What currency do I need in Seattle?

You need USD (US dollars) in Seattle. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including at stadiums and fan zones. ATMs charge $2 to $5 per withdrawal for foreign cards. Tipping is expected: 15 to 20% at restaurants, $1 to $2 per drink at bars.

Is Seattle safe for World Cup visitors?

Yes. Seattle is an established international tourism destination. The emergency number 911 works in all three host countries (USA, Canada, Mexico) for police, fire, and ambulance. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies (starting from $50 per trip) is strongly recommended, especially in the US where an ER visit can cost $3,000+ without coverage. Keep valuables secure in crowded areas and use official transport or rideshare apps.

What is the weather like in Seattle during the World Cup?

The tournament runs June 11 to July 19, 2026. Seattle is cooler than you might expect in summer. Temperatures average 15 to 25°C (60 to 77°F). Bring layers and a light jacket for evening matches.

What's the best neighborhood to stay in Seattle for the World Cup?

Pioneer Square (5 min walk) is the top pick. Seattle's oldest neighbourhood with red-brick buildings, art galleries, and underground tours. The closest bars and restaurants to the stadium. Great pre-match atmosphere. Expect $130 to $200 per night. Downtown / Pike Place is another great option at $170 to $300 per night. Match-day surge pricing can push rates 2 to 3x higher. Book at least 3 months ahead.

What are the best restaurants in Seattle?

Top picks include Pike Place Chowder (Seafood chowder in Pike Place Market), Maneki (Japanese in International District), Paseo (Caribbean-Cuban sandwiches in Fremont / Ballard). Pike Place Market is the starting point, but the real gems are in Capitol Hill, the International District, and Ballard. Budget $15 to $30 per meal at sit-down restaurants.

Do I need a visa to visit Seattle for the World Cup?

Visitors from 41 Visa Waiver Program countries need an ESTA ($21, valid for 2 years). All other nationalities need a B-1/B-2 tourist visa. Apply at least 3 months before your trip. Processing times vary by country.

🇺🇸Washington, United States🏟️Lumen Field

Your World Cup 2026 Seattle Travel Guide

Name: FIFA World Cup 2026
Start: 2026-06-11
End: 2026-07-19
Location: North America

Lumen Field is one of North America's loudest outdoor stadiums. Link Light Rail drops you at the door from the airport in 45 minutes

Link Light Rail from SeaTac, 45 min

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), 14 miles

Pike Place Market, fresh salmon, and Starbucks birthplace

Downtown Seattle or Capitol Hill

🏟️

Lumen Field

Stadium

🇺🇸

United States

Country

⏰

PT (UTC-7)

Timezone

💺

69k

Capacity

Your World Cup City Guide

Seattle's Lumen Field holds 69,000 fans and is one of the loudest outdoor stadiums in North America. The stadium sits directly on the Link Light Rail line, a 45-minute ride from Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA) and a short hop from Pike Place Market. A single ORCA card works on all Seattle transit.

Seattle averages 19 to 25°C (66 to 77°F) in summer with very little rain, making June and July the best months to visit. Hotels downtown start around $150 per night, and Capitol Hill has more affordable options. Coffee culture runs deep here, so budget time for the original Starbucks at Pike Place and the city's many independent roasters.

Quick Facts for Your Trip

🍽️

Pike Place Chowder

Seafood chowder

🏨

Pioneer

$130 to $200 per night

🎯

Pike Place Market

Top attraction

🚇

Link Light Rail runs from SeaTac Airport directly

Best transit tip

🗓️ Match Schedule

Matches at Seattle Stadium

Every fixture this venue hosts at the FIFA World Cup 2026, group stage through to knockouts. Knockout team names lock in once the group standings are confirmed.

Group StageGroup GMatchday 1

Mon, 15 Jun 2026

🇧🇪Belgium

Egypt🇪🇬

15:00 ETMatch details

Group StageGroup DMatchday 1

Fri, 19 Jun 2026

🇺🇸USA

Australia🇦🇺

15:00 ETMatch details

Group StageGroup BMatchday 1

Wed, 24 Jun 2026

🇧🇦Bosnia and Herzegovina

Qatar🇶🇦

15:00 ETMatch details

Group StageGroup GMatchday 1

Fri, 26 Jun 2026

🇪🇬Egypt

Iran🇮🇷

23:00 ETMatch details

Round of 32Match #82

Wed, 01 Jul 2026

🏳️Group G Winners

Group A/E/H/I/J 3rd Place🏳️

16:00 ETMatch details

Round of 16Match #94

Mon, 06 Jul 2026

🏳️Match 81 Winner

Match 82 Winner🏳️

20:00 ETMatch details

Schedule from the official FIFA World Cup 2026 fixture list. Always confirm kickoff times on FIFA.com before travelling.

JUMP TO A SECTION

🗺️ Plan Your Visit

Explore Seattle

🍽️

Restaurants

Where to eat near the stadium and around the city

Best Restaurants in Seattle →

🚇

Getting Around

Getting to the city and around on matchday

Getting Around Seattle →

🏨

Hotels

Where to stay for the best World Cup experience

Best Hotels in Seattle →

🎭

Things to Do

Attractions, culture, and entertainment

Things to Do in Seattle →

🍽️ Where to Eat

Best Restaurants

Seattle's food identity is built on Pacific Northwest seafood, Asian fusion, and an obsessive coffee culture. Pike Place Market is the starting point, but the real gems are in Capitol Hill, the International District, and Ballard. Budget $15 to $30 per meal at sit-down restaurants.

Pike Place Chowder

Seafood chowderPike Place Market

The New England clam chowder ($10 for a cup, $14 for a bowl) has won multiple awards. Sourdough bread bowls ($16) are available. Expect a line, but it moves fast.

📍Pike Place Market

View on Map →

Maneki

JapaneseInternational District

Seattle's oldest Japanese restaurant, open since 1904. The omakase ($50 per person) is excellent value. Book ahead for the tatami room. BYOB is allowed.

📍International District

View on Map →

Paseo

Caribbean-Cuban sandwichesFremont / Ballard

The Caribbean Roast sandwich ($14) is regularly voted the best sandwich in Seattle. Get it with extra sauce. Cash only. Closes when they sell out.

📍Fremont / Ballard

View on Map →

🚇 Getting There

Transport Guide

Lumen Field is in downtown Seattle and is one of the most accessible World Cup stadiums. Link Light Rail runs from SeaTac Airport to the stadium area in 38 to 40 minutes for $3.25. Most downtown hotels are within walking distance of the stadium (20 to 30 minutes).

Link Light Rail runs from SeaTac Airport directly to downtown Seattle. The International District/Chinatown station is a 5-minute walk from Lumen Field. A single ride costs $2.75 to $3.25 depending on distance. Buy an ORCA card at SeaTac Airport or any Link station.
Most downtown Seattle hotels are walkable to Lumen Field in 20 to 30 minutes. The walk takes you along the scenic waterfront past Pike Place Market. Fans arriving by Amtrak Cascades from Vancouver BC or Portland arrive at King Street Station, which is a 3-minute walk from the stadium gates.

🏨 Where to Stay

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Seattle is the best base. The stadium is walking distance, Pike Place Market is a 15-minute stroll, and Capitol Hill's nightlife is a short bus ride away. Pioneer Square is the closest neighborhood to the stadium.

Pioneer Square , 5 min walk

Seattle's oldest neighbourhood with red-brick buildings, art galleries, and underground tours. The closest bars and restaurants to the stadium. Great pre-match atmosphere.

Price: $130 to $200 per night

Downtown / Pike Place , 15 min walk or 1 Light Rail stop

The tourist core with Pike Place Market, the original Starbucks (1971), and waterfront attractions. Hotels here are central to everything.

Price: $170 to $300 per night

Capitol Hill , 10 min by bus or rideshare

Seattle's most diverse and lively neighbourhood. Independent restaurants, cocktail bars, and live music venues line Broadway and Pike/Pine streets. The best nightlife in the city.

Price: $140 to $220 per night

🎯 Beyond the Match

Things to Do

Pike Place Market is a must. Throw a fish, watch the gum wall, and grab a coffee from the original Starbucks. Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island for a half-day escape ($9.25 round trip). The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP, $36) in Seattle Center has incredible music history exhibits, and the Space Needle ($37) is right next door.

Pike Place Market

America's oldest continuously operating farmers market, open since 1907. Watch the fish throwers at Pike Place Fish Co., visit the original Starbucks (1971), and check out the Gum Wall in Post Alley. Free to browse.

Tip: Go before 10 AM to avoid crowds. The flower vendors sell gorgeous bouquets for $5 to $10. The lower levels have quirky shops most tourists miss.

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

Designed by Frank Gehry, this museum covers music, sci-fi, and pop culture. The Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix exhibits are highlights. Entry is $36 for adults. Inside Seattle Center, next to the Space Needle.

Tip: Buy the MoPOP + Space Needle combo ticket ($60) to save $13. Allow 2 to 3 hours for MoPOP alone.

Bainbridge Island Ferry

A 35-minute ferry ride across Puget Sound from Pier 52 downtown. The views of the Seattle skyline and Mount Rainier are outstanding. Walk-on fare is $9.25 round trip (you only pay one direction).

Tip: Stand on the upper deck for the best views. On Bainbridge, walk into Winslow for coffee shops, bookstores, and waterfront restaurants. Return ferries run every hour.