Read The Stranger’s whole World Cup Survival Guide here!

Play ball! Right? That’s what they yell when it’s time to start the game? 

We don’t really know, to be honest. But, despite any basic knowledge of what they call the Beautiful Game, we’re about to be clobbered over the head with all things soccer, football, fútbol, fußball, and footie, because between June 15 and July 6, Lumen Field will host six of the 104 matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

An estimated 750,000 visitors are expected to file through Seattle for the games and their related festivities, and city officials have been busy preparing the city, all in the name of FIFA.

In May, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson cut the toilet paper ribbon on four new self-cleaning, app-controlled public restrooms in Pioneer Square. (Rumor has it there is a 10-minute time limit, and the door literally swings open when the clock runs out.) King County Metro launched a new waterfront shuttle service, which will run through Labor Day. Sound Transit is increasing light rail service, the Washington State Ferry has boats on standby, and those pressure washers have been going nonstop throughout Downtown Seattle to ensure everything is clean and sparkly for our turn on the world’s stage. (Don’t worry about addressing the wealth disparity that has led to record number homelessness, guys! We know those buildings aren’t gonna wash themselves.)

We may not know much about soccer, but we here at The Stranger know a lot about Seattle. We love this place, flaws and all, and we know it’s gonna take more than a few high-tech information stations and glorified porta-potties to prove to visitors how special this city is. That’s why we put together this World Cup Survival Guide for locals and tourists alike. We have a list of our favorite sports bars with good food and meathead-free vibes; and this story is full of all the things you should know about the World Cup games to have a little fun (and maybe make some money off your friends) while watching. Want to make the most of your time here? Click here for our favorite arts, food, and culture attractions (and a tip on where to buy weed close to the stadium). 

Are you asking yourself, “Wait, I thought FIFA was evil?” It is! We have more information about that, too. And if you’d rather pretend the World Cup doesn’t exist, we have some of our favorite places to run away to. We’re glad you’re here! And we sincerely hope you find this guide useful. All we ask in return is that you give lots of money to our favorite businesses, and be kind to our transit drivers and bartenders. And for the love of god, keep your fucking e-scooters off the sidewalks.

Creative Direction & Design
Corianton Hale

Cover Illustration
Abby Ouellette