Seattle will take its place on the global stage while hosting several 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, and will be rewarded handsomely for doing so.

Visit Seattle projects the event to generate at least $929 million in King County over the six World Cup matches at Lumen Field between June and July 2026. That includes more than $100 million in direct state and local tax revenue. The study by Tourism Economics also says the event will create 20,767 full- and part-time jobs.

Visit Seattle and other supporters worked for years before the city was selected as a site in 2022. Seattle is among 16 cities chosen across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“All of this was done with the understanding that an event of this caliber will be a massive economic driver for Seattle,” says Kelly Saling, senior vice president and chief sales officer at Visit Seattle. “Direct spending from these soccer fans will uplift our hospitality and service industries, while associated tax revenues will bolster our community, leaving a legacy that will endure long after the tournament ends.”

Seattle FWC26, the local organizing committee for the World Cup, is partnering with small businesses in several neighborhoods near Lumen Field, including in Pioneer Square, the Chinatown-International District and SODO.

“We’re committed to spreading the nearly billion-dollar economic boost from FIFA World Cup 26 to uplift local businesses and workers,” says April Putney, Seattle FWC26’s chief strategy officer. “The scale of this economic benefit is unprecedented locally and we’re excited that more small businesses, restaurants, entrepreneur (and) neighborhoods will be able to share in the prosperity.”

Visit Seattle also notes that hotels and soccer facilities across the Pacific Northwest will serve as team basecamps and will host fan activities, boosting the regional economic impact far beyond the $929 million projection for King County.

Saling adds that many visitors will return after the World Cup, contributing even more to the economy. 

“We are taking this opportunity to showcase Seattle’s capability and creativity,” she says.