Seattle Wins 2026 World Cup Host Role on Lumen Field, Deep Soccer Base
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 20
Seattle Wins 2026 World Cup Host Role on Lumen Field, Deep Soccer Base
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 20
Summary
Seattle secured a 2026 World Cup host-city spot, ending a local grievance that dated to the 1994 U.S. tournament when it was passed over.
Lumen Field helped clinch the bid because the stadium was built with soccer in mind, avoiding the venue uncertainty that hurt Seattle's earlier chances.
Seattle's case was strengthened by sustained fan demand: MLS club Sounders regularly draw more than 30,000, while Reign helped make the city a leading women's soccer market.
Big-name ties also reinforced that reputation, with Clint Dempsey finishing his career in Seattle and Megan Rapinoe spending her entire NWSL career with the Reign.
The selection adds to a broader sports upswing in Seattle, where the Seahawks won the Super Bowl in February and the city is also pushing to restore the NBA after the SuperSonics left in 2008.