Get Your Kicks
Fremont Troll courtesy Seattle Sounders FC
Seattle loves soccer! The city’s professional men’s and women’s teams—MLS’s Sounders FC and NWSL’s Reign FC—enjoy devoted followings. And now the city is gearing up to welcome teams and fans from across the globe for this world-class soccer event.
Seattle Stadium courtesy Sounders FC Communications
FIFA World Cup 26™
Join Seattle’s robust soccer fandom as the city hosts FIFA World Cup 26™ for the first time ever this summer; we’re one of the select group of cities across the US, Canada, and Mexico sharing the honor, and we’re among the most walkable, with the stadium just steps from downtown. It’s the perfect setting for exploring lively neighborhoods, catching a match, and soaking up Seattle’s passionate sports scene. Six FIFA World Cup™ games take place at Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field) in June and July, including four group stage matches—with Team USA competing on June 19—one round of 32 and one round of 16. The 1994 FIFA World Cup™ in the US holds the record for the highest average attendance per game in World Cup history.
Fortunately, you don’t have to score a match ticket to be part of the festivities. Seattle is hosting four official FIFA Fan Celebration™ locations—Seattle Center, Pacific Place, Waterfront Park, and Victory Hall at the Boxyard—will broadcast live matches and feature art, food, and entertainment. Other than the host venue, Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field), these are the best viewing options. Learn more at letsplaysea26.org.
For a great perspective on how soccer captivates the world, visit the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) to attend the special exhibit, The Beautiful Game: How Soccer Builds Community (May 23–Sept 7), showcasing how the sport unites people across cultures, generations, and neighborhoods. In June and July, the Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP) will also present a pop-up exhibit dedicated to futbol fandom. Across the city, there are lots of other places where soccer fans love to gather, including Kells Irish Restaurant Pub in Pike Place Market and the Admiral Pub in West Seattle.
We are thrilled to welcome the world to Seattle as a host city for this global event
One of the most anticipated events in sports, FIFA World Cup 26™ will be hosted across North America with games in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Seattle is excited to host six matches from June 15-July 6.
Seattle Sounders FC photo credit Jane Gershovich
Watch with Friends
Hatback Bar & Grille courtesy Seattle Mariners
Whether you’re here for the tournament or to watch regular-season Sounders and Reign FC games, Seattle’s sports bars are perfect for both pre-gaming and watching matches with a joyful crowd of like-minded fans. Watch soccer on TV while playing Duffleboard (a cross between minigolf and shuffleboard) and other games at Flatstick Pub. Both are just a short walk from Lumen Field in historic Pioneer Square. Sharing its space with Steelheads Alley microbrewery, Hatback Bar & Grille features 20 screens—its Victory Hall area is open to all ages three hours before Sounders games. Xtadium has a clubby vibe, with plenty of TVs plus an LED wall featuring sports events. A bit farther away, ideal spots for Cup-watching include Greenlake’s Atlantic Crossing; The George & Dragon Pub, a British-style bar in Fremont; and Ballard’s stylishly designed Rough & Tumble Pub, which is devoted to women’s sports but shows both women’s and men’s games on its many big-screen TVs.
Seattle Reign FC photo credit Jane Gershovich
Seattle Reign FC and Seattle Sounders FC
Reign FC is a founding member of the National Women’s Soccer League and has been one of the most successful teams, with three NWSL Shields and seven playoff appearances. The Sounders kicked off their first MLS season in 2009 and have enjoyed enormous success and fandom from the start. In addition to being 2022 Concacaf champions, they’ve captured the MLS Cup twice and the US Open Cup four times.
Watch both teams compete at Lumen Field. The Reign FC play 13 regular season home games, from March through October. The Sounders play 17 regular season home games, from February through October.
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