Seattle gears up for FIFA World Cup 2026 with enhanced public transit plans and vehicle-free zones to manage crowds.
SEATTLE — Local leaders are rolling out plans to move massive crowds through downtown Seattle with the first FIFA World Cup 2026 match just over a month away.
In preparation, leaders are urging people to plan ahead and use public transportation on match days.
SuperKim Thai Kitchen sits near Lumen Field – temporarily renamed Seattle Stadium by FIFA – where the six World Cup matches will be held. Owner Kim Pathumratanathan hopes it brings in more customers and expects to serve fans from around the world.
“I think it’s gonna be a good time,” he said.
Seattle will dramatically change movement through Pioneer Square on match days. A vehicle-free pedestrian zone was announced for match days. There will be no public parking in the North Lot or Event Center Parking Garage at the stadium. The Seattle Department of Transportation released a map outlining the restricted zones.
For Pathumratanathan, it means stocking up on food the day before a match and unloading deliveries before the street is closed to general traffic.
FIFA World Cup matches will be held on the following days:
- June 15, 2026 — noon PT: Belgium vs. Egypt (Group G)
- June 19, 2026 — noon PT: United States vs. Australia (Group D)
- June 24, 2026 — noon PT: Qatar vs. Italy/Northern Ireland/Wales/Bosnia & Herzegovina* (Group B)
- June 26, 2026 — 8 p.m. PT: Egypt vs. Iran (Group G)
- July 1, 2026 — 1 p.m. PT: Round of 32 match
- July 6, 2026 — 5 p.m. PT: Round of 16 match
To improve transportation options on match days, King County Metro will offer more trips on busy routes, standby buses to help with crowding, more water taxi trips and a boost in Metro Flex on-demand service.
Metro will also operate dedicated shuttles. The Waterfront Shuttle will run May 21 through Sept. 7, connecting riders to the waterfront, Pioneer Square, stadium and International District. The Match Day Shuttle will run a loop through downtown, connecting passengers between the stadium and Seattle Center on match days. The shuttles will be free.
“Thanks to our new shuttles and boosts in bus service, it’s going to be easier than ever to take transit to popular downtown Seattle destinations this summer – whether you are a resident or a soccer fan coming for the big matches,” said King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “We’re ready to host the world, counting down the days, and our drivers look forward to welcoming everyone on board.”
Sound Transit’s Sounder trains will be running on all match days, with regularly scheduled service and special service. Sound Transit Express buses will be teed up to provide additional capacity if needed.
Additionally, Link Light Rail will run 1 Line and 2 Line more frequently, with extended hours that end at 1 a.m. on match days.
“Seattle Stadium is positioned to be the most accessible venue in the FIFA World Cup 2026,” said CEO of SeattleFWC26 Peter Tomozawa. “Whether you’re a local, or a visitor arriving from across the globe, getting to the match can be one of the best parts of the experience — no car required. Our regional partners have put extraordinary work into this plan, and it’s never been more convenient to get around our city.”
More information on transit options for FIFA World Cup match days in Seattle can be found at agency websites:
A trip planning page can be found here.
Additionally, FIFA fans are being encouraged to join the official Fan Info WhatsApp Channel for Seattle for real-time updates.
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