Since the World Cup kicked off in the Emerald City on June 14, crowds have flooded the streets in support of their respective country. For the matches that are held elsewhere in North America, watch parties at places like Pier 62 and the Seattle Soccer Celebration barge have brought thousands of people together in celebration of the world’s game.
It’s been the place to be during this year’s tournament, producing sold out crowds at Seattle Soccer Stadium and providing fans the chance to experience the matches even without having a ticket to the game. Whether it be the World Cup activations held throughout the city or the big screens making it accessible to watch the matches, soccer-lovers can come together and embrace the tournament’s excitement in more ways than one.
It is clear that the World Cup has driven soccer-fanatics to the city, but those that frequent Seattle or grew up in the area know that this strong soccer influence has been present long before it was announced as a host city for the world-renowned tournament.
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“I haven't seen a city where kids play so much soccer,” said Sounders FC and USMNT midfielder Cristian Roldan. “And when you look at our roster here in Seattle, it's all homegrown kids, kids that grew up here.”
The region's thriving youth soccer community, combined with the foundation Seattle Sounders FC and Reign FC have spent years building, has helped make Seattle one of the World Cup's standout host cities.
“We've had games with Pele coming into the Kingdome, and you have Messi coming for the League's Cup final. We have a long history here in Seattle,” said Roldan.
“It is ingrained in our culture, and it's a beautiful thing to see.”
Take it from Sounders FC season ticket holders, the Cleaver Family, who have been supporters of the club since 2009 and have watched the city grow into the flourishing soccer hub it is today.
“You [don’t] realize just how big the Sounders community [until] you get together with three or 400 of your closest friends,” said May Cleaver said during Alliance Member Day aboard the barge. “It isn't just an event or a sport, it's a community, it's a mindset, and it's fun to just look at all these people in all their different kits and stuff, and go, ‘Alright, Sounders!’”
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Both Sounders FC and Reign FC provide an inclusive environment for anyone interested in the sport. Whether you are a die-hard fan or someone looking to get involved in soccer for the first time, the two teams open up a space where everyone can join in on the magical atmosphere at Lumen Field. Through initiatives like First Match On Us, which gives new fans two free tickets, and reasonably priced single-match tickets, the Pacific Northwest offers one of the most accessible professional soccer experiences in the country.
“You meet new people, all walks of life, all because it is affordable,” said Greg Cleaver. “And it’s even more affordable with your first game free, and, [things like] family group [offers]. I think that's great.”
Whether you discovered soccer during FIFA World Cup 2026 or have followed the game for years, there's no better way to keep the momentum going than by watching Seattle's clubs renew their rivalries with Portland. Head to Lumen Field on July 12 as Reign FC hosts the Thorns before joining the Rave Green on July 16 for their Cascadia Rivalry matchup against the Timbers.
