World Cup may be coming to Seattle in 2026

The United Bid that won out names Seattle as one of 23 potential host city candidates.

While the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off today in Russia, soccer fans from the United States, Canada and Mexico are already anticipating what will occur eight years from now.

On Wednesday at the 68th FIFA Congress in Moscow, the organization announced that the 2026 World Cup will be held in those three countries as The United Bid scored 134 of 200 votes cast, or 67 percent. Morocco notched 65 votes (33 percent), and one single-member association voted not to choose either of the two bids.

The Cup will feature 48 teams in 2026, up 16 from this year. This year’s Cup will conclude on July 15.

Seattle has been named one of 23 potential host city candidates in The United Bid, and FIFA will select up to 16 host cities out of the 23 on the proposed lineup.

United2026 tweeted: “The world will unite in North America! #United2026 has officially won the right to host the @FIFAWorldCup!”

King County Executive Dow Constantine issued a statement to the Reporter on Wednesday:

“We here in King County, in this welcoming, global region, stand united in our effort to host World Cup matches. I, along with many others, will strongly make the case that our metropolitan region has the world-class venues, transit infrastructure, accommodations, and passionate soccer community to make this a success. Generations of homegrown fans, and enthusiasts from across the globe, are eager for our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to welcome the world’s game in 2026.”

Soccer analyst Alexi Lalas, who played for the US when it last hosted the Cup in 1994, tweeted: “Thank you @realDonaldTrump for your support of soccer and the @united2026 joint World Cup bid. It’s a great day for the game and for all three countries.”

According to a US Soccer press release, the number and diversity of cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States represent the most comprehensive and far-reaching hosting strategy ever developed for a mega-sporting event. The United Bid’s hosting vision and strategy projects more than 5.8 million tickets will be sold, generating in excess of $2 billion in ticketing revenue.

In a previous Reporter story, Eastside FC, director of operations Chance Fry — also a former pro player and Sammamish High grad — said Seattle is ready to get in the World Cup game.

“This is not a surprise as Seattle has proven itself over time as an extremely supportive soccer city, especially for our national team. Additionally, being a diverse cosmopolitan city, wonderful destination for tourists and our close proximity to Vancouver, we could host any of the games and they would easily sell out,” he said.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Northwest

U.S. Courthouse in Seattle. COURTESY PHOTO, U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Way man pleads guilty to assaulting woman on flight

Man accused of inappropriately touching a female passenger.

t
Construction begins on new Valley Cancer Center in Renton

Renton’s Valley Medical Center serves over 600,000 residents throughout South King County.

Auburn Police Officer Jeffrey Nelson. COURTESY FILE PHOTO
Jury selection begins in Auburn Police officer’s trial

Jeffrey Nelson faces charges of murder and assault for 2019 killing of Jesse Sarey.

t
Auburn Police arrest driver at Lea Hill Park for hitting woman | Video

Dashcam footage shows the pursuing officer deploying a PIT maneuver on the Honda Fit

Renton Regional Fire Authority. Courtesy image.
Firefighters extinguish large brush fire in Renton

Broke out Friday, April 19; could be seen from Interstate 405

File photo
Man, 22, dies from shooting at Auburn apartment complex

Police say: ‘This wasn’t a random act’

t
King County releases $3 million to help find shelter for the homeless

Tukwila to get $2 million, Burien $1 million; no other South County cities applied for funds

Phil Fortunato
Auburn’s Phil Fortunato announces secretary of state run

District 31 Republican senator wants to test Washington’s voting registration system for weaknesses.

Food in a foam takeout container. Sound Publishing file photo
Foam coolers, takeout containers will be banned in WA

The prohibition on the sale and distribution of these products will take effect June 1 under a law the Legislature approved in 2021.

t
Federal Way Public Market concept receives $75,000 for study

The home of the envisioned project is off South 320th Street and 23rd Avenue South.

t
Suspected DUI crash in Renton injures three; cars engulfed in flames

Wrong-way driver incident along Interstate 405 on April 14

t
Teen dies in fatal Renton shooting

A 16-year-old suspect was arrested in April 14 incident