As Seattle prepares to host FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, local soccer organizations are looking forward to the opportunities the tournament will create both on and off the field.
The Seattle Youth Soccer Association, which serves roughly 12,000 children across the region, expects the World Cup to have a lasting impact on youth participation in the sport.
“This is a huge year for us as an organization,” said Seattle Youth Soccer Association Executive Director David Griffiths. “I think soccer regionally and nationally will be massively impacted, and everybody in the industry is hoping that participation numbers will grow. We saw those same results back in 1994 when we last hosted the World Cup here, and we’re hoping to have much of the same in 2026.”
While many young players may not attend matches in person, Griffiths believes simply being close to an event of this magnitude will leave a lasting impression.
“I think back to myself in my childhood. Being close to a stadium of any size and being able to feel the positive vibes and the passion involved in the game meant a lot,” Griffiths said. “This is a global game, and we’ve got a very diverse city. Having families from all parts of the world that now call Seattle home, being able to watch their teams play in our country and even in our city, will be a really memorable moment.”
Griffiths is also personally invested in the tournament. A native of Wales, he hopes his home country can qualify for the World Cup and play in Seattle.
“They still have to go through the playoff route, but if they do win, they will play in Seattle,” he said. “I’ve got my fingers crossed. Like my 10-year-old self, I’m eager to see them play.”
In addition to the matches themselves, the Seattle Youth Soccer Association is partnering with the City of Seattle and the Parks Department to host community events throughout the tournament.
“We’ve partnered with the City of Seattle and have been working closely with the Parks Department to provide soccer experiences for families,” Griffiths said. “There will be watch parties, pickup soccer and opportunities for us to engage with the community and maybe some new soccer families who have never played the game before.”
The events are designed to bring residents together, introduce newcomers to the sport and celebrate the world’s game during the three weeks Seattle hosts World Cup matches.
For local soccer leaders, the hope is that the excitement surrounding FIFA World Cup 2026 will create memories that last long after the final whistle and inspire a new generation of players across the region.
