Seattle’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Organizing Committee is preparing for an estimated 750,000 fans to descend upon the region during the tournament.

Leo Flor, chief legacy officer for committee, shared insights on how local businesses can capitalize on the global event at the recent Kitsap Economic Development Association’s Fall Forum.

Flor emphasized the importance of ensuring that the local community benefits from the tourney. He said, “The last World Cup, about fifty percent of the fans came from elsewhere, and one of the issues with that is whether or not people were benefiting locally after the event.”

This time around, he aims to create a more inclusive experience that extends beyond the matches.

The tournament will feature 104 matches over three weeks, with six taking place in Seattle. “The duration of the event means a lot of people will be traveling here and staying longer than one day, as there won’t be games on consecutive days,” Flor said.

That extended timeframe presents an opportunity for local businesses to engage visitors and enhance their experience in the area.

Flor highlighted the significance of maximizing free time for visitors, saying, “It’s the people who can help others understand what to do with their free time that will have a lot of advantages.”

He emphasized the collaboration between Seattle and Vancouver, BC, allowing fans to enjoy activities in both cities.

Kitsap County Commissioner Katie Walters echoed the potential for the region, stating: “The excitement surrounding the Seattle World Cup 2026 presents an incredible opportunity for Kitsap County. “…this is our moment to welcome the world, unlock new economic potential, boost tourism and drive new revenue to our local businesses, hotels, restaurants and cultural attractions.”

David Emmons, CEO and president of the Greater Kitsap Chamber, also expressed optimism, calling it a, “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for Kitsap. “It’s important we do this well,” Emmons said, emphasizing the region’s sizable soccer community and the need to “mobilize that.” He also discussed the potential benefits of a local shopping campaign tied to the event, with plans for an area featuring Kitsap businesses. “We have been educating local businesses on how to prepare, and one of those things is staffing up.”

A noteworthy strategy discussed by Flor involved development of an app designed to guide fans to local businesses and events. He compared it to the popular mobile game Pokémon Go, explaining that the app would utilize location-based features to encourage exploration of nearby attractions.

“We will be working with local marketing organizations to help identify businesses or clusters of businesses that will be highlighted in the app,” he said. Users will be incentivized to visit the areas through rewards such as merchandise or tickets, encouraging them to engage with the local community.

Another significant aspect of the tourney is the scheduled match featuring the U.S. Men’s National Team June 19, 2026, coinciding with Juneteenth. Flor called that a “huge cultural moment.” He also mentioned that the timing of the tournament aligns with Pride celebrations, marking a shift from past discussions regarding inclusivity at sporting events. “We will celebrate our whole community with Pride as a part of that,” he said.

Flor detailed plans for team base camps, which will arrive a month before the tourney. “As we talk about benefit for the community, we aim to increase the impact on local businesses geographically and temporarily,” he said. He highlighted the unique advantages of Seattle’s transportation, including ferry routes that can provide a scenic and efficient way for fans to reach matches.

The Seattle Center will host a Fan Fest, expecting around 30,000 attendees daily, alongside multiple fan zones across Washington.

“We are emphasizing that this isn’t just a Seattle event but a Washington event,” Flor said.

That approach aims to ensure widespread participation in festivities. Walters said she has been pitching Kitsap as one of the nine Fan Zones statewide as its location is ideal. “Hosting a Fan Zone here would not only drive significant economic growth…but also strengthen regional partnerships and community pride.”

Flor concluded with a call to action for local businesses, saying, “It’s the local maximization where I think the most opportunity will be.” He encouraged creative marketing strategies, particularly in targeting specific fan bases that may visit, such as the Ukrainian national team.

During the question-and-answer session, attendees raised questions regarding logistics. One asked if ferries would be running during the event. Flor confirmed that they are in communication with the Department of Transportation, which has been “super helpful” in ensuring smooth operations.

Flor said they are working to make everything go smoothly. “My boss would say it’s very uninteresting to make sure we run the games well. That’s going to happen. It’s how we use that event to make a local impact.”

FIFA data

There will be 104 games for 48 teams playing in 16 cities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Games in Seattle will be at 69,000-capacity stadium Lumen Field where the Seahawks and Sounders play.

Games in 2026 will be June 15, 19, 24 and 26, along with July 1 and 6.

There are four group-play games, one in the Round of 32 and one in the Round of 16.

FIFA courtesy map