Overview
Seattle, the Emerald City, will be a spectacular host city for FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring 6 matches at the iconic Lumen Field. Seattle will host 4 group stage matches, 1 Round of 32 match, and 1 Round of 16 match, showcasing the city's passionate soccer culture and world-class facilities. This prestigious tournament will highlight Seattle's unique blend of natural beauty, innovative spirit, and diverse cultural heritage. From the iconic Space Needle to the bustling Pike Place Market, from world-class coffee culture to fresh Pacific Northwest seafood, Seattle offers an unparalleled World Cup experience that combines the passion of global football with the charm of the Pacific Northwest. With its perfect summer weather, cutting-edge stadium technology, and vibrant multicultural communities, Seattle promises unforgettable memories for soccer fans from around the world.
Getting Around
Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) - 14 miles from downtown
Distance to city center: 15-30 minutes
Public Transport
Sound Transit, King County Metro, enhanced service planned for World Cup
Metro/bus passes available
Ride-Hail
Uber, Lyft available
Convenient for stadium access
Safety & Common Scams
Safety Tips
Very safe with enhanced World Cup security measures. Standard urban awareness recommended.
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use official transport and licensed taxis
- • Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night
- • Keep copies of important documents
Quick Facts
Essential Info
- Population: 4.0 million (metro area)
- Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) - 14 miles from downtown
- Public Transport: Sound Transit, King County Metro, enhanced service planned for World Cup
- Best Time to Visit: June-July 2026 (World Cup period) - perfect weather
Travel Info
- Currency: USD
- Language: English (widely spoken)
- Timezone: PST (UTC-8)
- Safety: Very safe with enhanced World Cup security measures. Standard urban awareness recommended.
Must-See Attractions
Space Needle
Iconic 605-foot observation tower with panoramic views of city and mountains
Pike Place Market
Historic public market established in 1907 with fresh produce and famous fish-tossing vendors
Seattle Great Wheel
175-foot Ferris wheel on Pier 57 with stunning views of Elliott Bay and city skyline
Seattle Aquarium
Waterfront aquarium with interactive exhibits and marine life encounters
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Celebrates contemporary pop culture with exhibits on music, film, and science fiction
Seattle Center
Cultural hub home to Space Needle, MoPOP, and Pacific Science Center
Alki Beach
Sandy beach with views of Olympic Mountains and local restaurants
Capitol Hill
Vibrant neighborhood with diverse dining, nightlife, and cultural attractions
Seattle & Lumen Field Restaurant Guide
From stadium-area quick bites to world-class fine dining, discover the best restaurants for your World Cup 2026 experience in the Emerald City.
Restaurants Near Lumen Field (SODO District)
Pioneer Square Saloon
Historic bar and restaurant with classic American fare and craft cocktails
602 1st Ave, Seattle • 0.8 miles from stadium
$15-25 per person
The London Plane
Modern cafe and bakery with fresh pastries, salads, and artisanal coffee
300 Occidental Ave S, Seattle • 0.9 miles from stadium
$12-20 per person
Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar
Fresh Pacific Northwest oysters and seafood with local craft beer
410 Occidental Ave S, Seattle • 1.0 miles from stadium
$20-35 per person
Pike Place Chowder
Award-winning chowder and seafood specialties, perfect for quick bites
1530 Post Alley, Seattle • 1.2 miles from stadium
$10-18 per person
Iconic Seattle Foods & Where to Get Them
Pacific Northwest Seafood
Fresh salmon, Dungeness crab, and oysters from local waters
Taylor Shellfish, The Walrus and the Carpenter, Canlis
$25-50 per person
Coffee Culture
World-class coffee from the birthplace of Starbucks and local roasters
Original Starbucks, Victrola Coffee, Stumptown Coffee
$3-8 per cup
Teriyaki
Seattle's signature fast food - grilled chicken with teriyaki sauce
Toshi's Teriyaki, Yoshi's Teriyaki, Local teriyaki shops
$8-15 per person
Craft Beer
Local breweries and taprooms with innovative Pacific Northwest styles
Fremont Brewing, Georgetown Brewing, Cloudburst Brewing
$5-12 per pint
Fine Dining & Award-Winning Restaurants
Canlis
Fine dining institution since 1950 with New American and Pacific Northwest cuisine
2576 Aurora Ave N, Seattle • Queen Anne
$100+ per person
Sushi Kashiba
Renowned Japanese restaurant with fresh sushi and traditional omakase experience
86 Pine St, Seattle • Pike Place Market
$100+ per person
Musang
Filipino restaurant offering traditional dishes with modern twist, community-focused
2524 Beacon Ave S, Seattle • Beacon Hill
$50-100 per person
COMMUNION Restaurant & Bar
Soul food with global influences, reflecting Seattle's diverse culture
2350 E Union St, Seattle • Central District
$50-100 per person
Neighborhood Dining Highlights
Capitol Hill
Tamari Bar
Japanese izakaya with global cuisine
$30-50 per person
Local breweries
Craft beer scene and casual dining
$10-25 per person
International District
Itsumono
Japanese gastropub with fusion dishes
$30-50 per person
Dim Sum
Traditional Chinese dim sum restaurants
$15-30 per person
Pike Place Market
Sushi Kashiba
World-class sushi and omakase
$100+ per person
Market vendors
Fresh produce, artisanal goods, quick bites
$5-15 per person
Quick & Budget-Friendly Options
Pike Place Chowder
Award-winning chowder and seafood specialties, perfect for quick bites
$10-18 per person
Teriyaki Shops
Seattle's signature fast food - grilled chicken with teriyaki sauce
$8-15 per person
Dining Tips for World Cup Visitors
Reservation Strategy
- • Fine dining: Book 1-2 months ahead
- • Popular spots: Use Resy, OpenTable apps
- • Walk-ins: Try off-peak hours (2-5 PM)
Match Day Dining
- • Pre-game: Eat 2-3 hours before kickoff
- • Stadium area: Book reservations well ahead
- • Post-game: Seattle restaurants stay open late
Itineraries
24-Hour Itinerary
- • Morning: City tour and local breakfast
- • Afternoon: Stadium visit and fan zone
- • Evening: Match or local nightlife
48-Hour Itinerary
- • Day 1: Full city exploration and attractions
- • Day 2: Stadium experience and local culture
- • Extended time for relaxation and dining
Matches in this City
6 World Cup Matches
View the complete schedule for Seattle
Fan Zones & Watch Parties
Official Fan Zone
Main gathering area for World Cup fans with giant screens and entertainment.
- • Location: City center
- • Hours: Match days + extended hours
- • Features: Food vendors, merchandise, live music
Watch Parties
Local bars and venues showing matches with fan-friendly atmosphere.
- • Sports bars in downtown area
- • Beachfront venues for outdoor viewing
- • Family-friendly options available
World Cup Stadiums
Lumen Field
Capacity
68,740 (expandable to 72,000)
Distance from Downtown
1 mile from downtown
Transportation
Light rail, walking, ride-sharing
Map
Where to Stay
The Fairmont Olympic
Historic luxury hotel with elegant architecture and upscale amenities
The Four Seasons Seattle
Luxury waterfront hotel with spa services and fine dining
The Edgewater Hotel
Unique waterfront hotel with rustic charm and mountain views
HI Seattle Hostel
Budget-friendly accommodation with shared and private rooms
Travel Tips
Getting Around
Sound Transit, King County Metro, enhanced service planned for World Cup is the best way to explore the city. Consider purchasing a day pass for unlimited rides.
Weather
65-80°F (18-27°C) - Pack accordingly and stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.
Safety
Very safe with enhanced World Cup security measures. Standard urban awareness recommended. - Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Plan Your Trip
Get detailed travel guides, match schedules, and exclusive fan tips.