Space Needle Raises Seattle Host City Flag to Welcome the World

SEATTLE, WA — Against the backdrop of one of the world's most recognizable landmarks, Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026™ Local Organizing Committee (SeattleFWC26) raised Seattle the Host City flag atop the Space Needle, officially marking the beginning of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and  a historic summer for the Pacific Northwest.

The ceremonial flag raising brought together representatives from SeattleFWC26 and a coalition of regional host city supporters whose collaboration has helped make Seattle's role as a Host City possible, including Alaska Airlines, Amazon, Boeing, Emerald Queen Casino, Microsoft, the Port of Seattle, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, and the University of Washington.

Over the coming weeks, Seattle will host six FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches at Seattle Stadium, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors and fans from around the globe. The tournament is projected to generate $845 million in economic impact for King County, support thousands of jobs and create lasting benefits for businesses, workers, neighborhoods and communities throughout the region.

The Host City flag raising at the Space Needle symbolizes more than the start of a global sporting event. It reflects years of planning, collaboration and investment by organizations across Washington state working together to ensure FIFA World Cup 2026™ leaves a lasting legacy of economic opportunity, cultural exchange, and community connection.

"There is no better way to kick off the World Cup than crowning Seattle’s most iconic landmark with the symbol of the beautiful game," said Peter Tomozawa, CEO of SeattleFWC26. "Our city, our region has been counting down to this moment. We are ready. We are ready to welcome the world. We are excited about the opportunity to bring the best of Washington to the world."

As a Host City, Seattle is expected to serve as a gateway to the Pacific Northwest for visitors from across the globe. In addition to six matches, the region will host fan celebrations, cultural programming and community events designed to showcase the area's diversity, innovation, hospitality and passion for soccer. Seattle's matches are expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors while placing the city and region before a global audience of billions.

The Seattle Host City flag will fly atop the Space Needle as a visible reminder that Seattle has joined a select group of 16 Host Cities hosting the world's premier sporting event and that the region is ready to welcome fans from every corner of the globe.

“With Seattle serving as a global gateway during the tournament, Alaska Airlines is honored to play a role in helping fans experience this moment and connect with our region and each other,” said Ben Minicucci, President and CEO of Alaska Airlines. “As Seattle’s hometown airline, this is what we do every day – connect our guests to the world and bring people and places closer together.”

"The FIFA World Cup 2026™ presents an extraordinary opportunity to showcase the innovation, talent and global connections that define our region," said Bill McSherry, Boeing Vice President of State Advocacy and Global Engagement. "As a company with deep roots in the Pacific Northwest and partnerships around the world, Boeing is proud to support an event that will bring people together across cultures while creating lasting economic and community benefits throughout our region."

“Seattle’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ games will introduce the world to everything that makes the Puget Sound region a remarkable place to visit, work, and play,” said Yale Rowe, CEO of Emerald Queen Casino. “From world-class entertainment and hospitality to our rich cultural heritage, this tournament will create opportunities that reach far beyond the stadium. Emerald Queen Casino is honored to support SeattleFWC26 and ensure that the event leaves a legacy of community partnership and regional pride for years to come.”

"This moment is about more than hosting matches. It's about the people across Washington who will help welcome the world," said Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft. “The FIFA World Cup 26™ will bring visitors, investment, and energy into our local economy, support businesses across Washington, and leave a lasting legacy measured not just in moments on the field, but in what we build here long after it’s over.”

"As the gateway to the Pacific Northwest, the Port of Seattle is excited to welcome visitors from around the world to our region," said Ryan Calkins, Port of Seattle Commission President. "The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will shine a global spotlight on Seattle while creating meaningful opportunities for local businesses, workers, and communities. We are proud to partner with SeattleFWC26 to ensure visitors experience the very best of our region's hospitality, culture, and natural beauty."

"The Puyallup Tribe proudly welcomes the world," said Bill Sterud, Chairman of the Puyallup Tribal Council, the Puyallup Tribe’s governing body. "This moment reflects the power of partnership and community. As the first sovereign Indigenous Nation to be an official Host City Supporter for the FIFA World Cup 26(tm), we are proud to host a FIFA World Cup experience that celebrates the welcoming and generous traditions of our people while building opportunities that will benefit future generations."

“The University of Washington is proud to be a Host City Supporter of SeattleFWC26,” said Robert J. Jones, University of Washington President. "Partnering with businesses and community leaders across the state to welcome the world to our region. As one of the nation’s great sports cities, Seattle understands the power of sports to connect people across cultures. The UW helps shape the Pacific Northwest by advancing knowledge, driving innovation and fostering a more inclusive future, and we look forward to ensuring this moment delivers lasting benefit.”

As the FIFA World Cup 2026™ officially arrives in Seattle, the excitement will continue June 12 with the opening of Seattle Soccer House, the city's premier downtown destination for fans, visitors and community celebrations. The countdown culminates June 15 when Seattle hosts its first FIFA World Cup 2026™ match, featuring Belgium and Egypt at Seattle Stadium, marking the beginning of six historic matches and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase the Pacific Northwest to the world.

‍

Know Before You Go to a FIFA World Cup 2026™ match at Seattle Stadium

On match days, downtown Seattle will be one of the most transit-rich environments in the city’s history, and Seattle Stadium will be easiest to reach by light rail, bus, foot, bike, and water. Seattle Fan Celebrations and match day transportation plans—including light rail stations, shuttle routes, street closure windows, and rideshare zone maps—are available at Seattlefwc26.org/transportation. Learn more about the Stadium Code of Conduct, prohibited items, and other important pre-game information regarding Seattle Stadium.

Fans are encouraged to join the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Official Fan Info WhatsApp Channel for Seattle to receive real-time updates, travel guidance, and matchday information curated by FIFA and SeattleFWC26 before and during the tournament.

‍

‍