Seattle gearing up to host the FIFA World Cup 2026™ – Travel And Tour World

Saturday, December 14, 2024
Seattle is gearing up to host the FIFA World Cup 2026™, with Visit Seattle unveiling a preliminary economic impact projection of $929 million for King County during the tournament.
The projection covers six World Cup matches scheduled at Lumen Field between June and July 2026, marking Seattle as a major hub for one of the largest and most anticipated sporting events in the world.

Economic and Community Benefits
The forecast includes over $100 million in direct state and local tax revenue and estimates that 20,762 full-time and part-time jobs will be supported during the event.
These figures reflect the tournament’s potential to significantly benefit Seattle’s economy, particularly the hospitality, tourism, and service sectors.

Visit Seattle collaborated with Tourism Economics, a division of Oxford Economics, to generate these projections.
Using a robust methodology that combines traveler insights and economic modeling, the study outlines the expected financial boost to the region.
A revised projection will be released in December 2025, once team placements and host destinations are finalized.

Transformative Opportunity for Seattle
“This event is a massive economic driver for Seattle,” said Kelly Saling, SVP & Chief Sales Officer at Visit Seattle.
“Direct spending by soccer fans will uplift our hospitality and service industries, while tax revenues will bolster the community, leaving a legacy that endures long after the tournament ends.”

SeattleFWC26, the local organizing committee for the event, is also working to distribute the economic benefits across neighborhoods near Lumen Field, such as Pioneer Square, Chinatown-International District, and SODO.
The committee is partnering with neighborhood business improvement areas and local unions to ensure small businesses and local workers are integral to the success of the event.

“The scale of this economic benefit is unprecedented locally,” said April Putney, Chief Strategy Officer for SeattleFWC26. “We’re focused on uplifting local businesses, restaurants, and entrepreneurs, ensuring the prosperity is shared across our neighborhoods.”

Expanding Regional Impact
Beyond King County, the tournament is expected to generate economic activity across the Pacific Northwest, with hotels, soccer facilities, and fan zones utilized for team basecamps and activations.
This expanded regional impact highlights the significant role of FIFA World Cup 2026™ in boosting the area’s visibility and economy.

Legacy Beyond the Tournament
Seattle’s preparations for the World Cup also align with the city’s broader improvements, including waterfront redevelopment, expanded transit systems, increased hotel inventory, and the opening of SEA Airport’s International Arrivals Facility.

“We’re showcasing Seattle’s capability and creativity in hosting marquee sporting events,” Saling added. “These efforts aim to wow visitors, encouraging them to return while leaving a lasting legacy for our city.”
As the countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026™ continues, Seattle is poised to leverage this global event to create long-term economic and social benefits, solidifying its reputation as a world-class destination for major events.

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Tags: Chinatown-International District, FIFA World Cup 2026, hospitality, pacific northwest, SEA Airport, seattle, SeattleFWC26, tourism economics, Visit Seattle

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Saturday, December 14, 2024
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Saturday, December 14, 2024

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