The World Cup is Coming to Seattle – Beginning June 15th – and Tourists are Expected to Flock to Bainbridge and Bremerton

It’s finally here! The much-heralded 2026 FIFA World Cup event will feature six matches in Seattle, beginning June 15th at Lumen Field, home of the Seahawks and Sounders. The Emerald City was selected as one of 16 host cities across North America for what is expected to be one of the largest World Cup presentations ever.

Between June and July, the six matches are projected to generate a minimum of $929 million in economic impact and support more than 20,700 full-time and part-time jobs, according to statistics compiled by Visit Seattle.

Nine Washington cities will host official “fan zones,” including Bellingham, Bremerton, Everett, Olympia/Lacey, Spokane, Tacoma, Tri-Cities, Vancouver and Yakima. Seattle Center will also host a fan celebration hub. Local organizations, such as the Greater Kitsap Chamber, are working to equip small businesses – near and far from the stadium – with tools to take advantage of the opportunities.

It’s anticipated that the World Cup will attract some 750,000 soccer fans to the Greater Seattle area for the games. The tournament will feature 48 international teams playing 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico. As one of 16 cities jointly hosting the tournament, Seattle will play a part in making history.

Seattle’s Lumen Field will host the aforementioned six World Cup matches, including the U.S. men’s national team’s group stage match on June 19 – one of only two cities to host the U.S. team during the group stage. Millions more around the world will be watching. The World Cup officially gets underway on Monday June 15th at noon when Belgium takes on Egypt. Fans can take in the action on Channel 13.

“The countdown has really begun for us and for everybody,” says Rachel Smith, president and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. “It’s an opportunity for smaller businesses across Washington state to become household names for soccer fans everywhere by really contributing to them having an experience of a lifetime.”

With World Cup matches taking place in Seattle – and with the official Bremerton Fan Zone up and running – Bainbridge City officials are expecting higher-than-average visitor traffic on Bainbridge Island throughout the tournament. The city is actively coordinating with regional partners including Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Washington State Ferries, Kitsap Transit, Kitsap County, the City of Bremerton, Bainbridge Island Fire Department, the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce, Bainbridge Island Downtown Association, and others to help ensure the island community is prepared for increased visitation, transportation impacts, and any emergencies that may arise.

To support visitors and residents,

• additional portable restrooms will be available at Waterfront Park,
• there will be additional wayfinding around town,
• Washington State Patrol will provide additional ferry toll booth traffic control on Seattle game days,
• And Kitsap Transit will be offering expanded service options on Seattle game days including Route 390 (to Poulsbo) operating until midnight. In addition, Kitsap Transit’s take-home service to Bainbridge Island hotels from 8 p.m. until midnight.

Mark your Calendar! – Seattle Match Days:

• June 15th – Noon (Belgium v. Egypt, first game)

*June 19 – Noon (USA vs. Australia)

• June 24 – Noon

• June 26 – 8 p.m.

• July 1 – 1 p.m.

• July 6 – 5 p.m.

World Cup 2026 | Match schedule, fixtures & stadiums

On Bainbridge, you can enjoy four World Cup matches, starting with USA vs. Australia, on the big screen along with drinks, live music and games, June 19 at Stan Pocock Rowing Center at Waterfront Park. Admission is pay-what-you-can with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits.

Whether you’re catching a match, visiting the Fan Zone in Bremerton, or simply enjoying summer on the Island, the City says it is working with our partners to help keep everyone moving, informed, and safe.

Source materials: Greater Kitsap Chamber, Association of Washington Business, City of Bainbridge Island and our own reporting. 

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