SEATTLE — Visit Seattle officials project King County will make more than $900 million after Seattle hosts six matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Officials said Tuesday King County will generate at least $929 million in revenue and almost 21,000 jobs will be created as Seattle prepares to host the prestigious tournament. Visit Seattle's projection includes more than $100 million in state and local tax revenue.
The United States men's national team will play at Lumen Field on June 19, 2026, in one of four group-stage matches hosted in Seattle. The other three group-stage matches will be on June 15, June 24 and June 26, 2026.
Lumen Field will also host two knockout matches on July 1 and July 6 for the expanded 48-team World Cup in 2026.
SeattleFWC26, the local organizing committee for FIFA World Cup 2026TM, has been working to support neighborhoods around Lumen Field ahead of the 2026 event.
“We’re committed to spreading the nearly billion-dollar economic boost from FIFA World Cup 26 to uplift local businesses and workers,” said April Putney, SeattleFWC26 chief strategy officer. “Our team is particularly focused on partnering with neighborhood business improvement areas to support small businesses in Pioneer Square, Chinatown-International District, and SODO."
During MLB All-Star Week in 2023, experts said there was likely a $50 million boost to Seattle’s economy. However, some restaurants in the Chinatown-International District (CID) felt overlooked.
Looking ahead to the summer of 2026, restaurant owners are hoping to attract soccer fans and benefit from increased foot traffic, including Harry Chan of Tai Tung.
"We need to start promoting now so tourists can plan their visit," Chan added.
Organizers estimate that 750,000 people will visit Seattle during the three-week event.
"Give people a reason to come to Chinatown," said Chan. "More things to see, you know? See? You can go to visit the Wing Luke Museum, Pinball Museum."
There are hidden gems for sports fans at Tai Tung, including the spot where legendary martial artist and actor Bruce Lee used to dine as a regular customer.
"Oyster sauce beef is Bruce Lee's favorite," said Chan.
Though the business has weathered many changes over the years, one thing has remained constant: the family behind it. Numerous generations of family members have since helped operate the restaurant.
"Running a restaurant is tough," Chan said, acknowledging the new challenges business owners face.
Could the PNW exceed the projection of $929 million?
Kelly Saling, senior vice president and chief sales officers of Visit Seattle, and Beth Knox, president and CEO of Seattle Sports Commission, said the Pacific Northwest can exceed the $929 million projection by using hotel properties, other venues and soccer facilities.
Visit Seattle will release an updated projection after teams and host decisions are announced in December 2025.
Lumen Field will be one of 11 stadiums in the United States slated to host matches for the 2026 World Cup.
These will be the first World Cup matchups played in the Pacific Northwest since Portland hosted matches for the 1999 and 2003 Women's World Cups. The United States last hosted the men's World Cup in 1994.