Seattle expected a boost to tourism, restaurants, and local businesses from hosting FIFA World Cup matches this summer. But there’s another area that appears to be thriving: the city’s dating scene.
A new survey from DatingAdvice.com suggests the World Cup didn’t just bring soccer fans together—it also gave Seattle singles more reasons to get out, meet new people, and make connections. For a city often known for its reserved social culture, the tournament may have provided the perfect excuse to break the ice of the Seattle Freeze.
According to the survey, 84% of Seattle residents said the World Cup has made the city more exciting for singles, the highest percentage of any U.S. host city. Philadelphia (83%) and Boston (82%) followed close behind. Overall, 76% of residents across all host cities said the tournament made their city more fun to be single in.
The increased social energy appears to be translating into real-life connections. Nearly half (44%) of singles in U.S. host cities said they’ve gone on a date—or even hooked up—with someone visiting for the World Cup. Another 33% said their dating activity has increased significantly since the tournament began.
The trend isn’t limited to one demographic. Men (46%) and women (42%) reported similar increases in dating activity. Surprisingly, baby boomers led the way, with 52% saying they had dated or hooked up with a World Cup visitor, ahead of Gen Z (45%), millennials (43%), and Gen X (42%).
The findings come from a DatingAdvice.com survey of 1,000 single adults living in the 11 U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The survey was conducted in June 2026 among respondents ages 18 to 79.
For Seattle, it seems the World Cup delivered more than packed stadiums and lively watch parties. It may have also sparked a few new romances.
