The Brief
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup generated $889 million in economic impact, $109 million in tax revenue, and nearly 20,000 jobs for Seattle and King County, surpassing revised local expectations.
- Driven by higher-than-expected international turnout and visits from seven national teams, crowds packed venues and events like the Seattle Soccer Celebration Barge throughout the summer.
- Local organizers and Visit Seattle highlighted that hosting the global tournament enhanced the region’s international reputation and created more than 35 lasting legacy projects.
SEATTLE – The numbers are in, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup brought $889 million to Seattle and King County over the summer, surpassing even the city’s best estimates for revenue and jobs.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was jointly hosted by 16 cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and smashed local and digital viewership. Crowds packed Pioneer Square for nearly a month straight, and events on the Seattle Soccer Celebration Barge drew huge audiences.
Teams and fans from around the world stayed in Seattle and Spokane, including the national teams of Australia, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Iran, Qatar and Senegal. The Emerald City even hosted the U.S. National Team for their 2–0 win over Australia that got them into the Round of 16.
World Cup brings big money to Seattle
By the numbers:…