The world is coming to the Puget Sound, and we are ready to meet the moment.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is coming in June, and our region is preparing to host its largest sporting event ever. For us at Sound Transit, this is not just about soccer—it’s about moving people. It is a massive operational undertaking, and we’re hard at work to ensure we serve both our regular riders and those visiting the region.
Here is an overview of what you can expect, how we are handling the challenge, and the special service we are setting up to keep the region moving.
We’re expecting more than 750,000 visitors
From June 15 through July 6, Seattle will host six matches at Seattle Stadium, bringing an estimated 750,000 visitors to our region.
This influx will effectively double the population of some of our transit corridors on match days. The impact won't just be felt at the stadium; it will be felt from the airport to hotels, from Fan Zones in Tacoma and Everett to the Fan Celebration at Seattle Center.
This is a regional stress test. Crowds will be heavy, and the energy will be high. Our goal is to move more people by transit than ever before. We need to ensure that both our daily commuters and visiting fans can get where they need to go safely and efficiently.
We’re focusing on regional unity and calculated planning
First, we operate one seamless network. We are working in close coordination with our regional transit partners to provide a safe, clean, reliable ride. We are aligning our schedules, wayfinding, and communications to make transfers between our partners as smooth as possible.
Second, we are prioritizing clarity and efficiency. We know capacity will be our biggest challenge. To manage this, we are implementing a "Preferred Station" plan to distribute crowds evenly across Pioneer Square, Stadium, and International District/Chinatown stations.
We are being transparent now: there may be lines, and there may be waiting. But with clear communication and hundreds of staff ambassadors on the ground, we will keep those lines moving.
We are rolling out maximum service levels
To meet this unprecedented demand, everyone is on deck.
Every available train and bus in our fleet will be in service. To ensure reliability, we are suspending all non-emergency maintenance and construction projects.
The Crosslake Connection (2 Line): The biggest gamechanger for 2026 will fully connect the 2 Line. For the first time, passengers can take light rail from Redmond and Bellevue across Lake Washington directly to International District/Chinatown Station.
This vital link adds a new, reliable pathway to the stadium for Eastside residents and visitors.
Extended capacity: We are adjusting service patterns to run maximum frequency before and after matches. This will help us clear platforms as quickly as safety allows.
We are building a stronger, more connected system. This summer, we get to put it to the test.
What you can do: Stay ahead of the game. Sign up for our alerts, familiarize yourself with the match schedule, and if you are a daily commuter, start thinking about your travel options for June and July. We are ready for the event to move the world, and we’re ready to move you.