SeattleFWC26 Hosts Inaugural Blind Soccer International Tournament in the Pacific Northwest; Kazakhstan Takes the Title

U.S., Kazakhstan, and Peru national teams met at Interbay Stadium for exhibitions, training, and matches that count for Paralympics qualification

Seattle, WA – This past weekend, the Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026™ Local Organizing Committee (SeattleFWC26) in collaboration with the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes, Ballard FC, and Salmon Bay FC, hosted the Blind Soccer International Tournament from May 23–24, 2026, at Interbay Stadium. The two-day event celebrated blind soccer while advancing inclusion and establishing Seattle as the Pacific Northwest hub for U.S. Blind Soccer. Results of the matches counted in the Paralympic qualification process for Peru and Kazakhstan. The U.S. Team has qualified as the host for the LA28 Paralympic Games.

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Kazakhstan claimed the tournament title after a weekend of international competition. [0-4: USA vs. Peru, Saturday], [0-0: USA vs. Kazakhstan, Saturday], and [1-0: Kazakhstan vs. Peru, Sunday].

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The weekend brought together athletes, coaches, and community members through competition, showcasing how adaptive sport is creating new opportunities and excitement across the world.

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Athletes, coaches, and the public gathered for a dynamic weekend of exhibition matches, community engagement and education designed to build awareness, expand access, and create pathways for adaptive athletes.

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“The Pacific Northwest has always been a region that leads with innovation, and our work with USABA is a direct expression of that” said Peter Tomozawa, CEO of SeattleFWC26. “By combining our accessibility focus with a commitment to grow blind soccer, we are helping the US National Blind Soccer team build toward the LA28 Paralympic Games while establishing lasting infrastructure for the sport in our region. USABA’s decision to name Seattle the official Pacific Northwest Hub for blind soccer is recognition of that approach, and this weekend served to reinforce it. This is what innovative investment in sport looks like, and this is what Seattle’s FIFA World Cup legacy looks like: more athletes, more coaches, more opportunity, and more for the community.”

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“USABA is incredibly excited to be part of this landmark moment for blind soccer in the Pacific Northwest,” said Michael Holmes, Interim CEO of USABA. “This international tournament featuring our own USA Blind Soccer Men’s National Team represented a powerful opportunity to elevate awareness, showcase the speed, skill and intensity of the sport, and connect new communities to adaptive athletics.”

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“Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC are absolutely thrilled to help host this event at Interbay Stadium and create a space where the game is truly for everyone,” said Sam Zisette, Co-Founder and President of Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC. “We’re excited to help showcase these incredible athletes to our fanbase and beyond, and to continue growing the sport in our community.”

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Together, the event aimed to elevate blind soccer, grow participation across Washington State and position the Pacific Northwest as a leading hub for adaptive sport — ensuring accessibility and inclusion remain central to Seattle’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ legacy.

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Featured Matchups:

USA vs. Kazakhstan

USA vs. Peru

Kazakhstan vs. Peru

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