Seattle local Organizing Committee Launches FIFA 2026 Brand Assets at Space Needle

Mazvita Maraire, SeattleFWC26 Writer

SEATTLE, WA. - With a backdrop of the dark blue Pacific Ocean and sitting atop the observation deck of the iconic Space Needle SeattleFWC26, the Seattle Organizing Committee, revealed its FIFA World Cup 26™ brand logo on Thursday May 18, 2023.

The unveiling of the Seattle logo comes less than 24 hours after the official brand of the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup 26™ logo was unveiled in Los Angeles, California. Seattle is one of 16 host cities that span the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Including three countries on the same continent as joint hosts is part of a FIFA initiative to unite fans with a goal to highlight the continent's diversity. “Whether you call it football or soccer, we can all agree it is incredibly exciting that Washington will host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, said Washington State Governor Jay Inslee. “It is going to be a real delight to welcome fans from across the world to the Evergreen State for the tournament. At kickoff time, I will be watching ‘the beautiful game’ and cheering for the U.S.”

For SeattleFWC26 CEO Peter Tomozawa the World Cup coming to Seattle provides an unprecedented opportunity for the city and region to showcase its rich, diverse history as well as the Pacific Northwest’s continued eye on innovation.

“Our vision for FIFA World Cup 26™ in Seattle is to create a people-based legacy focused on our community, culture and children,” said Peter Tomozawa, SeattleFWC26 CEO. “The World’s Fair set the stage for Seattle to be the center of technology and the city of the future. Our legacy opportunity is guided by the spirit of unity, innovation, and inclusion. We love that the world’s game is coming to Seattle in 2026, but our goal is to bring Washington to the world.”

COLLOBORATIVE BUT LOCAL EFFORT

The brands from the 16 host sites are intended to empower people, highlight community places, and establish an inclusive and collaborative effort with community stakeholders as part of the #WeAre26 campaign. For the Seattle group, the “ We Are Seattle” brand launch incorporated core colors and imagery that are ingrained in the fabric of the Emerald City. Shapes inspired by the windows of MoPop, arches of Lumen Field and the Space Needle are part of the imaginary that evokes a natural, futuristic feeling, and a nod to the innovation and technology born from Seattle.

UNIQUE TO THE EMERALD CITY

Seattle’s logo’s color palette is composed of five specific shades that reflect the richness and vibrancy of the Northwest. The verdana green and ocean teal represent Seattle’s commitment to sustainability and the abundance in green spaces and water surrounding Seattle. The golden brown is a nod to Seattle’s coffee culture as well as the vast forests throughout the state. The bright green and purple reference Seattle’s leadership in technology.

“Embracing Seattle’s unmatched passion for soccer and the bold Space Needle like thinking our city is known for, FIFA World Cup 26™ will allow us to showcase Seattle once again to the world - from our transformed waterfront to our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusion. Seattle communities know that sports and competition bring out the best in one another,” Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said at the unveiling. “And we are thrilled to put our values into action to welcome visitors from around the globe and build One Seattle together.”

For the SeattleFWC26 committee the Space Needle was the natural location to hold the unveiling. For locals the Space Needle has been a significant and lasting fixture in the Seattle skyline since it was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. Seattle’s FIFA World Cup 26™ logo reveal included Governor Inslee, Mayor Harrell, USMNT Legend Kasey Keller, current USMNT stars Jordan Morris and Cristian Roldan, USWNT standout Alana Cook and Canadian Women’s National Team star Jordyn Huitema.