Seattle tickets

As Canada prepares to co-host the World Cup alongside the USA and Mexico, cities across North America are gearing up for a summer of football fever. Among them is Seattle, a city known for its iconic Space Needle, abundant green spaces, and its legacy as the birthplace of guitar legend Jimi Hendrix. Famously nicknamed "The Emerald City", Seattle will host 6 matches throughout the tournament, inviting fans to experience world-class football set against the backdrop of its iconic skyline and evergreen forests.

How to buy tickets for the World Cup matches in Seattle

The World Cup is the pinnacle of professional football, and it only comes around every four years, so World Cup tickets are in high demand and notoriously difficult to get your hands on. In fact, it's common for fans to reach out to our support team asking: How can I book World Cup tickets in Seattle? And it can be tricky. Let's walk you through all the steps so you can start thinking about booking your flights across the pond.

1. Select the match you want to attend and click 'View Tickets'.
2. Select the area you would like to sit within the stadium graphic on the right-hand side.
3. Select the number of tickets you would like to purchase.
4. Click on the green 'Buy' button.
5. Complete the order form using your personal details.
6. Don't forget to check that all your information has been input and is correct.
7. Click 'Make Payment'.
8. The tickets are now yours!

Ticket prices tend to vary depending on the seat category and match type, so do bear that in mind when selecting matches. Some games, mainly knockout matches or popular teams, can sell out incredibly quickly, so make sure you book early and are on high alert for when tickets come on sale!

Which stadium in Seattle hosts World Cup matches

Out of the 104 matches throughout the 2026 World Cup, 6 of them will be played in Seattle, with all 6 played at Lumen Field. Located in South of Downtown, or SoDo, the stadium, which will be known as "Seattle Stadium" throughout the World Cup, is packed with unique features and history that make it one of the most interesting stadiums to host this summer's World Cup.

Famous for its U-shaped design, which leaves the north end open, offering stunning views of downtown Seattle, it's also renowned for its incredible crowd noise, setting a Guinness World Record in 2013.

Opened in 2002, the stadium serves as the home of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and MLS's Seattle Sounders FC. More than just a sports venue, it also hosts major concerts, trade shows, and community events, with past performances by artists like Metallica and the Rolling Stones.

Stadium	Capacity	No. Games	Stages Hosted
Lumen Field	68,740	6	Group Stage, Round of 32, Round of 16

Fan zones locations in Seattle

The official Seattle World Cup Fan Festival will be held at Seattle Center, a 74-acre cultural and entertainment campus located just north of downtown Seattle. As one of the city's most iconic spaces, it was originally built for the 1962 World's Fair, but now serves as a hub for arts, sports, and festivals.

Home to the Space Needle, Seattle Center will serve as the perfect meeting place for football fans from all over the world. Here, they will be able to enjoy live match screenings, food vendors, music performances, and interactive games. If you're attending a game or just looking to soak up the vibes, the Fan Festival promises to be a lively experience.

Accommodation tips in the city for football fans

Depending on whether you're planning to soak up the World Cup atmosphere at the Seattle Fan Festival or you've got tickets to a match and would like to stay closer to the stadium, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Here's a full guide of the options you have at your disposal.

Near Lumen Field (SoDo, Seattle)

Category	Hotel Name	Distance
Budget-Friendly (< £130/night)	Sonder RailSpur Apartments Pioneer Square	5-minute walk
	Best Western Plus Pioneer Square Hotel Downtown	10-minute walk
	citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square hotel	10-minute walk
	Executive Hotel Pacific	15-minute walk
Mid-Range (£130–£230/night)	Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square	Adjacent to stadium
	Silver Cloud Hotel - Seattle Stadium	Adjacent to stadium
	Crowne Plaza Seattle-Downtown, an IHG Hotel	15-minute walk
	Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Downtown/Pioneer Square	10-minute walk
Luxury (> £300/night)	Fairmont Olympic Hotel	10-minute drive
	Four Seasons Hotel Seattle	10-minute drive

Near Seattle Center (Lower Queen Anne, Seattle)

Category	Hotel Name	Distance
Budget-Friendly (< £130/night)	The Maxwell Hotel	5-minute walk
	Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle-Downtown	5-minute walk
	Hotel Five - A Staypineapple Hotel	10-minute walk
	Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Seattle Center	5-minute walk
	La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Seattle Downtown	15-minute walk
	Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Seattle/Northgate	15-minute drive
Mid-Range (£130–£230/night)	Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown	Adjacent to center
	Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Seattle Downtown	5-minute walk
Luxury (> £300/night)	Lotte Hotel Seattle	10-minute drive
	Hotel 1000, LXR Hotels & Resorts	10-minute drive

If you are staying for a longer period of time or you are travelling as part of a group, you could consider booking an Airbnb or a short-term rental. For all stays, ensure you book early to avoid price surges as the World Cup draws closer and demand for accommodation skyrockets.

How to get to the city (city centre)

If you are flying from the UK, the most common route to Seattle is from London Heathrow to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Direct flights are widely available and typically take around 10 hours.

Once you arrive, getting into the city is relatively straightforward. SEA is located about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Seattle, depending on traffic. Taxis, airport shuttles, and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft operate 24/7, and rental cars are available from multiple providers. For short trips or exploring areas like Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, or Capitol Hill, bike-share stations and e-scooter rentals are common throughout central Seattle.

Driving is an option, but traffic in the city centre can be congested during peak hours, especially near major venues such as Lumen Field or the Fan Festival site at Seattle Center. Public transport, including Link light rail, buses, and the Seattle Streetcar, is often a smarter choice for navigating the region and avoiding parking hassles.

Travel information between connected cities

Seattle is part of the Western Region, which includes Los Angeles, Vancouver, and the San Francisco Bay Area. These cities are spread across the Pacific coast and are not connected by a single trainline like in the Eastern Region, but Amtrak does operate scenic long-distance routes such as the Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner. Train journeys can be lengthy, but Amtrak trains are comfortable and offer stunning views of the coastline and mountains along the way.

If you've got tickets for a World Cup fixture but would prefer not to travel by train, flights between these host cities are frequent and affordable, especially with airlines like Southwest, Alaska and Delta. Domestic flights are considered the quickest way to travel between cities in the Western Region, so they're a great option if you're on a tight schedule.

You do also have the option of going on a road trip, but they do tend to be quite time-consuming, as you can see below:

Route	Distance (miles / km)	Driving Time
Los Angeles → San Francisco	381 mi / 613 km	6–7 hours
Los Angeles → Seattle	1,136 mi / 1,828 km	17–18 hours
Los Angeles → Vancouver	1,082 mi / 1,741 km	19–20 hours
San Francisco → Seattle	808 mi / 1,300 km	12.5–13 hours
San Francisco → Vancouver	950 mi / 1,529 km	14.5–15.5 hours
Seattle → Vancouver	142 mi / 229 km	2.5–3 hours

Football history in Seattle

Football was introduced to Seattle in the early 20th century by European immigrants, who brought their love of the game with them as they settled in the area. As Seattle's passion for football grew, football gained more traction through local clubs, youth leagues, and university programs.

However, the local population would have to wait until 1974 for a professional team to rally behind, when the Seattle Sounders were founded, joining the North American Soccer League (NASL) soon after. The team quickly captured local enthusiasm, but their journey came to an end in 1983 following the collapse of the NASL.

In 2007, following a lengthy wait for local fans, the MLS announced Seattle as an expansion city, and the new franchise chose to revive the beloved "Sounders" name through a public vote. Seattle Sounders FC officially began to play in 2009 and have gone one to become one of the most successful and influential teams in MLS history. Their accolades include 2 MLS Cups, 4 U.S. Open Cups, 1 Supporters' Shield, and 1 CONCACAF Champions League.

Much of their success over the years comes down to their ability to draw top talent to the club, including the likes of USMNT legend Clint Dempsey, ex-Premier League stalwart Kasey Keller, and former Newcastle United speedster Obafemi Martins.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many World Cup matches will be played in Seattle?

Seattle will host 6 matches during the 2026 World Cup. This includes four group-stage matches, one Round of 32, and one Round of 16, making it a major venue in the Pacific Northwest.

What stages of the tournament will Seattle host?

Seattle will host four group-stage matches, one Round of 32, and one Round of 16.

When do World Cup tickets for Seattle matches go on sale?

Tickets are already available on the LiveFootballTickets website. The best time to buy is after the official draw, so you know which teams are playing. Tickets for specific fixtures will be released shortly after the draw.

Can I buy tickets for multiple matches in Seattle?

Yes, you can buy tickets for multiple matches, but each order must be placed separately. Since the system doesn't use a shopping cart, you'll need to complete a new transaction for each game.

What is the closest airport to Seattle?

The closest airport is Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA), located about 14 miles south of downtown. It offers direct flights to and from major cities across North America, Europe, and Asia.

How do I get from Seattle Airport to downtown?

You can take the Link light rail from the airport to downtown Seattle. The journey takes around 35 minutes. Taxis, rideshares like Uber and Lyft, and airport shuttles are also widely available.

How far is Seattle from other World Cup host cities?

Here are the approximate distances from Seattle to each of the other host cities:

• Vancouver – 140 miles
• San Francisco Bay Area – 680 miles
• Los Angeles – 960 miles
• Dallas – 1,650 miles
• Houston – 1,900 miles
• Atlanta – 2,650 miles
• Miami – 3,300 miles
• New York/New Jersey – 2,850 miles
• Boston – 3,000 miles
• Philadelphia – 2,800 miles
• Guadalajara – 2,100 miles
• Mexico City – 2,460 miles
• Monterrey – 2,050 miles
• Kansas City – 1,800 miles
• Toronto – 2,100 miles

Air travel is the most efficient way to visit multiple host cities, especially for longer distances.

Can I take a train from Seattle to other World Cup host cities?

Train travel is possible to nearby cities like Vancouver and Portland via Amtrak. For other host cities, flying is faster and more practical.

What is the best way to get around Seattle during the World Cup?

Use a mix of Link light rail, buses, walking, and rideshares. The light rail connects the airport, stadium, and key neighbourhoods. Bike-sharing and scooters are also available in central areas.

What are the best neighbourhoods to stay in Seattle for World Cup fans?

Downtown, Capitol Hill, and Belltown are top choices. Downtown is closest to the stadium and Fan Festival. Capitol Hill offers nightlife and culture. Belltown is known for dining and waterfront views.

When should I book my hotel in Seattle for the World Cup?

Book as early as possible. Prices will rise and availability will shrink as the tournament approaches. Many hotels offer flexible cancellation policies, so you can reserve now and adjust later.

Where is the official Seattle Fan Festival located?

The official Fan Festival will be held at Seattle Center, a central location near the Space Needle and easily accessible by public transport.

Do I need a ticket to enter the Seattle Fan Festival?

No ticket is required. The Fan Festival is free and open to the public, making it a great option for fans without match tickets.

What can I expect at the Seattle Fan Festival?

Expect giant screens showing live matches, live music, food trucks, sponsor activations, interactive games, and merchandise booths. It's designed to be family-friendly and welcoming to fans of all ages.

What are the must-see attractions in Seattle?

Top attractions include the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Museum of Pop Culture, and Discovery Park.

Where can I watch other World Cup matches in Seattle if I'm not attending in person?

You can watch matches at the Fan Festival or at local football bars like The George & Dragon, Rhein Haus, and Fadó Irish Pub. Many hotels and restaurants will also screen games.

What will the weather be like in Seattle during the World Cup in June?

Seattle's weather in June is mild and pleasant, with average highs around 73°F (23°C) and lows near 55°F (13°C). Rain is less frequent than in spring, but light showers are still possible.

What should I pack for a World Cup trip to Seattle in summer?

Bring layers, including light clothing for daytime and a jumper or jacket for cooler evenings. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a rain jacket or umbrella are also recommended.

Is it safe to walk around downtown Seattle at night?

Downtown Seattle is generally safe in busy areas near the stadium and Fan Festival. Stay alert, avoid isolated streets, and travel in groups when possible.

Has Seattle hosted World Cup matches before?

No, Seattle has never hosted World Cup matches before. However, it has hosted major international football events and is home to a strong football culture.

Can I attend a Seattle Sounders match during my World Cup visit?

It's unlikely, as the league will pause during the World Cup. However, you may be able to visit Lumen Field and take a stadium tour if available.

How long is the flight from London to Seattle?

A nonstop flight from London to Seattle takes about 9 to 10 hours. British Airways and American Airlines offer direct service between Heathrow and SEA.

What time zone is Seattle in?

Seattle is in the Pacific Time Zone (PT), which is UTC−8 during standard time and UTC−7 during daylight saving time. In June, the city will be on daylight saving time.

How do I get between Lumen Field and the Seattle Fan Festival?

Lumen Field is located about 2 miles south of Seattle Center. You can take the Link light rail, a bus, or walk. The journey takes around 10 to 15 minutes by public transport or 30 minutes on foot. Rideshares and shuttles will also be available.

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World Cup 2026 Venue in Seattle

Stadium	Capacity	Key Matches
Lumen Field	68,740	Group Stage, Round of 16

Other World Cup 2026 Venues in the United States

City	Stadium	Key Matches
New York/New Jersey	MetLife Stadium	Final, Semi-final
Los Angeles	SoFi Stadium	Semi-final, Quarter-final
Dallas	AT&T Stadium	Quarter-final
Atlanta	Mercedes-Benz Stadium	Quarter-final
Houston	NRG Stadium	Group Stage, Round of 16
Kansas City	Arrowhead Stadium	Group Stage, Round of 16
Philadelphia	Lincoln Financial Field	Group Stage, Round of 16
Miami	Hard Rock Stadium	Group Stage, Round of 16
San Francisco	Levi's Stadium	Group Stage, Round of 16
Boston	Gillette Stadium	Group Stage

World Cup 2026 Qualified Teams

Pot 1 (Top Seeds)	Pot 2	Pot 3	Pot 4
Spain	Croatia	Scotland	Ghana
Argentina	Morocco	Egypt	Cabo Verde
France	Uruguay	Tunisia	South Africa
England	Colombia	Algeria	Curaçao
Portugal	Japan	Ivory Coast	Haiti
Netherlands	Senegal	Saudi Arabia	Panama
Brazil	South Korea	Qatar	UEFA Playoff (Path A)
Belgium	Iran	Australia	UEFA Playoff (Path B)
Germany	Switzerland	Uzbekistan	UEFA Playoff (Path C)
United States (Host)	Austria	Jordan	UEFA Playoff (Path D)
Mexico (Host)	Norway	Paraguay	Inter-Confed Playoff 1
Canada (Host)	Ecuador	Venezuela	Inter-Confed Playoff 2

Useful Links

• Official FIFA World Cup 2026 website
• World Cup tickets
• USA World Cup tickets
• World Cup final tickets
• How to buy World Cup tickets guide
• Find your accommodation in Seattle
• Route to Lumen Field