotion to the rest of the world when Seattle hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer.
The Emerald City is scheduled for six matches, beginning with a group stage battle between Belgium and Egypt on June 15 and wrapping up with a Round of 16 clash on July 6.
In between, Seattle will be the site of a can't-miss matchup pitting the host United States against Australia on June 19.
From opening kickoff to the final whistle, here's how to make the most of your trip to Seattle this summer.
Things to Do During the World Cup in Seattle
For the complete World Cup experience in Seattle, visitors will want to celebrate all things soccer at the city's many dedicated fan zones, including Seattle Center, Waterfront Park, Pacific Place and Victory Hall in SODO.
Free and open to the public, these FIFA fan festivals will feature live watch parties in addition to DJ performances, art exhibits, kid-friendly play areas, interactive games, prize giveaways, food and drink vendors and much more.
"Through free, public programming and activations across the 20 acres, fans can come together to experience the energy of the game and get a true taste of Seattle’s rich culture and natural beauty along our shoreline," said Joy Shigaki, President & CEO of Friends of Waterfront Park.
A couple taking in the view of Seattle, Washington. (Photo Credit: Adobe/checubus)
Beyond the FIFA festivities, travelers must check out some of the city's iconic sites like the Space Needle, Great Wheel and Pike Place Market.
To take advantage of the season, be sure to spend time outdoors in nature at Seattle's many parks and gardens, including Discovery and Kerry Parks. The Seattle Aquarium and Woodland Park Zoo are also worthwhile stops for families and groups.
Travelers with pets may consider exploring Seattle's eclectic Fremont neighborhood, checking out the loads of public art and visiting some of the city's best breweries. For top-tier nightlife, head to Capitol Hill to try some of Seattle's trendiest bars and restaurants.
Stopping to smell the flowers at Pike Place Market. (Photo Credit: Jessica Kelly)
Fans who can't get enough live sports can also make plans to watch the hometown Mariners and Storm in action on the MLB diamond and WNBA hardwood, respectively. Better yet, head a couple hours north to Vancouver to see more of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Where to Stay for the World Cup in Seattle
A newly opened MICHELIN Key recipient, Populus Seattle is less than a five-minute walk from Lumen Field. The boutique boasts 120 luxury guest rooms and suites, a signature restaurant in Salt Harvest serving up Pacific Northwest-inspired dishes and Firn, Pioneer Square’s first and only rooftop bar overlooking the stadium.
Guests can also enjoy a striking collection of 300-plus nature-inspired artworks created onsite when staying at the country’s second carbon-positive hotel.
Firn rooftop at Populus Seattle. (Photo Credit: ARTXIV)
Elsewhere, The Sound Hotel Seattle Belltown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is also convenient to the action at Lumen Field. It also helps that it's situated in one of Seattle’s most vibrant neighborhoods, offering ideal access to some of the city’s best dining and nightlife.
Guests won't have to go far to treat their taste buds, however, as the on-site Currant Bistro highlights Pacific Northwest flavors. There's also the speakeasy-style Sound Bite, which delivers skyline views and late-night cocktails.
Travelers to Seattle will also find inviting accommodations at Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown, which is located just across from the Space Needle within a short distance of Lumen Field. A great option for guests seeking longer stays, it offers spacious, pet-friendly suites with fully equipped kitchens and complimentary breakfast.
Other highlights include a rooftop deck with sweeping views of the surrounding nature. Guests can also walk to Seattle Center, Pike Place Market, and the waterfront to party with their fellow fans.
Hyatt House Seattle Downtown. (Photo Credit: Hyatt)
To the east of Seattle, Bellevue is Washington’s second-largest hotel market and expects approximately 15,000 overnight visitors during this summer's World Cup. Downtown, visitors can book a stay at the region's first InterContinental Hotel and a handful of other coveted hotels like the Westin Bellevue, Hyatt Regency Bellevue, W Bellevue, and smaller options like AC Hotel Bellevue or the private Bellevue Club Hotel.
Meanwhile, Visit Bellevue has introduced the Bellevue Stay & Play Fan Package for soccer fans, featuring a $50 Bellevue Collection promo card redeemable at more than 250 shops and restaurants, in addition to complimentary Bellevue Airport Shuttle transportation from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
What to Eat for the World Cup in Seattle
SeaTac's sprawling World Table District is a great place to fuel up before and after a big match in Seattle this summer, as it offers more than 30 independently owned global restaurants, cafés and markets along International Boulevard and Military Road.
Visitors will find a variety of cuisines from around the globe, including Somali, Thai, Peruvian, Mexican, Filipino and South Asian restaurants, on top of immersive culinary experiences.
Pike Place Market. (photo by Jessica Kelly)
Visiting Seattle also means exploring the famous Pike Place Market, which offers a slew of staples like award-winning chowder and seafood at Pike Place Chowder and artisan cheese that you can watch being made at Beecher's Handmade Cheese. Matt's in the Market is also not to be missed.
Don't forget the iconic Seattle-style hot dog. Hawk Dogs and Pioneer Grill Hot Dogs are two stellar spots to dig into this local favorite.
For sensational Italian dishes, check out The Pink Door, where you'll be just steps from phenomenal sushi at Sushi Kashiba. Slightly closer to the stadium, visitors can indulge in delightful banh mi at the Saigon Drip Cafe.
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