Our “Top 6 for ‘26” Announcements and Accomplishments
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.”
2. Seattle Fan Celebration To Be Held at Seattle Center
On October 1, SeattleFWC26 joined with Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell to announce that Seattle Center will host the official Seattle Fan Celebration for FIFA World Cup 2026 TM. The Fan Celebration will be a destination for residents and the 750,000 fans expected to visit Seattle and the region over the course of the tournament.
“Located within the heart of the city, the Seattle Center is the perfect location for the Seattle Fan Celebration,” said Peter Tomozawa, CEO of Seattle FWC26. “This fan experience will create a place where fans - whether residents or visitors - can come together to watch live broadcasts every Seattle match day, be entertained by local artists, participate in on-site activities, and enjoy local food & beverage. It will be the best place in Seattle to watch a match outside of the stadium itself.”
“We’re excited to welcome the world to Seattle, and create an interactive, exciting fan experience here at Seattle Center,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “In 1962, Seattle hosted the World’s Fair– building the iconic Space Needle and the Seattle Center campus to showcase the Northwest and our unique arts, culture, and heritage. In 2026, we’ll once again proudly show off our dynamic and diverse city. We’re creating a welcoming and exciting place to watch the matches, engage with fans, and experience the best of our region.”
… With Statewide Announcements to Come!
In partnership with local jurisdictions, business associations, chambers of commerce, and other interested stakeholders, SeattleFWC26 plans to host nine additional Fan fan Zones zones so that residents and visitors across Washington can enjoy the collective thrill of the FIFA World Cup. Locations for the fan zones across the state will be announced in the months ahead.
3. Spokane and Renton may host Team Base Camps
FIFA World Cup 2026 will be a truly statewide event– and the announcement that FIFA has selected Spokane’s Gonzaga University and Sounders’ Clubhouse in Renton as potential host locations for an international Team Basecamp underscores this commitment.
Basecamps will be identified for all 48 participating teams in communities throughout North America, and additional sites could be identified in Washington. These locations will include lodging and practice facilities, as well as close access to air travel and other transportation facilities. The news that Gonzaga and Spokane will host a team over the course of the tournament was welcomed by local leaders.
"We are excited for the opportunity to host a FIFA World Cup 2026 team in Spokane,” said Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown. This announcement underscores Spokane's growing reputation as a sports destination city and a key part of the statewide efforts to welcome the world's game to communities throughout Washington. We look forward to the next steps in the planning process and the building anticipation as we get closer to the tournament."
“The City of Renton is looking forward to welcoming visitors from around the world for FIFA World Cup 26,” said Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone. “Sports are a major part of Renton, as the home to the Seattle Seahawks headquarters on the shores of Lake Washington, and the new Seattle Sounders FC headquarters. We are proud to be home to a new world-class Sounders training facility, a perfect place for a premier team to call their home in 2026. Let’s go!”
4. Historic Labor Agreement Promises Shared Benefits and Opportunities for Workers
In November, the SeattleFWC26 organizing committee, Martin Luther King, Jr. County Labor Council, and 17 affiliated unions reached a historic agreement, signing a Labor Standards Agreement for the FIFA World Cup 26 Fan Celebration at Seattle Center. The LOC and unions were joined by regional leaders, including Executive Dow Constantine, County Councilmembers Teresa Mosqueda and Jose Baron, and Seattle Deputy Mayor Greg Wong.
An estimated 500,000 fans are expected to attend the Seattle Fan Celebration here at Seattle Center over the course of three weeks starting in June of 2026.
This agreement is a first for workers at a FIFA World Cup 26 Fan Celebration venue, setting a new precedent for fair treatment and wages in large-scale international events. This marks an important step in making sure that local World Cup planning advances Washington State values in a lasting way as the largest tournament in history comes to our region.
“The historic Labor Standards Agreement reflects our commitment to inclusivity, opportunity, and leaving a lasting and positive legacy”, said Peter Tomozawa, CEO, Seattle FIFA World Cup 26. “We are excited and energized by the partnerships we have forged in our planning efforts so far, and know we still have a lot of work to do as we prepare to welcome the world to Seattle in June 2026, and to continue centering the rights of working people in our state– and across the nation.”
5. RAVE Foundation Mini Pitch Opening
In late September, representatives from the Puyallup Tribe of Indians (PTOI), Seattle Sounders FC, RAVE Foundation and SeaFWC26 gathered at the Tribes’ Chief Leschi School to celebrate the opening of a new mini pitch– part of RAVE Foundation’s “52x26” commitment to constructing 52 new playing fields statewide before kickoff in 2026.
While the opening of the new pitch is a celebration for the community– and the kids who will enjoy it– the larger significance is the growing role of PTOI in the state’s soccer community.
"We are excited not only for the next generation of youth who will enjoy this incredible new soccer pitch but also for the partnership in bringing the FIFA World Cup to our region,” said Bill Sterud, Chairman of the Puyallup Tribal Council. “We are committed to educating visitors and viewers about our history, culture, and future in this region and creating a lasting legacy for generations to come – on and off the field. Today is one more step forward in this journey.”
The RAVE mini-pitch, which broke ground in May, was the 23rd to open, with the 24th, 25th and 26th also opening last month! Having reached its initial goal of 26 fields by 2026 early, RAVE has announced a commitment to 26 MORE Fields throughout Washington by 2026! While each mini pitch is designed to encourage free play and to provide access to sport in historically underrepresented communities, the Chief Leschi pitch is especially rewarding for the Foundation.
“We are proud of our work throughout the state to provide accessible, inclusive, and fun places for kids to engage with soccer, improve their health and confidence, and gather with other young people,” said Ashley Fosberg, Executive Director of RAVE Foundation. “Here at Chief Leschi, we are furthering Sounders FC’s commitment to Defend the Right to Play while deepening our commitment to investing in Native Communities. We’re proud to showcase the incredible leadership of PTOI in advancing soccer and excitement to the FIFA World Cup to communities across the state.”
6. Summer Watch Parties Preview Fan Enthusiasm and Statewide Engagement
Fans of international soccer were joined by current and former professional players, local leaders and more throughout last summer for watch parties during the European Championship and Paris Olympics games. Events statewide were well attended, with enthusiastic crowds gathering to share in the excitement and collective enjoyment of the world’s game.
These events are a preview of the types of organized “fan zone” style events and local watch parties that will be the hallmark of 2026 FIFA World Cup activities throughout the state.
