FIFA World Cup 2026 Promises Major Economic Impact
In early December, our partners at Visit Seattle, the destination marketing organization for Seattle and King County, released their initial economic impact projection for the tournament.
Visit Seattle projects a minimum of $929 million will be generated for King County over the six World Cup matches set to take place between June and July of 2026. This projection includes more than $100 million in direct state and local tax revenue and anticipates 20,762 full-time and part-time jobs will be supported.
“The Visit Seattle team and our local partners worked tirelessly for five years before our city was selected as a World Cup host destination in 2022,” said Kelly Saling, SVP & Chief Sales Officer at Visit Seattle. “All of this was done with the understanding that an event of this caliber will be a massive economic driver for Seattle. Direct spending from these soccer fans will uplift our hospitality and service industries, while associated tax revenues will bolster our community, leaving a legacy that will endure long after the tournament ends.”
The study’s results underscore the ongoing planning efforts in anticipation of the 2026 tournament and the inclusive planning efforts underway.
“We’re committed to spreading the nearly billion-dollar economic boost from FIFA World Cup 26 to uplift local businesses and workers,” said April Putney, Chief Strategy Officer for SeattleFWC26. “Our team is particularly focused on partnering with neighborhood business improvement areas to support small businesses in Pioneer Square, Chinatown-International District, and SODO. And Seattle is the first U.S. Host City to partner with local unions to guarantee the Seattle Fan Celebration benefits local workers. The scale of this economic benefit is unprecedented locally and we’re excited that more small businesses, restaurants, entrepreneurs, neighborhoods will be able to share in the prosperity.”
