Lumen Field is going to be a busy place during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Tournament’s early stages. Sunday afternoon FIFA announced that Lumen Field will host four Group State games one of which includes the USMNT and two knockout stage matches. The two knock our game will be in the round of 31 and 16 respectively.
Getting four Group Stage matches was somewhat of a given when it was announced that Seattle along with other US Cities, Canada, and Mexico would host the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament. The big surprise in today’s announcement in addition to hosting the two knock-out stage games was the United States Mens National team playing a Group Stage game in Lumen Field.
UNITED STATES MEN’S SOCCER TEAM HISTORY IN THE EMERALD CITY
The USMNT will kick off its WorldCup 2026 Tournament on June 12th at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, head to the Emerald City for the June 25th match, and conclude group plays on June 26th back at SoFi. USMNT coach Greg Berhalter is looking to the home advantage the two venues will give his team.
“It’s great to finally learn where we will be for the group stage. It starts to bring things to life,” Berhalter said. “We would have been happy with any of the venues because we know the home support is going to be incredible. When you think about Los Angeles, it’s an iconic soccer city that has already hosted three World Cup Finals. It’s going to be an amazing venue for us. With Seattle, you have a rich fan culture and an incredible atmosphere in the stadium. I get goosebumps thinking about it already. It’s not only about the cities hosting the World Cup, it’s about all the communities across America getting behind us and creating this wave of support that pushes the team to try to go and reach new heights.”
The last time the USMNT played in Seattle was in 2016 when Lumen Field hosted a quarterfinal between the USMNT and Ecuador during the Copa America Centenario tournament. Former Sounder Clint Dempsey and Gyasi Zardes each scored a goal in the team’s 2-1 win victory. The USMN has played 10 matches dating back to 1976 and compiling an 8-1-1 record.
CULTURAL INCLUSION
As for the tournament itself, SeattleFWC26 CEO Pete Tomozawa was ecstatic when it was revealed that Emerald City will be hosting the six matches.
We’re thrilled to welcome FIFA World Cup 26 for six matches in Seattle, including the honor of hosting our US Men’s National team on Juneteenth,” said Tomozawa. “We have a global opportunity to showcase the vibrancy of our city and state, and we are excited for game time!”
The Puget Sound has been known for its love for soccer, diversity, and inclusion. Hosting three Group Stage games, two knock-out matches and the USMNT will bring a density of different, vibrant and celebratory cultures yet to be seen in the region.
“Our goal is to make sure the legacy of hosting the world’s biggest sporting event positively impacts generations of Washingtonians,” continued Tomozawa.
