๐Ÿ“ข Match Day Prep: Link Light Rail is your fastest option to Lumen Field. SODO Station is 2 minutes from the main gate. Extra trains run before and after every match. See transit tips โ†’
โšฝ FIFA World Cup 2026 โ€” Seattle Host City

Seattle World Cup Guide

Everything you need for match day at Lumen Field โ€” all 6 games, schedules, parking, transit, fan zones, and what to do around the city.

โšฝ Match Schedule ๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ Parking Guide ๐Ÿš‡ Getting There โ† Back to Seattle.net

Seattle Is a Host City

Lumen Field will host multiple group-stage and knockout matches as part of the first FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Here's everything you need to know โ€” whether you're attending, or just trying to get to work.

โšฝ Match Venue

Lumen Field, Seattle
Capacity: 69,000

Located in the SODO neighborhood, Lumen Field is easily accessible by Link Light Rail (SODO Station, 2-min walk), but driving is strongly discouraged on match days. Surrounding streets will have closures, and parking lots within 1 mile will be restricted.


๐Ÿ“ Venue Info โ†’

6 Matches at Lumen Field

  • ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช Belgium vs Egypt ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ฌ
    Group Stage ยท 12:00 PM PDT
    Jun 15
  • ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ USA vs Australia ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ
    Group Stage ยท 12:00 PM PDT
    Jun 19
  • ๐Ÿ‡ถ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Qatar vs UEFA Playoff
    Group Stage ยท 12:00 PM PDT
    Jun 24
  • ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ฌ Egypt vs IR Iran ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ท
    Group Stage ยท 8:00 PM PDT
    Jun 26
  • Round of 32 โ€” TBD
    Knockout Stage ยท 1:00 PM PDT
    Jul 1
  • Round of 16 โ€” TBD
    Knockout Stage ยท 5:00 PM PDT
    Jul 6

All times Pacific (PDT). Source: FIFA.com / Seattle FWC26

๐Ÿ“… All 6 Matches at Lumen Field โ€” Seattle
Jun
15
Sun
Group Stage ยท Group A โฐ 12:00 PM PDT
๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช
Belgium
FIFA #3
vs
๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ฌ
Egypt
FIFA #34
๐Ÿ† Group A opener โ€” first FIFA World Cup match ever played in Seattle
Belgium โ€” one of Europe's most complete squads, ranked #3 in the world. Led by Kevin De Bruyne (if fit) and Romelu Lukaku. Belgium have never won a World Cup despite consistently reaching knockout stages with a golden generation of talent. This is likely their last realistic shot.

Egypt โ€” Africa's most historically successful football nation (7 Africa Cup of Nations titles). Mohamed Salah, if playing in 2026, would be 34 and potentially in his final World Cup โ€” expect enormous Egyptian-American turnout. Egypt's road to 2026 qualification was the talk of African football.
๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช Large Belgian expat community in Seattle area ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ฌ Significant Egyptian-American PNW fanbase ๐ŸŒ Expected: international neutral fans
๐Ÿ’ก Seattle's historic first. This is the first ever World Cup match played in Seattle. The atmosphere will be unprecedented โ€” arrive at Lumen Field gates by 9:30 AM for a noon kickoff.
Jun
19
Thu
Group Stage ยท Group C โฐ 12:00 PM PDT โš ๏ธ Juneteenth
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ
USA
FIFA #13 ยท Host Nation
vs
๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ
Australia
FIFA #22
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ The match Seattle locals will care about most
USA (USMNT) โ€” the host nation, playing their first World Cup on home soil since 1994. Led by Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Gio Reyna, and a rising generation of players who came of age in European leagues. The United States is a genuine dark horse to reach the quarterfinals, with the home crowd advantage being enormous. Group C also includes England and Panama.

Australia (Socceroos) โ€” reached the 2022 Qatar World Cup quarterfinals in a stunning run. Sam Kerr's men's counterparts are a hardworking, physical team with a strong Premier League and European contingent. A competitive match โ€” Australia won't roll over.
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Sellout crowd expected โ€” near-100% American ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Large Australian expat community in Seattle โœŠ Juneteenth celebrations citywide same day
โš ๏ธ Double event day: Juneteenth celebrations at Jimi Hendrix Park (Central District) and USMNT match at Lumen Field on the same afternoon. Downtown, SODO, and the Central District will all be at capacity. Add 60+ min to any travel plan.
๐Ÿ’ก This is the most anticipated game in Seattle. Bars opened at 9am downtown will be absolutely packed by 10am. The stadium will be a sea of red, white, and blue โ€” the electric atmosphere of a home World Cup match.
Jun
24
Wed
Group Stage ยท Group A โฐ 12:00 PM PDT
๐Ÿ‡ถ๐Ÿ‡ฆ
Qatar
AFC qualifier
vs
๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณ๓ ฟ
UEFA Playoff Winner
Italy / Bosnia / N. Ireland / Wales
๐Ÿ† Group A โ€” both teams fighting to advance past Belgium & Egypt
Qatar โ€” the 2022 World Cup host, now competing as a regular entrant through AFC qualification. Qatar's experience hosting and playing in 2022 gave their national team invaluable big-stage experience. They won't be pushovers, but are considered underdogs against European opposition.

UEFA Playoff Winner โ€” determined by UEFA's playoff bracket. The four contenders are Italy (4-time world champion, desperate to return after missing 2022), Bosnia-Herzegovina, Northern Ireland, and Wales. If Italy qualifies, expect one of the largest European fan contingents of the tournament to descend on Seattle.
๐Ÿ‡ถ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Qatari diaspora expected from across the US ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Italian-American community โ€” very large in PNW if Italy qualifies ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณ๓ ฟ Welsh, Irish, Bosnian communities depending on qualifier
๐Ÿ’ก The UEFA playoff result (expected March 2026) will determine which European nation travels to Seattle. Italy qualifying would make this one of the louder crowds of the group stage โ€” watch for ticket demand to spike if the Azzurri make it.
Jun
26
Fri
Group Stage ยท Group A โฐ 8:00 PM PDT โš ๏ธ Pride Weekend
๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ฌ
Egypt
FIFA #34
vs
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ท
IR Iran
FIFA #21
๐Ÿ† Group A โ€” final group stage match, both teams need a result
Egypt โ€” after facing Belgium on Jun 15, Egypt needs points here to advance. Mo Salah's presence (or absence) will define how Egypt performs in 2026. Egypt and Iran meeting in Seattle carries enormous geopolitical weight โ€” two historically proud footballing nations with large, passionate diaspora communities across the Pacific Northwest.

Iran โ€” ranked #21 in the world, Iran is one of the stronger Asian nations. The Iranian national team carries the hopes of a massive global diaspora; the United States is home to one of the world's largest Iranian expatriate communities, concentrated partly in the Pacific Northwest and heavily in California. Expect significant travel from LA and the Bay Area.
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ท One of largest Iranian diaspora gatherings in US history expected ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ฌ Large Egyptian-American community โ€” second Seattle appearance ๐ŸŒˆ Seattle Pride Festival runs concurrently on Capitol Hill
โš ๏ธ Seattle's most complex logistical day of summer 2026. An 8 PM FIFA match AND Seattle Pride Festival weekend on Capitol Hill simultaneously. Downtown, SODO, and Capitol Hill will all be at absolute capacity from midday. Plan transit 2+ hours ahead. Do not attempt to drive.
๐Ÿ’ก The evening kickoff creates a unique atmosphere โ€” expect the pregame city-wide buzz to build all day. This match has the highest predicted security and transit pressure of all 6 Seattle games.
Jul
1
Wed
Round of 32 โ€” Knockout โฐ 1:00 PM PDT
๐Ÿณ๏ธ
Team TBD
Group runner-up
vs
๐Ÿณ๏ธ
Team TBD
Group runner-up
โš”๏ธ First knockout round โ€” lose and go home
The 2026 World Cup introduces a new Round of 32 โ€” the first knockout round, where the 8 third-place group finishers (ranked 1stโ€“8th among all thirds) face the group runners-up. Teams determined by group stage results in mid-to-late June. The stakes are maximum: one loss and the tournament is over.

Depending on group results, this match could feature any combination of European powerhouses, South American giants, or African contenders. If the USA advances from their group as runners-up (Group C), they could potentially play here โ€” making this the most anticipated possible scenario for Seattle fans.
๐ŸŒ Fan makeup determined by group results ๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Ticket demand surges once teams are confirmed
๐Ÿ’ก Knockout stage tickets are harder to get and more expensive than group stage. If you're planning to attend this one, secure hospitality or resale tickets as soon as the bracket is set in late June.
Jul
6
Mon
Round of 16 โ€” Knockout โฐ 5:00 PM PDT
๐Ÿณ๏ธ
Team TBD
Round of 32 winner
vs
๐Ÿณ๏ธ
Team TBD
Round of 32 winner
โš”๏ธ Round of 16 โ€” Seattle's final match of the tournament
Seattle's last World Cup match โ€” the Round of 16, where the 16 remaining teams battle for a quarterfinal spot. By this point only the tournament's best teams remain, and the quality of football will be at its peak. The evening kickoff (5 PM) creates a prime atmosphere โ€” expect the city to be energized all day.

The World Cup quarterfinals, semifinals, and final are hosted at other US cities (Dallas, New York/NJ, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, Kansas City, Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Boston). Seattle's hosting duties end after this match โ€” making this a genuine last chance to see World Cup football in the Pacific Northwest for a generation.
๐ŸŒ Top-16 caliber teams only ๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Highest demand of Seattle's 6 matches ๐Ÿ“บ Prime-time global broadcast audience
๐Ÿ’ก Seattle's last World Cup match for a generation. The next World Cup in North America isn't confirmed โ€” don't skip this one. Evening kick-off with the July sun still up makes for an extraordinary stadium atmosphere.

All times Pacific (PDT). Lumen Field operates as "Seattle Stadium" during the tournament per FIFA branding requirements. FIFA rankings approximate as of early 2026. Source: FIFA.com ยท SeattleFWC26.org

๐Ÿ“‹ Match Day Guide โ€” How to Do It Right

For 12:00 PM kickoffs (Jun 15, 19, 24). For the 8:00 PM match (Jun 26) shift all times forward by ~8 hours. For Jul 1 (1:00 PM) and Jul 6 (5:00 PM) adjust accordingly.

โ˜€๏ธ
7:00 AM
Check Link Rail schedule & buy ORCA card
โ˜•
8:30 AM
Breakfast downtown or Capitol Hill
๐ŸŽช
9:00 AM
Fan Zone opens โ€” Seattle Center (free)
๐Ÿบ
10:00 AM
SODO pre-game bars open โ€” arrive early
๐Ÿš‡
10:30 AM
Board Link Rail โ€” SODO Station
๐ŸŸ๏ธ
10:00 AM
Gates open โ€” 2 hrs before kickoff
๐Ÿ”’
11:00 AM
Security lines peak โ€” be inside by now
โšฝ
12:00 PM
KICKOFF
โธ๏ธ
~1:48 PM
Half time โ€” 15 min, concessions are chaos
๐Ÿ
~2:05 PM
Final whistle โ€” wait 20 min before leaving
๐Ÿš‡
2:30 PM
Crowd thins โ€” take Link home
๐Ÿบ Pre-Game Near Lumen Field
๐Ÿบ
Hatback Bar & Grille
In the old Pyramid building โ€” 2-min walk to gates. Mariners-owned, Mรฉtier craft beer on tap, multiple screens. The closest real bar to the stadium.
Opens 10 AM match days 2 min walk
๐ŸŸ๏ธ
Jimmy's on First
Upscale sports bar at 1046 1st Ave S โ€” 9 HD screens, craft beer, steaks and local seafood. One of the best match-day atmospheres in SODO.
Opens 11 AM 1 min walk
๐Ÿฆช
Taylor Shellfish Farms
Pioneer Square oyster bar at 410 Occidental Ave S. Bloody Marys, oysters, and Dungeness crab before the match. Reserve ahead โ€” it will fill fast.
Reserve in advance 10 min walk
๐ŸŒฎ
El Camion
Cash-friendly taco truck with SODO locations โ€” fast, cheap, and delicious. Perfect if you want to eat without waiting for table service on a packed match day.
No wait, order & go Near stadium
๐ŸŽช
Official FIFA Fan Zone
Free entry at Seattle Center โ€” live music, food vendors, giant screens, and international fan atmosphere. Opens ~3 hours before kickoff. Great before heading to SODO.
Free entry Seattle Center
๐Ÿšซ What You Cannot Bring In
Bags larger than A4
Backpacks
Drones or UAVs
Bottles & cans
Outside alcohol
Selfie sticks & tripods
Umbrellas (large)
Laser pointers
Professional cameras
Flags larger than 2m ร— 1.5m
Fireworks or flares
Noisemakers (horns, vuvuzelas)
โœ… You CAN Bring
Small clear bag (max 6โ€ณ ร— 6โ€ณ) or clutch
Sealed plastic water bottle (empty)
Flags up to 2m ร— 1.5m (no poles)
Phone & compact camera (fixed lens)
Sunscreen, lip balm, small snacks
Medical equipment (pre-register)
โš ๏ธ Clear bag policy strictly enforced. Security lines are long and thorough. Leave the backpack at the hotel. Bag check facilities near the stadium fill up fast โ€” plan accordingly.
๐Ÿš‡ Getting There โ€” Only One Right Answer: Link Light Rail
Sea-Tac Airport โ†’ Westlake (downtown) โ†’ International Dist/Chinatown โ†’ SODO Station โšฝ
SODO Station is a 2-minute walk to the Lumen Field main entrance ยท Runs every 8โ€“10 min ยท Fare ~$3.50 ยท No parking needed
Capitol Hill Station โ†’ Pioneer Square Station โ†’ SODO Station โšฝ
8 minutes from Capitol Hill ยท 4 minutes from Pioneer Square ยท Do not drive โ€” SODO roads close 3 hrs before kickoff

How World Cup Affects Daily Life in Seattle

๐Ÿš— Traffic & Parking

Expect severe congestion on I-5, I-90, SR-99, and all SODO-area streets on match days. Closures around Lumen Field from 3 hours pre-kickoff. Avoid driving downtown if at all possible. Use Link Light Rail.

๐Ÿจ Hotels & Accommodation

Downtown Seattle hotels are already near sold-out for match weekends at 3โ€“5ร— normal rates. Consider staying in Bellevue, Redmond, or Tacoma โ€” all are 30โ€“45 min by train from Lumen Field.

๐Ÿš‡ Public Transit

King County Metro and Sound Transit will run extra service on match days. Light Rail is your best bet โ€” Link runs from Sea-Tac Airport through downtown to SODO station, steps from Lumen Field.

๐Ÿบ Fan Zones & Bars

Official FIFA Fan Zones will be set up in Seattle Center and along the waterfront. Pioneer Square and Capitol Hill bars will be packed for early-morning matches. Pre-book if you want a seat.

๐Ÿ’ผ For Local Businesses

Massive economic opportunity โ€” restaurants, retail, and services near Lumen Field can expect lines out the door. Consider extended hours, increased staff, and accepting multiple currencies. Multi-language signage helps.

๐Ÿ”’ Safety & Security

SPD will deploy additional officers in SODO and downtown. Security perimeters around the stadium will be active 4+ hours before kickoff. All bag checks are mandatory. No oversized bags, no drones.

๐ŸŒ Official FIFA Site ๐Ÿš‡ Sound Transit Match Day Info ๐Ÿ›๏ธ City of Seattle

Parking Near Lumen Field

On match days all lots within 1 mile fill 2+ hours before kickoff and rates spike. Link Light Rail to SODO Station is a 2-minute walk to the gate for $3.50.

Normal rate vs. match day rate

Match day rates apply on all 6 FIFA dates, June 15 โ€“ July 6.

โšฝ Lumen Field / SODO
Stadium Event Lots (Lot A/B)
3โ€“5 min walk ยท Occidental Ave S
$22โ€“28
$50โ€“65 โšฝ
SODO Surface Lots
8โ€“10 min walk ยท 1st Ave S / Airport Way
$15โ€“20
$35โ€“45 โšฝ
King Street / I.D. Lots
12 min walk ยท Near King Street Station
$12โ€“18
$28โ€“38 โšฝ
Edgar Martinez Dr Lots
5โ€“7 min walk ยท South of stadium
$18โ€“22
$40โ€“55 โšฝ
โš ๏ธ All lots within 1 mile fill by 2 hrs before kickoff. Link Light Rail to SODO Station is 2 min walk โ€” strongly recommended on match days.

Transit, Traffic & Parking

Seattle's light rail, bus network, ferry system, and bike share all come together to make car-free travel surprisingly easy โ€” especially important when roads are choked with match-day crowds.

๐Ÿš‡
Link Light Rail

Sound Transit Link runs from Sea-Tac Airport โ†’ Downtown โ†’ SODO (Lumen Field) โ†’ Capitol Hill โ†’ University District โ†’ Northgate. Best option for match days. Runs every 8โ€“10 min.

View schedules โ†’
๐ŸšŒ
King County Metro

200+ bus routes throughout Seattle and King County. Fare is $2.75 (ORCA card recommended). Rapid Ride lines (Aโ€“H) serve major corridors. Extra service on World Cup match days.

Metro info โ†’
โ›ด๏ธ
Washington State Ferries

Ferries from Colman Dock (downtown waterfront) to Bainbridge Island and Bremerton โ€” a scenic way to escape match-day chaos. Foot passengers welcome, no car needed.

Ferry schedules โ†’
๐Ÿšฒ
Bike Share & Scooters

Lime and Lyft bikes available citywide. Great for exploring downtown, Capitol Hill, and waterfront neighborhoods. The Burke-Gilman Trail is a scenic car-free route north of downtown.

Find a bike โ†’
โ›ด๏ธ Live Departures โ€” Pier 52 โ†’ Bainbridge Island
Loading live departuresโ€ฆ
โš ๏ธ Match Day Traffic Advisory โ€” Avoid These Scenarios
  • Do not plan to drive in SODO, Pioneer Square, or downtown within 3 hours of kickoff โ€” roads will be gridlocked
  • I-5 between I-90 and the Ship Canal Bridge will back up significantly on match days
  • Cruise embarkation days that overlap with FIFA matches will cause compound delays near the waterfront โ€” add 90+ min buffer
  • Park & Ride lots near light rail stations (Angle Lake, Tukwila, Rainier Beach) are your best ally โ€” arrive early
  • Rideshare surge pricing will be extreme โ€” budget $50โ€“80+ for downtown Uber/Lyft on match days
  • Delivery trucks and freight access to SODO will be rerouted โ€” local businesses should plan alternate supply routes
  • Use the WSDOT real-time traffic map and Seattle DOT app for live road conditions
๐Ÿšฆ WSDOT Live Traffic Map ๐Ÿš‡ Sound Transit ๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ Seattle DOT

Lumen Field & Surrounding Area

Parking lots, SODO Station, and key landmarks โ€” click any marker for details. Use the filters to focus.

Legend

โšฝ Lumen Field
๐Ÿš‡ Light Rail
๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ Parking
โšฝ Match Day SODO Station is 2 minutes from the Lumen Field main gate. Take Light Rail โ€” don't drive.
๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ Parking Click the Parking filter to see all lots with rates. Match day prices run $40โ€“65 near the stadium.