SEATTLE—The Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Local Organizing Committee (SeattleFWC26) unveiled a new “One Year to Go” Countdown Clock today, June 11, in Seattle Center right outside the Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP). The clock will count down the days, hours, and minutes until the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to Seattle in exactly one year’s time.
“In one year, fans from across the globe will experience what makes our city special: the energy, the diversity, and the unmatched love for the beautiful game.” said Peter Tomozawa, CEO of Seattle FWC26. “In one year, fans from across the globe will experience what makes our region special: the energy, the diversity, unique culture, and the people. We cannot wait to bring Washington to the World.”
Speaking at Wednesday’s event, Seattle Center Director Marshall Foster announced how pleased and honored he is to have Seattle Center be the official site of the FIFA World Cup Fan Celebration.
Up in Snohomish County, the City of Everett was named one of nine official host cities for the World Cup to ensure as many Washingtonians as possible can be part of this historic event.
“Everett is the place to be for the FIFA World Cup in 2026! As the home of AquaSox Baseball, Silvertips Hockey, Jets Soccer and Wolfpack Football, Everett is an incredibly proud sports town. We look forward to welcoming passionate and energized soccer fans for FIFA World Cup fun at our Fan Zone and throughout our city,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin.
The countdown clock is part of a coordinated effort across all 16 Host Cities to commemorate a milestone moment on the road to be “the most inclusive FIFA World Cup™ in history,” the FWC26 said.
“Seattle is proud to be a Host City for FIFA World Cup 26™ — a once-in-a-generation moment that will showcase our city’s global spirit, diverse communities, and deep passion for soccer,” said Mayor of Seattle, Bruce Harrell. “As we unveil this countdown clock at Seattle Center — the heart of our city’s civic and cultural life — we mark not just the days until kickoff, but our readiness to welcome the world. From the roar of the fans to the unity of the game, Seattle is ready to deliver a world-class experience.”
Harrell continued that Seattle will soon host visitors from all over the world. Just yesterday he sat down with Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown to speak out against the travel bans proposed by the federal government in an effort to be a more welcoming and inclusive city.
Also speaking Wednesday was former Seattle Sounders midfielder Steve Zakuani who shared that his love for soccer stemmed from watching the World Cup back in the 90’s.
“To think that that’s going to be coming here, to Seattle, a place that is home to me now that I love so much. Where I was fortunate enough to play for some of the best fans in the world,” said Zakuani. “We know how special this city is when it comes to this sport and we get a chance now to show that to the whole world with proof that there is reason why we were chosen to be one of the host cities.”
Seattle, and its surrounding metro area, will be one of 16 U.S. cities to host this momentous sporting event which broke records in viewership in 2022 at over 5 billion – more than half of the global population. Other U.S. hosting cities include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Atlanta, Boston, Miami, New York, and Philadelphia as well as Vancouver and Toronto in Canada and Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey in Mexico.
In just 365 days the 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 106 matches across 48 teams which is an increase from when the tournament took place in Qatar in 2022 with 32 teams. It’s estimated that 50% of fans visiting Seattle during the event will be coming from abroad.
It’s estimated that the World Cup will bring in approximately 700,000 visitors which is just 100,000 shy of the entire population of Snohomish County.
About Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™ Local Organizing Committee
SeattleFWC26 is the local organizing committee for Seattle’s participation as one of the 16 host cities selected for the FIFA World Cup 26™. As a not-for-profit organization, SeattleFWC26’s vision is to foster a lasting legacy for our region, guided by the spirit of soccer, innovation, and inclusion. To keep up to date on the latest news and involvement opportunities with SeattleFWC26, please visit Seattlefwc26.org/get-involved.
About FIFA WORLD CUP 26™
FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the biggest sporting event ever, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. With more countries, cities, teams, and games, FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the most inclusive tournament ever, engaging millions of fans across 16 unique stadiums and billions worldwide. The tournament will take place in June and July 2026. For the latest FIFA World Cup 26™ information please visit the FIFA World Cup 26™ website.
About Seattle Center
Connect to the extraordinary Seattle Center, an active civic, arts, and family gathering place in the core of our city and region. Seattle Center’s 74-acre campus, centered around the International Fountain, is part of the Uptown Arts & Cultural District and home to Climate Pledge Arena; more than 30 cultural, educational, sports, and entertainment organizations; and a broad range of public and community programs. In everything it does, Seattle Center’s mission is to create exceptional events, experiences, and environments which delight and inspire the human spirit to build stronger communities.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
