Kasey Keller Interview– Legendary Goalkeeper Shares His World Cup Memories, and Excitement for Seattle 2026!

Seattle soccer legend Kasey Keller holds the FIFA World Cup 26 scarf atop the iconic Space Needle. Photo Credit: Corky Trewin

Over a 20-year career playing goalkeeper in top European leagues before returning home to usher in the Seattle Sounders first MLS seasons, Kasey Keller also represented the US Men's National Team in a joint-record four FIFA World Cups. 

In anticipation of the World's Game coming to the US and Seattle, Keller shared some of his memories and perspectives about what it’s like to play in a World Cup environment, how Seattle became such a welcoming home for US Men's National Team, and what Seattle fans should expect when the world arrives in 2026!

SeaFWC26: You are the first American man to participate in four different FIFA World Cups-- do you have favorite moments or memories from those experiences?

Kasey Keller: I'd say probably the Italy game in 2006—in the World Cup hosted by Germany. You know, being the only team that took some points away from the future champion, and to be able to battle through 2 red cards and still find a way to pick up a point. That was special.

Also, what really blew us all away was playing that game in Kaiserslautern, where one of America's biggest military bases, Rammstein, is located. It was truly special to have a significant American presence in the crowd—close to 50% cheering for us— despite being that far from home.

Years before, in 1990, we were drawn against the host—Italy—and played in the National Stadium in Rome. It was great, but there were maybe 1000 American fans in the crowd. It was an intimidating– but awe inspiring– setting for that match. Truly a lasting memory. 

SeaFWC26: Speaking of different host nations, which of the countries you experienced did a good job or created a memorable experience?

Keller: Germany (in 2006) was definitely the best—part of a progression of each World Cup host learning from and building from the last. With several neighboring countries easily accessible, it created a unique atmosphere that I hadn't experienced in other World Cups. In Italy, Korea, and even France, you just didn't have that type of atmosphere—the number of qualifying nations directly bordering the host country. The infrastructure and accessibility made the experience truly special.

Plus the people were great. One story I’ll never forget was that my dad and his wife arrived and they were trying to figure out where to go and one of the Germans that he asked for directions just said “I don't think I can explain this to you—but it’s about a 15 minute drive, just follow me and I'll just take you there.”

Can you imagine someone from Brazil or Europe landing at Seatac, getting their rental car and asking: “Can you tell me how to get to Kirkland?”, and a local responds “Follow me and I'll take you there?” It was pretty special.

SeaFWC26: Looking ahead to 2026, what are the top things our city and region can do to make the most of this opportunity and welcome the world here?

Keller: Making transportation seamless for visitors is crucial. Ensuring easy access to hotels, the World Cup zone, and stadium will enhance the overall experience for fans. Creating a welcoming and organized environment is key.

For a lot of fans, they just spent a lot of money to travel and watch their team, so the little things a host city can do to make the fan experience easy and enjoyable—they will remember the travel and city with so much more fondness—and maybe want to come back in the future!

SeaFWC26: What advice would you give local fans looking to soak up the excitement and culture during the World Cup?

Keller: Embrace the passion of other fan bases and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the World Cup. There are only so many tickets to games, but with fan zones, watch parties, and other events it will be a great atmosphere in cities across Washington.

Attend games even if it's not your favorite team playing! Join in with their fans, see their passion, and I think you'll truly have an appreciation for the World Cup.

SeaFWC26: The U.S. will be playing in Seattle during the tournament, and has had great success here in the past. What makes Seattle such a winning atmosphere for our national team?

Keller: Seattle offers a very pro-American crowd, which creates a great home field advantage for the national team. The passionate fan base ensures strong support for the team during important matches.

I’ve played National Team games in LA against Mexico where you feel like you are the visiting team. But in Seattle people support the team, they know soccer—and they don’t sell their tickets to away fans!  

SeaFWC26: The 1994 World Cup hosted in the US is credited with the growth of MLS and seismic shift in soccer culture generally in the United States. What would you hope for as the long-term benefit or legacy of the 2026 World Cup?

Keller: This World Cup should be viewed as a continuation of the progress soccer has made in the US. It's not about massive change but about building upon the existing infrastructure and momentum to further grow the sport.

We are among the top 25 or 30 nations in the world now, with a good representation of players in leagues across Europe. So, this is part of a natural progression of an amazing trajectory that is just going to continue following a successful tournament.

SeaFWC26: You played in top leagues throughout Europe, and National Team matches across the globe. What are some favorite stadiums from your playing career?

Keller: I've played in many iconic stadiums, but Estadio Azteca in Mexico City stands out, especially during US-Mexico matches—that is something special. I was fortunate to play in three of the biggest leagues in Europe, so stadiums like Old Trafford (home of Manchester United) and Highbury (former home of Arsenal) hold special memories for me in England. In Spain, of course The Bernabeu (Real Madrid) and Camp Nou (Barcelona). I was fortunate in Germany to play Bayern Munich in both the old Olympic Stadium and then the new Allianz Arena.  

SeaFWC26: You returned home to Lumen Field in Seattle for the Sounders' inaugural MLS seasons. How do the fans here compare to those you experienced in Europe?

Keller: Seattle Sounders fans set the standard for MLS. Their passion and support were instrumental in elevating our team to incredible success, and also elevating the league—showing other cities how to take the next step in fan engagement and community building. They showed that MLS could thrive with strong fan engagement.

You have to have a fan base that is excited for the game and committed to the team. In Europe, where clubs have been around for 150 years in some places, the teams are in the DNA of the city. The entire stadium gasps at a save, and yells at what they feel is a bad call. We’ve had 50 years of Sounders in Seattle—so just give us a little more time but we’re getting close to that level of intensity.  

SeaFWC26: You were a local kid who reached the highest levels of a very demanding and competitive game. What advice would you give a young player today looking to achieve your level of success?

Keller: There is an old cliché that in team sports there are only two things you can control—your effort and attitude. That means hard work on and off the pitch to improve your skills and knowledge of the game. Be an advocate for yourself and seek out the best competition and coaches to provide a strong learning environment and new challenges.

But also, have a Plan B because success in sports is not guaranteed. Do everything you can to achieve your dreams but realize that you need to be positioned for the rest of your life—whether you play professionally or not.

SeaFWC26: Thank you for being an Ambassador for the Seattle FIFA World Cup games, and sharing your experiences with us!

Keller: Let’s get excited for the 2026 games!