Seattle Breaks Guinness World Record™

SEATTLE BREAKS GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ FOR LARGEST SOCCER LESSON MARKING “ONE YEAR TO GO” UNTIL FIFA WORLD CUP 26™

SEATTLE, WA. - Seattle made history as Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Reign FC, RAVE Foundation, Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™ local organizing committee (SeattleFWC26), and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians brought together an unprecedented crowd at Pier 62 to break the Guinness World Record™ for the Largest Soccer Lesson with 1038 participants— surpassing the previous record of 956 participants held by the San Jose Earthquakes.

The event, hosted in partnership with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, marked exactly one year until FIFA World Cup 26™ kicks off in Seattle. Led by local coaches and supported by community partners, the event reflected Seattle’s deep love for the game — and its unmatched ability to rally around soccer. The lesson was led by Seattle Sounders FC Brand Ambassador and club legend Brad Evans, with support from former Sounders star and current broadcaster Steve Zakuani. Adding to the excitement, local icons and Sounders FC owners Ken Griffey Jr. and Drew Carey participated, helping rally participants to this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

Following the lesson, participants joined a spirited celebration in Occidental Square, then continued to Lumen Field (Seattle Stadium) for the Seattle Sounders FC opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup 25™ — a key milestone on the road to FIFA World Cup 26™.

This record-breaking celebration kicks off a year of community-driven programming and fan engagement leading up to the world’s biggest sporting event. Seattle is ready — and now, the world is watching.

“Seattle is officially in the record books — and it’s just the beginning,” said Peter Tomozawa, CEO of SeattleFWC26. “We’ve always known we have the best soccer fans in the world. Breaking this record proves that Seattle is ready for the world’s stage next summer, and we’re proud to do it in partnership with our incredible local clubs and community.”

ABOUT SEATTLE REIGN FC

Seattle Reign FC was established in 2012 as a founding member of the National Women’s Soccer League. The fourteen-team NWSL is widely considered to be the most competitive women’s professional soccer league in the world. Over its first 11 seasons, the club captured the NWSL Shield three times, while making three appearances in the NWSL Championship and seven appearances in the NWSL postseason. Reign FC plays its home matches at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington and trains at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington. The club can be found on the web at www.reignfc.com and on social platforms @ReignFC.

ABOUT RAVE FOUNDATION

RAVE Foundation, the official charitable partner of both Sounders FC and Reign FC, builds small fields for free play in communities of need throughout Washington, and uses soccer as a vehicle to inspire learning, wellness and joy where they are needed most. RAVE is a partner in the legacy commitment of FIFA World Cup Seattle 2026, aimed to leave Washington with more access to the beautiful game as a result of this momentous opportunity.  

RAVE Foundation has three core strategies including using soccer as a vehicle to empower and inspire, to remove barriers to participation on and off the field and to support, catalyze and strengthen communities. By building small fields, the RAVE Foundation provides a place for kids to play freely, be physically active and safe, and to be inclusive stakeholders in their communities.  

More information about RAVE Foundation can be found via RaveFoundation.org. RAVE also welcomes donations to the general 26 MORE Fields by 2026 initiative HERE.

ABOUT SEATTLE FIFA WORLD CUP 26™ LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

SeattleFWC26 is the local organizing committee for Seattle’s participation as one of the 16 host cities selected for the FIFA World Cup 26™. As a not-for-profit organization, SeattleFWC26’s vision is to foster a lasting legacy for our region, guided by the spirit of soccer, innovation, and inclusion. To keep up to date on the latest news and involvement opportunities with SeattleFWC26, please visit Seattlefwc26.org/get-involved.  

ABOUT FIFA WORLD CUP 26™

FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the biggest sporting event ever, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. With more countries, cities, teams, and games, FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the most inclusive tournament ever, engaging millions of fans across 16 unique stadiums and billions worldwide. The tournament will take place in June and July 2026. For the latest FIFA World Cup 26™ information please visit the FIFA World Cup 26™ website.  

- SOUNDERS FC, REIGN FC, RAVE FOUNDATION AND SEATTLEFWC26 -

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