Seattle
Watch USA vs Australia at Lumen Field in the heart of coffee culture
At a Glance
- Location
- Seattle, Washington
- Country
- USA
- Metro Population
- 4.0 million
- Total Matches
- 6 matches
- Match Period
- -
- Primary Stadium
- Lumen Field
- Recommended Stay
- 3-4 days minimum
- Daily Budget
- $80-150 USD per person
- Best Time to Visit
- Last Updated
Best Time
Ideal Stay
3-4 days minimum
Daily Budget
$80-150 USD per person
Walkability
8/10 - Downtown walkable but VERY hilly
Transit
9/10 - Link Light Rail connects everything ($3 flat fare)
Safety
8/10 - Safe city overall, some Downtown blocks sketchy at night
About Seattle
Lumen Field in Seattle will host 6 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches from June 15 to July 6, 2026, including USA vs Australia on June 19 (USMNT home match). The 68,740-seat stadium is home to the '12th Man' - one of the loudest crowds in North America. Seattle is the ONLY US city hosting a Round of 16 match. The city is compact and walkable, with Pike Place Market, Space Needle, and stadium all within 2 miles of Downtown.
City Character
Seattle is defined by three things: coffee culture (Starbucks birthplace and Starbucks Reserve Roastery), outdoor beauty (Mt. Rainier, Puget Sound, forests), and tech innovation (Amazon, Microsoft headquarters). The city has a polite-but-reserved culture known as the 'Seattle Freeze' - locals are helpful if you ask for directions but don't expect chatty small talk on the bus. Pike Place Market (since 1907) is the heart of Seattle with fish throwing, original Starbucks (long lines), and the Gum Wall. Capitol Hill is the most vibrant neighborhood with LGBTQ+ culture, bars, and nightlife. Downtown is walkable but VERY hilly (good walking shoes essential).
Stadium Location
Lumen Field is 2 miles south of Downtown Seattle in the SoDo district. Link Light Rail from University Street or Westlake stations takes 15 minutes ($3 flat fare) to Stadium District station. Stadium is also walkable from Pike Place Market (30 min walk). Post-match Light Rail is VERY crowded (expect 30-45 min wait). Uber/Lyft is $15-20 normally, $30-50 with surge pricing on match days.
Critical Info
STRICT clear bag policy (12x6x12 max) - there is NO bag check facility at Lumen Field. If your bag is rejected, you must throw it away or return to ho...
Where to Stay
Seattle has 450+ hotels (40,000+ rooms) with Downtown pricing at $150-400 USD per night. Expect 30-50% surge during World Cup, especially June 19 USA match. Downtown/Pike Place ($150-400) is best strategic location: walking distance to Pike Place Market, Link Light Rail to stadium (15 min, $3), waterfront. Capitol Hill ($120-280) has best nightlife, LGBTQ+ culture, Starbucks Reserve Roastery, but no direct light rail to stadium. Fremont ($100-220) is most affordable with quirky culture (Fremont Troll) but 30-40 min to stadium. Book 4-5 months ahead for June 19.
Lumen Field
Seattle, Washington
FIFA: Lumen Field
68,740
Capacity
6
Matches
2mi
From Downtown
2002
Opened
Transport
Link Light Rail (15 min, $3 flat fare) or walk (30 min)
Economic Impact
$200-300 million USD to Seattle metro economy from tourism, hospitality, and event spending
Get Involved
1,500 volunteers volunteers needed!
Seattle Sports Commission & FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Committee
USMNT home match meets Pike Place Market and Pacific Northwest beauty
Top Highlights
Unique Experiences
- ★Watch USA vs Australia at Lumen Field - expect LOUD '12th Man' crowd
- ★See fish throwing at Pike Place Market (7-9am daily)
- ★Skip original Starbucks line and visit Starbucks Reserve Roastery instead
- ★Kerry Park at sunrise (5am) - best skyline photo spot with Mt. Rainier
- ★Chihuly Garden and Glass - stunning glass art by Seattle native Dale Chihuly
Perfect For
USMNT fans (USA home match June 19)
Coffee culture enthusiasts (Starbucks birthplace)
Outdoor lovers (mountains, water, forests within hours)
Foodies (seafood, Asian cuisine, farm-to-table)
This City Might Not Be For You If...
Match Schedule
6 matches • Group Stage, Round of 32, Round of 16
🇧🇪 Belgium vs 🇪🇬 Egypt
Monday, June 15, 2026
3:00 PM ET
🇺🇸 USA vs 🇦🇺 Australia
Friday, June 19, 2026
3:00 PM ET
UEFA Play-off A vs Qatar
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
3:00 PM ET
🇪🇬 Egypt vs 🇮🇷 Iran
Friday, June 26, 2026
11:00 PM ET
TBD vs TBD
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
4:00 PM ET
TBD vs TBD
Monday, July 6, 2026
8:00 PM ET
Stadium Quick Tips
Weather During World Cup
Pacific Northwest summer (mild, June drizzle possible) • 53-72°F (12-22°C)
Average High
72°F
(22°C)
Average Low
53°F
(12°C)
Rainy Days
6-8 days/month
per month
Humidity
65-75%
Moderate humidity, cooler near water
What to Expect
Seattle in June/July is MILD and comfortable with average temperatures of 53-72°F (12-22°C). 'June Gloom' means light drizzle and overcast skies are common in early June. By July, it's sunnier and drier (July is the driest month with only 10% chance of rain). Rain is usually light drizzle ('liquid sunshine'), not heavy storms. Locals don't use umbrellas—they wear rain jackets. Lumen Field has a partial roof covering 70% of seats (field is exposed). Sunset is LATE (8:30-9pm), so evening matches are pleasant with long daylight hours.
Daylight Hours
15-16 hours daylight • 5:10-5:30 AM - 8:30-9:10 PM
Humidity Pattern
Moderate humidity, cooler near water
Packing Essentials
- Light rain jacket or windbreaker (NOT umbrella - locals don't use them)
- Layers (mornings cool 50s°F, afternoons warm 70s°F)
- Sunglasses (for rare sunny days)
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip (Seattle is VERY hilly)
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Power bank (10,000+ mAh)
- Clear bag for stadium (12x6x12 max)
- Reusable water bottle (for non-match days)
Plan Your Visit
Everything you need for an unforgettable World Cup experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a backpack to Lumen Field?
NO. Lumen Field has a STRICT clear bag policy (max 12x6x12 inches). Small clutches (4.5x6.5 inches) are allowed. WARNING: There is NO bag check facility at the stadium. If your bag is rejected at secu...
Read more →How do I get to Lumen Field from Downtown?
Link Light Rail from Downtown (15 min, $3 flat fare). Board at University Street, Westlake, or Pioneer Square stations. Take southbound train to Stadium District station. Walk 5 mins to Lumen Field (f...
Read more →Does it really rain all the time in Seattle?
Not really. Seattle averages LESS rainfall than NYC or Boston, but it's more frequent light drizzle ('liquid sunshine') rather than heavy storms. June has 'June Gloom' (overcast, light drizzle in earl...
Read more →Is the Space Needle worth visiting?
YES, if it's a clear day. The 605-foot observation deck has floor-to-ceiling glass walls, rotating glass floor (The Loupe), and Skyriser benches where you can lean out over the city. Views of Mt. Rain...
Read more →Do I need a car in Seattle?
NO for city exploring. Downtown is walkable, and Link Light Rail connects everything (Downtown, Sea-Tac Airport, Lumen Field) for a flat $3 fare. Seattle traffic is TERRIBLE (especially I-5 corridor)....
Read more →Where is the original Starbucks?
Pike Place Market (1912 Pike Place). The line is LONG (30-60 mins wait) and it's just a regular Starbucks inside. PRO TIP: Skip the original Starbucks line and go to Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Capi...
Read more →What is the best view of Seattle?
Kerry Park in Queen Anne neighborhood. Small hillside park with panoramic views of downtown skyline, Space Needle, Elliott Bay, and Mt. Rainier (on clear days). FREE entry. Gets VERY crowded at sunset...
Read more →What is the 'Seattle Freeze'?
The 'Seattle Freeze' is the local culture of being polite but reserved. Seattleites are friendly if you ask for directions but don't expect chatty small talk on the bus or train. It's not rude, it's j...
Read more →Is Seattle expensive?
YES. Seattle is one of the most expensive US cities (similar to San Francisco). Hotels $150-400/night Downtown. Meals $15-30. Coffee $5-8. Link Light Rail is cheap ($3 flat fare), but accommodations a...
Read more →When is the USA match in Seattle?
USA vs Australia on June 19, 2026 at Lumen Field - USMNT HOME MATCH! Expect a LOUD '12th Man' atmosphere (Lumen Field is one of the loudest stadiums in North America with noise record of 137.6 decibel...
Read more →What are the best day trips from Seattle?
Top 3: (1) Mount Rainier National Park - 2.5 hours south. Iconic 14,410-foot volcano. Hiking, wildflowers (July is best), glaciers. Paradise area is most popular. (2) Snoqualmie Falls - 30 mins east. ...
Read more →Where should I stay in Seattle for the World Cup?
Best strategic location: Downtown/Pike Place ($150-400/night). Central location with Link Light Rail to stadium (15 min, $3), walking distance to Pike Place Market, waterfront, Space Needle. Hotels: F...
Read more →+ 3 more questions answered
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By KickoffAdventures Editorial Team