As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, Seattle is not the only city gearing up to host this global spectacle.  

Cities across Washington state are planning events to celebrate the World Cup and its fans. 

Nine cities have been selected as official fan zones: 

  • Bellingham 
  • Bremerton 
  • Everett 
  • Olympia/Lacey 
  • Tri-Cities 
  • Spokane 
  • Tacoma 
  • Vancouver 
  • Yakima 

“Bellingham is ready to get in the game for FIFA World Cup 2026,” said Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund. “From waterfront watch parties to showcasing our unrivaled recreation opportunities, we can’t wait to show off the best of the Pacific Northwest.” 

It’s not only a way to get fans from across the state excited about soccer. It’s a way for the cities to benefit from some of the tourism Seattle and King County will experience next year. Visit Seattle estimates that the World Cup will generate a $929 million economic impact, which includes $100 million in state and local tax revenue. 

“It’s really a way for folks from more rural communities in Eastern Washington and North Idaho to be able to come to Spokane and either stay at our hotels or visit,” said Erin Hut, director of communications and marketing for the city of Spokane. 

While plans are still in the early stages, Hut imagines the city hosting watch parties at the Spokane Pavilion in Riverfront Park.  

And it’s not only fan zones that will get outlying areas some soccer love. Two cities, Renton and Spokane, have been nominated to be Team Base Camps—areas where teams can practice when they are not playing in Seattle.  

Each team selects their own venue for their Base Camp. In Renton, the Seattle Sounders FC Performance Center and Clubhouse could house a team. In Spokane, it could be at Gonzaga University. 

“World Cup fans are strident, you know,” said David Blandford, executive director of State of Washington Tourism. “They love their teams and if Spokane is the base camp for Brazil, for example, Brazilian fans will be there. They will hang out outside the practice facilities. They will go just to be near their team.” 

Spokane is looking forward to this event, too.  

“Gonzaga has great facilities and the means to be able to host a team,” Hut said. “We look forward to partnering with them and hopefully bringing an international team here to Spokane.” 

Blandford said he’s being cautious about the impact events like this can have on the state and its economy. 

He said that in Paris last year, many tourists avoided what would be their usual vacation in Paris because of the Olympics. Held during Paris’ high season, tourism ended up going down 20%. 

“People get scared away because they hear you won’t find a hotel within so many miles of the stadium,” he said. “Or they assume the prices would be very, very high.” 

But he also said this is a chance to expose our state to a larger audience. 

“We’re doing everything we can and will work with the Destination Management Organizations (DMOs),” he said. “We’re working with the host committee as well, so we will do our very best to encourage that travel.” 

Hut said Spokane is hoping to make community partnerships with businesses in planning the events surrounding the fan zones. She’s heard from some businesses already and emphasized that if any association members are interested in getting involved to please reach out. 

FIFA World Cup 26 will take place in Seattle from June 15, 2026, to July 6, 2026.