FIFA President Gianni Infantino Visits Seattle
Photo Credit: Jane Gershovich / Sounders FC Communications
In early October, FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the region in preparation for Seattle's expanded hosting role for both the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the newly configured 2025 Club World Cup. In addition to tours of the stadium and Sounders FC practice facilities, Infantino met with local leaders to learn more about the region and its residents.
"It was energizing to tour the Sounders facility with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and learn more about their plans to bring more international soccer events to Washington State," said Washington Governor Jay Inslee. "We are a global state with a passionate fanbase, and I'm excited for next steps as we plan for the dozen matches in 2025 and 2026 that will be hosted in the Seattle region."
Reflecting the historic role of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians as Legacy Partners to the Seattle organizing committee, Infantino spent time with Chairman Bill Sterud.
"I was proud to join with state and local officials this week to welcome FIFA President Gianni Infantino to the Pacific Northwest," said Sterud. "As the first Indigenous community in the world to partner with a FIFA World Cup host committee, it was a wonderful opportunity to not only share with him our mutual love for the game of soccer but also the unique and important cultural perspectives we are bringing to this partnership, and the legacy we are building for long after the tournament ends."
Mayors Armando Pavone of Renton— home of the Sounders Longacres facility— and Bruce Harrell of Seattle joined the event as well, sharing their perspectives on how the region is getting ready for two years of global soccer.
"Seattle is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and with the announcement of six Club World Cup matches in 2025, we'll have even more to celebrate," said Harrell. "I was proud to share our plans-- and civic energy-- with FIFA President Gianni Infantino this week, and look forward to two years of international soccer in our city."
