Erin Hut, Communications Director, 509.625.6740
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 10:52 a.m.
The Seattle FIFA World Cup 26TM Local Organizing Committee (SeattleFWC26) announced today that they will be partnering with nine locations across the state who will host fan zones, in addition to the Seattle Fan Celebration hosted at the Seattle Center. Recognizing the statewide significance of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026™, SeattleFWC26 sought partnerships with communities outside of King County to create vibrant fan zones, in order to ensure that as many Washingtonians as possible can be part of this historic event. Specific locations within each city will be announced ahead of the tournament.
Fan zone locations include:
The Local Organizing Committee is working with FOX 13 Seattle, a broadcast partner of FIFA World Cup 26, to support fan zones across the state. Programming for fan zones during the Seattle FIFA World Cup matches may feature live entertainment, interactive fan activations, and food & beverage.
Peter Tomozawa, CEO, SeattleFWC26:
“The World Cup brings the entire world together around their love of soccer and their country. We’re excited to work with these nine communities to bring the thrill of the FIFA World Cup 2026TM experience to all corners of Washington state.”
Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund:
"Bellingham is ready to get in the game for FIFA World Cup 2026! From waterfront watch parties to showcasing our unrivaled recreation opportunities, we can't wait to show off the best of the Pacific Northwest. We are harnessing our uniquely Bellingham energy to make the Bellingham fan zone an unforgettable experience now, and a legacy for our future."
PIO - Melissa Morin - mmmorin@cob.org - c: 360.603.8793
Joint Statement from Kitsap County Commissioner Katie Walters, Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler, and Port Orchard Mayor Rob Putaansuu:
“We are thrilled that Kitsap County and the City of Bremerton have been selected as a SeattleFWC26 fan zone, welcoming fans from around the globe to our extraordinary region.
Just a ferry ride away from Seattle, our community offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in our rich naval history, enjoy live entertainment in Quincy Square, explore our breathtaking maritime landscapes, and experience the warmth and hospitality of our vibrant and welcoming waterfront neighborhoods.
This incredible opportunity not only allows us to share the beauty and culture of Kitsap County with the world but also serves as a powerful driver for economic development. From local businesses and restaurants to hotels and cultural attractions, our fan zone will provide a significant boost to our local economy and create lasting benefits for our community.
We look forward to welcoming the world to Kitsap, where every visitor is a neighbor, and every match is a reason to celebrate!”
Kitsap County PIO - Krista Carlson - KLCarlson@kitsap.gov
Bremerton PIO - Jennifer Hayes - Jennifer.Hayes@ci.bremerton.wa.us
Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin:
“Everett is the place to be for the FIFA World Cup in 2026! As the home of AquaSox Baseball, Silvertips Hockey, Jets Soccer and Wolfpack Football, Everett is an incredibly proud sports town. We look forward to welcoming passionate and energized soccer fans for FIFA World Cup fun at our fan zone and throughout our city!”
PIO - Nichole Webber - NWebber@everettwa.gov
Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers:
“I’m excited to invite you to our SeattleFWC26 fan zone. Snohomish County has something for everybody, from snow-tipped mountains to the shores of Puget Sound. We hope fans will join us to make the World Cup experience unforgettable. We’re all in for FIFA World Cup 2026.”
PIO - Kari Bray - Kari.Bray@co.snohomish.wa.us
Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder:
“We are excited to be a SeattleFWC26 fan zone. Lacey is a sports community with a heavy emphasis on soccer. There is no bigger event than the World Cup, so this will be a big happening for our community. Looking forward to 2026!”
PIO – Ty Keltner – ty.keltner@cityoflacey.org
Thurston County Board of Commissioners Chair Tye Menser:
“It’s very exciting for Thurston County to be able to play a small part in such a significant global event. The World Cup truly has a unique ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds, celebrating shared passions for the beautiful game. It's a fantastic opportunity for Thurston County to embrace that global spirit and be involved in something that has an impact across the world.”
PIO - Devin Felix - devin.felix@co.thurston.wa.us
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown:
“Spokane is thrilled to be a designated SeattleFWC26 fan zone! This global soccer celebration will unite our local and regional community and showcase our city’s passion for this game. We cannot wait to welcome fans to experience the spirit of Spokane.”
PIO - Erin Hut - ehut@spokanecity.org
Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards:
“Today is a historic day for Tacoma! Being selected as a SeattleFWC26 fan zone is a testament to our city's ability to provide safe and welcoming spaces for celebrating incredible moments, our vibrant community, and our ability to host world-class events. This is an incredible opportunity to showcase Tacoma on the global stage, bring our residents together, and celebrate soccer in a way only Tacoma can. We eagerly anticipate welcoming fans from near and far to experience the dynamic energy, diversity, and spirit that define our city.”
PIO - Maria Lee - maria.lee@cityoftacoma.org
Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello:
“We are delighted to welcome World Cup fans from all over the world to Pierce County in 2026. Our community is a beautiful, diverse mix of people and we’re excited to provide residents and visitors an exciting place to catch all the action.”
PIO - Libby Catalinich - libby.catalinich@piercecountywa.gov
Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle:
“Vancouver, WA is thrilled to be part of the FIFA World Cup in 2026. We’re hoping to create an electric atmosphere for soccer fans to take in the excitement of the matches as part of the fan zone experience. We’re also looking forward to showcasing the first Vancouver to the World Cup community.”
PIO - Laura Shepard - laura.shepard@cityofvancouver.us
Yakima Mayor Patricia Byers:
“Yakima is excited to be a SeattleFWC26 fan zone location for the FIFA World Cup 2026! We’re proud of Yakima’s long and rich sports history. Being a fan zone location will build on that legacy.”
PIO - Randy Beehler - Randy.Beehler@yakimawa.gov
Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney:
"Yakima County is Sun country - A great place to recreate year-round and the best place to be a FIFA World Cup 2026 fan! We are proud to host a SeattleFWC26 fan zone and look forward to sharing all of the excitement in 2026!"
PIO – Amanda McKinney - amanda.mckinney@co.yakima.wa.us
LINK TO VIDEOS FROM FAN ZONE LEADERS
About Seattle FIFA World Cup 26TM (SeattleFWC26)
SeattleFWC26 is the local organizing committee for Seattle’s participation as one of the 16 host cities selected for the FIFA World Cup 26™. As a not-for-profit organization, SeattleFWC26’s vision is to foster a lasting legacy for our region, guided by the spirit of soccer, innovation, and inclusion. To keep updated on the latest news and involvement opportunities with SeattleFWC26, please sign up at http://www.seattlefwc26.org/get-involved.
About FIFA World Cup 26™
FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the largest international sporting event ever staged, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams, and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. With more countries, cities, teams, and games, FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the most inclusive tournament ever, engaging millions of fans across 16 unique stadiums and billions worldwide. The tournament will take place in June and July 2026. For the latest FIFA World Cup 26™ information, please visit the FIFA World Cup 26™ website.
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