World Cup 2026: Information on Local and Regional Impacts

From June 15 through July 6, Seattle will host six FIFA World Cup soccer matches. Officials estimate that up to 750,000 visitors – from the Puget Sound, Washington state, across the country, and around the world – will visit Seattle to cheer on their favorite national teams and soccer stars, attend soccer matches, and partake in other festivities.

Our region will host six matches at Lumen Field (renamed Seattle Field for the duration of the tournament), as well as nine Fan Zones, two Base Camps, and numerous fan celebrations across the state.

FIFA World Cup Schedule: Lumen Field Matches

June 15 – Belgium vs. Egypt, 12 p.m. PT

June 19 – USA vs. Australia, 12 p.m. PT

June 24 – Qatar vs. Bosnia - Herzegovina, 12 p.m. PT

June 26 – Egypt vs. Iran, 8 p.m. PT

July 1 – Round of 32, 1 p.m. PT

July 6 – Round of 16, 5 p.m. PT

Regional Information

• Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™
• King County (check back for link)
• Washington state (check back for link)

How to Prepare

With the expected influx of so many visitors to the region, roads and transit systems will likely experience significant congestion. To prepare, consider doing the following:

• Make sure to add match days to your personal, family, and business calendars to anticipate likely traffic and transit challenges.
• Schedule/reschedule medical and other appointments for non-match days.
• If possible, work from home during match days.
• If you must travel off the Island during peak periods, use light rail if possible to avoid getting caught in traffic.
• If you must drive, leave extra time to reach your destination, and check traffic reports before heading out.

Transportation 

All six FIFA World Cup matches will take place on weekdays. Four matches are in the middle of the workday and one while Mercer Island schools are still in session. While match-goers and other event attendees are encouraged to take public transportation, it is likely that all transportation methods will be impacted.  

Visit the City’s Getting Around webpage for information on riding the light rail, getting to the station, bicycle parking, and more.

Parking on Match Days

Mercer Island Park and Ride

Be aware that this lot will likely be completely full on weekdays throughout the tournament. Visit the City's Getting Around webpage for alternative travel methods to Mercer Island Station.

Town Center Parking Area

On match days, the first two hours of parking are free with registration, and a $25 daily rate for all parking over two hours.

Mercer Island Community and Event Center 

The public will be permitted to park in this lot, within walking distance of the Mercer Island station, on game days. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning four hours prior to scheduled match times. 

Cost

• Free parking for Mercer Island residents.
• Non-residents: $25 per game using the ParkMobile app.  

Resident Verification  

• Community Center staff will verify the residency of drivers as they enter the parking lot using driver’s license, the same method used for Community Center drop-in passes.
• Note that a portion of the lot will be reserved for City staff and people using and attending programs in the community center.

Construction Impacts on Roadways 

Regional Construction Projects

Revive I-5 | All lanes will be open throughout the tournament period

The Ship Canal Bridge Preservation Project (also known as Revive I-5) will reopen the construction zone from June 9 – July 9 to help accommodate increased traffic. All northbound lanes will close June 5-8 and July 10 to remove/reinstate the work zone.  

To stay up to date on regional road projects and closures, visit WSDOT’s website.

Local Construction Projects

Water Supply Line Replacement (Gallagher Hill) | One-way traffic on Gallagher Hill Road

The City Council recently awarded a contract to install a new 10-inch water main on Gallagher Hill Road, which is the project that precedes the Water Supply Pipeline replacement project. Staff are coordinating with the contractor to maintain two lanes of travel on Gallagher Hill Road during match days.  

King County Sewer Project (SE 36th St) | Single-lane closure near City Hall

Two lanes will remain open throughout the project. Work will continue through the duration of FIFA events to replace aging sewer pipes.   

Road Projects | Limited on match days

Work on the 76th Ave mid-block crossing (near Starbuck’s) and sidewalk curb ramp replacements will be paused during match days to mitigate traffic impacts.

Xing Hua Mixed-Use Development | Town Center street clsoures not permitted on match days

This project, located at 7750 SE 29th Street, is currently under construction. The project has intermittently closed 78th Ave SE and reduced traffic to one lane on SE 29th St and 77th Ave SE. The project will not be permitted to expand its current traffic impact footprint beyond what is already authorized. 

Public Safety

The Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) will implement enhanced staffing levels during each of the World Cup matches to proactively address potential safety and security associated with increased activity across the region.

In case of an emergency, immediately call 9-1-1.

Sign up to receive emergency alerts. ALERT King County (available in 29 languages including Chinese, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Hindi, and more) serves Mercer Island and the greater King County region. ALERT King County provides emergency alerts about potential hazards and threats in the area. Register one or more physical addresses (home, work, school) as well as email address and/or phone numbers to receive alerts where and how you want them.

About the World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is an international soccer tournament held every four years and is considered one of the largest sporting events in the world. The 2026 World Cup matches will be played in 16 host cities in three countries for the first time in the organization’s history.

At a Glance

• Host countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States
• Host cities: New York / New Jersey, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Miami; Toronto Canada; Vancouver – BC, Canada; Mexico City, Mexico; Guadalajara, Mexico; Monterrey, Mexico
• Teams participating: 48
• Matches: 104
• Competition start: June 11, 2026
• Championship match: July 19, 2026, in New Jersey