Seattle is ready to welcome the world as six 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup matches come to Seattle Stadium – an extraordinary moment that will bring global attention, record breaking visitation, and major opportunities for our neighborhoods and small businesses. With an estimated regional economic impact of $848 million, plus an expected one million cruise passengers visiting throughout the season, Seattle is preparing for one of its most vibrant summers on record.

To ensure our neighborhood and business communities are ready to shine, we are working closely with partners, business districts, event organizers, and City departments to help small businesses thrive before, during, and long after the tournament.

Direct support for Seattle’s small businesses and neighborhoods

We are implementing a suite of support designed to help Seattle’s small businesses thrive during the World Cup and beyond:

• Partnering with SDOT’s Public Space Management team to provide free seasonal outdoor dining permits, with a priority on the Stadium District, helping brick‑and‑mortar businesses expand capacity and take advantage of summer crowds.
• Working with SDOT and the Mayor’s Office to provide advanced outreach and engagement to businesses near Pioneer Square and South Downtown as road closures and transportation changes go into effect.
• Offering marketing and branding consulting services through our Accounting and Business Consulting Program to help small businesses strengthen their digital presence and reach new visitors.
• Updating the Back to Business Fund with additional investments for neighborhood business districts and proactive security support. 
• Connecting with the Seattle Metro Chamber’s new Community Business Connector portal, a one‑stop resource hub for businesses preparing for World Cup activity.
• Providing citywide leadership through our Special Events and Permitting team, coordinating and permitting FIFA and non-FIFA activations across Seattle.
• Supporting businesses in navigating event permitting and production needs through our FIFA Preparedness Portal and our Film Production Guide created with the Seattle Film Commission.
• Supporting the summer Waterfront Shuttle, offering easier, faster connections across downtown for visitors and residents.

Supporting partner-led activities

Seattle’s summer calendar is full of neighborhood celebrations and community‑led activations tied to the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. We are supporting partners whose work will create welcoming, vibrant experiences across the city:

• Business Impact NW is expanding procurement readiness, one‑on‑one advising, and access to flexible working capital to help small businesses compete for and fulfill World Cup‑related opportunities.
• Intentionalist’s Juneteenth #BuyBlack campaign, elevating Black‑owned businesses on the June 19 match day.
• Downtown Seattle Association’s Summer of Sports, with match-day broadcasts, local sports showings, pop‑ups, food trucks, and daily activations at Westlake Park.
• Pitchside at the Square in Occidental Square, transforming the park into an all‑day community space on each match day.
• Selfie stations and art installations across downtown, including soccer- and Pride‑themed displays throughout June and July at McGraw Square and Bell St. Park.
• Ballard Alliance’s World Cup Watch Party and Pride Celebration on June 26, a free all‑day neighborhood event.
• HomeTeam’s six-week activation of Pioneer Square, which will include a large viewing set-up that is free and open to the public, with an all-ages friendly beer garden and a website that will allow people to order food from Pioneer Square and C-ID Restaurants.

Together with our partners, we are committed to making the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup an unforgettable moment for Seattle – one that strengthens local businesses, celebrates our neighborhoods, and showcases Seattle on a global stage.