Are you ready for the world cup?
Are You Ready for the World Cup?
Destination events represent a profound opportunity for communities and businesses to showcase their unique character while generating significant economic activity. An Estimated 99,000+ businesses are estimated to be impacted by the 2026 World Cup alone. These events bring visitors specifically to your location, creating a concentrated period of increased demand across sectors from hospitality to retail and beyond. Understanding the fundamental nature of these events—their scale, demographics, and potential impacts—forms the essential foundation for effective business localization strategies. These events serve as an opportunity to put practices in place that not only provide short-term profits, but create long-term sustainability as well.
The FIFA World Cup, the largest sporting event in history, is coming to the Pacific Northwest in 2026 and bringing a global spotlight to the region along with it. More than just a month-long event, the World Cup is an opportunity for the business community to position itself for long-term success. The Greater Federal Way Chamber is focused on inciting proactive planning, encouraging collaboration, and ensuring businesses are equipped to capitalize on the occasion. By convening taskforce meetings, providing resources, and connecting business leaders, the Chamber is kicking off business readiness. Preparation is a team sport - the time to get ready is now.
The FIFA World Cup is an international soccer tournament that is held every four years. In 2026, the event will be hosted by 16 cities across three countries: The United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Seattle will host 6 games:
- Match 16 | Group Stage | Monday, 15 June
- Match 32 | Group Stage (USA game two) | Friday, 19 June
- Match 52 | Group Stage | Wednesday, 24 June
- Match 63 | Group Stage | Friday, 26 June
- Match 82 | Round of 32 | Wednesday, 1 July
- Match 94 | Round of 16 | Monday, 6 July.
How do you Get Connected?
Supporting an international event in your community requires meticulous planning and coordination. To assist businesses in this endeavor, several organizations have developed comprehensive handbooks and resources. Here are some notable examples:
- BlissBook: How to Create an International Employee Handbook:
- SGC: International Conference Handbook: This guide provides detailed information for institutions hosting annual conferences, covering aspects such as conference development, scheduling, promotion, and benefits to supporting institutions. sgcinternational.org
- BestCities: Event Planning Resources: BestCities offers a collection of planning checklists and templates designed to aid in organizing international events. These resources encompass marketing support, budgeting, and accessibility considerations. bestcities.net
- FIU: Event Management Standard Operating Procedures: Florida International University has developed a handbook outlining standard operating procedures for event management. It addresses event timing, invitation design, and logistical considerations to ensure successful execution. stempel.fiu.edu
- IRFU: Event Management Handbook: The Irish Rugby Football Union provides a comprehensive guide covering various aspects of event planning, including feasibility assessments, risk management, and post-event procedures. d2cx26qpfwuhvu.cloudfront.net
- Event Design Collective Resources: The Event Design Collective offers tools like the Event Canvas™ template and previews of their Event Design Handbook. These resources assist in designing events that create value and align with organizational objectives. edco.global
These handbooks and resources can serve as valuable references for businesses aiming to support and host international events within their communities. They provide structured guidance to navigate the complexities of event planning and execution.
Who's Doing What?
Since 1904, FIFA, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, has served as the global governing body for football. FIFA oversees and promotes the development of football at every level, from grassroots initiatives to elite international competitions. FIFA also sets the rules of the game, ensures their consistent application, and works to advance the sport through innovation, education, and collaboration with the 211 FIFA Member Associations.
- Responsible for running the tournament itself
- Oversee coordination across the continent
- "Inside the Stadium" footprint
SeattleFWC26 is the local organizing committee for Seattle’s participation as one of the 16 host cities selected for the FIFA World Cup 26™ (FWC26). Their vision is to foster a lasting legacy for the region, guided by the spirit of soccer, innovation, and inclusion.
Business Readiness
Purchase Seattle's World Cup Poster
Resources:
Match Schedule
Roadmap to 2026
Watch Party Playbook
