Seattle leaders announced Wednesday that more than 1,400 free FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets will be given to local youth and their caregivers through a new city initiative focused on expanding access to the tournament.
The program has been in development since Mayor Katie Wilson first met with FIFA World Cup 2026 leadership in early February. During that meeting, Wilson raised concerns about making sure local families and young people could take part in the historic event. Since then, the City of Seattle and the Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026 Local Organizing Committee have worked together to create what organizers say is the largest youth access initiative connected to the tournament so far.
“For many of these young people, I know this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Mayor Wilson said during today’s press conference.
More than 40 community organizations across the region will help distribute the tickets. Organizers said the selected groups all focus on supporting and engaging youth. The names of the organizations will be announced in the coming days ahead of the tournament kickoff.
Each participating young person will receive a match ticket, a stadium food voucher, and a Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 scarf as part of the experience. Some nonprofit groups will also receive dedicated shuttle transportation to and from matches through a partnership with King County Metro.
Peter Tomozawa, CEO of the Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026 Local Organizing Committee, said the tickets were not donated by FIFA. Instead, the city and organizers raised money to purchase the tickets with support from corporate partners including Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, and Alaska Airlines.
Among the organizations highlighted at Tuesday’s event was the Somali Health Board, which runs a youth soccer club. Executive Director Najma Osman said the initiative represents much more than a chance to attend a game.
“It’s a statement that our youth belong on the world stage,” Osman said. “They belong as fans, they belong as athletes and they belong as our future leaders.”
You can see the press release for more details.
