Everything to Know About the World Soccer Matches 2026 Cities and Venues: Seattle

Events
World Cup

The World Soccer Matches 2026 are set to be a monumental event, marking the first time the tournament will be hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With 16 host cities and venues spread across North America, this Cup promises not only thrilling soccer matches but also incredible opportunities to explore diverse cultures, landmarks, and attractions. Learn about Seattle's Lumen Field and the other city amenities in the piece below.

Venue Highlights

Lumen Field, home to Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) and the Seattle Seahawks (NFL), is a premier soccer stadium with a capacity of 69,000. Known for its passionate fanbase, loud atmosphere, and stunning views of the Seattle skyline, Lumen Field creates an unparalleled game-day experience.

Seattle’s soccer fans are among the most dedicated in the U.S., making this stadium a perfect venue. The stadium’s incredible acoustics, due to its unique roof design, amplify crowd noise, making it one of the loudest venues in the world. Lumen Field has previously hosted major Cups, including Concacaf Gold Cup matches and MLS Cup finals, proving it’s a top destination for international soccer.

Things to Do Near the Stadium

Seattle offers a mix of stunning natural beauty, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture. Whether you're in town for a match at Lumen Field or planning to explore the Pacific Northwest, here are some must-visit spots:

Near Lumen Field (Downtown Seattle)

Pioneer Square – One of Seattle’s oldest neighborhoods, filled with historic buildings, coffee shops, and local boutiques.
Seattle Waterfront & The Great Wheel – Take a stroll along the waterfront, ride the Seattle Great Wheel, and visit the Seattle Aquarium.
T-Mobile Park – If you’re a baseball fan, catch a Seattle Mariners (MLB) game, as the stadium is located next to Lumen Field.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – A fascinating museum showcasing Seattle’s role in the 1890s gold rush, perfect for history lovers.

Things to Do in Seattle (Short Trip from Lumen Field)

Pike Place Market – One of the most famous food markets in the U.S., featuring:

The Original Starbucks – Visit the first-ever Starbucks, founded in 1971.
Seafood & Local Eats – Try fresh-caught salmon, clam chowder, and Dungeness crab.
Flying Fish Market – Watch vendors toss fish through the air at Pike Place Fish Market.

Space Needle – Seattle’s iconic tower, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the city, Mount Rainier, and Puget Sound.
Chihuly Garden and Glass – A stunning glass art exhibit featuring the works of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) – A must-visit for music and movie lovers, featuring interactive exhibits on rock music, sci-fi, and video games.
Fremont & Ballard Neighborhoods – Explore quirky shops, craft breweries, and amazing waterfront views. Visit the Fremont Troll, a famous public art sculpture.
Kerry Park – One of the best spots to take a postcard-worthy photo of the Seattle skyline, especially at sunset.
Bainbridge Island Ferry – Take a scenic ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, where you can enjoy wine tasting, hiking trails, and waterfront dining.
Mount Rainier National Park – Just a day trip from Seattle, this park features breathtaking mountain views, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

How to Enjoy Seattle Beyond the Stadium

Seattle is a city that blends nature, technology, and culture. To make the most of your trip, consider:

Exploring the Coffee Culture – Seattle is the coffee capital of the U.S., home to:

The Original Starbucks – A must-visit at Pike Place Market.
Local Coffee Roasters – Try Espresso Vivace, Storyville Coffee, or Victrola Coffee for some of the best espresso in town.

Visiting Craft Breweries – Seattle is known for its amazing craft beer scene, with breweries like Fremont Brewing, Elysian Brewing, and Reuben’s Brews.
Taking a Sunset Cruise on Puget Sound – Enjoy a relaxing boat tour with stunning views of the Seattle skyline and nearby islands.
Exploring Tech Landmarks – Visit Amazon Spheres or the Microsoft Visitor Center in Redmond to see the heart of the tech industry.
Trying International Cuisine – Seattle is a foodie city with diverse options, including:

Asian Cuisine in the International District – Try Din Tai Fung (dumplings) or Maneki (Japanese sushi and ramen).
Fresh Seafood – Head to Taylor Shellfish for oysters or The Crab Pot for a seafood feast.
Mexican & Latin American – La Carta de Oaxaca and Fogón Cocina Mexicana serve some of the best tacos and mole in the city.

Road Travel & Tips for Navigating Seattle

Seattle has beautiful scenery, but traffic can be challenging. Here are some tips for getting around:

Traffic is Heavy During Rush Hour – Avoid driving between 7:00–9:30 AM and 4:00–7:00 PM, especially on I-5 and Highway 99.
Use Public Transit –

Link Light Rail – Provides direct access to Lumen Field from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and downtown Seattle.
Seattle Streetcars & Buses – Convenient for getting around Capitol Hill, South Lake Union, and downtown.
Ferries – Great for traveling to nearby islands like Bainbridge or Vashon.

Bike-Friendly City – Seattle has protected bike lanes and bike-sharing services (Lime & Jump bikes).
Parking Near Lumen Field – If driving, pre-book parking through the stadium’s official parking system to save time.
RV-Friendly Parking & Camping –

Lake Pleasant RV Park – A beautiful, full-service RV park just north of downtown, providing a peaceful escape with easy city access.
Dash Point State Park – A beachfront camping area located about 40 minutes south of Seattle, offering scenic nature trails and Puget Sound views.

Why Seattle is a Great City to Host a World Soccer Game

Seattle is a fantastic host city, thanks to its dedicated soccer culture, modern stadium, and global appeal.

Passionate Soccer Fans – Seattle is home to one of the most successful MLS teams, Seattle Sounders FC, whose fans regularly fill Lumen Field with record-breaking crowds.
Unmatched Stadium Atmosphere – The stadium’s acoustics and fan engagement make it one of the loudest soccer venues in North America.
International Gateway City – Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) offers direct flights to Asia, Europe, and South America, making travel easy for international fans.
Diverse & Global City – Seattle is home to a large international community, ensuring a welcoming environment for fans from around the world.
Breathtaking Scenery & Outdoor Activities – Visitors can hike mountains, explore the waterfront, or take a ferry ride, making it a well-rounded destination beyond soccer.
Proven Track Record for Hosting Major Events – Seattle has successfully hosted MLS Cup Finals, Concacaf Gold Cup matches, and international friendlies, proving its ability to manage large-scale Cups.