Following today’s announcement from FIFA sharing the match schedule for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ – which has assigned six matches to Seattle, including hosting the U.S. Men’s National Team in the tournament’s Group Stage on Friday, June 19, 2026 – Sounders FC club leadership offered their thoughts on the exciting news.
Seattle is set to host six total games, with four in the Group Stage, one in the Round of 32 and one in the Round of 16.
SOUNDERS FC MAJORITY OWNER ADRIAN HANAUER
“I’ve stated previously that bringing the FIFA World Cup to Seattle is perhaps the biggest moment in the soccer history of our region, but today’s news makes that feeling all the more real. To be hosting FIFA World Cup matches in and of itself is a momentous thing, but to see the United States Men’s National Team playing in the Emerald City on the world’s biggest stage is an honor. As a born-and-bred Seattleite, today’s news is remarkable and has the potential to take our sport to new heights. For every soccer fan in our region, 2026 is going to be really special, and for the fans from across our nation and around the world coming to Seattle, we are eager to welcome you all. On behalf of the city of Seattle and our entire local organizing committee, we cannot wait to begin playing FIFA World Cup matches at Lumen Field in just two years’ time.”
SOUNDERS FC PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS HUGH WEBER
“Today’s announcement has continued to build on the excitement we share for our community and the impact of hosting six matches for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. To do so, giving fans the ability to witness the USMNT in competitive action is a rare and wonderful opportunity that we look forward to being a part of.”
SOUNDERS FC GENERAL MANAGER & CHIEF SOCCER OFFICER CRAIG WAIBEL
“Seattle is an incredible sports town that has supported soccer with passion at all levels for over five decades, so I see this as a reward to the fans in this community. On top of experiencing six games featuring the most competitive athletes in the biggest tournament on the planet, we get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support our country at the World Cup in our hometown. I think about the generation of fans and players that this moment will inspire, and as a native of the Pacific Northwest, I’m humbled, thankful and excited for 2026.”
SOUNDERS FC HEAD COACH BRIAN SCHMETZER
“As a Seattle resident and lifelong fan of the sport, I am ecstatic for the fans of soccer in this region. This city will undoubtedly provide a first-class World Cup experience to all teams and fans for the six games at Lumen Field. Today’s news of the U.S. Men’s National Team playing a World Cup fixture in Seattle gives us an awesome opportunity to support our National Team up close and in person. I can’t help but think about the past generations of fans, players and coaches that that have made this region so rich in soccer tradition and history. Knowing first-hand the kind of environment that is possible within our stadium, our city, our region, it will be a one-of-a-kind experience and I cannot wait to be there.”
