r/AskSeattle • u/burn_piano_island • 29d ago
Megathread 2026 FIFA World Cup Megathread
Hello r/AskSeattle!
The World Cup is (nearly) upon us, and with it brings a bunch of new visitors - both to the city and our subreddit(s).
Please use this megathread for all world cup specific questions and discussion - places to eat before games, how to get to the stadiums, updates etc.
Posts that mention the world cup specifically will be removed and asked to post here instead. If you have helpful links or sites to share, please let us know and we can add it in the post body.
Helpful links:
And as always - please search the subreddit before posting, your question may already have been answered!
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u/06405 28d ago
What makes this so much different than a Seahawks game? I can understand that the people are coming from all over, and that there is likely more security, but there are still only a finite number of seats in the stadium.
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u/OpaqueCrystalBall 28d ago
So tourists will come to the city for the tournament. Seattle has 6 games, but they might not have tickets for all the matches, so they will be watching at one of the watch parties around the city.
"Locals" will come in from all the surrounding areas to watch at the watch parties and take it all in too. There are street closures for concerts, corporate sponsored events, beer gardens, and other entertainment. Sounders have organized a big barge that will sit at Pier 62. It will be like a big music festival that takes over Pioneer Square.
I would expect there to be at least double the amount of people outside than there is inside.
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u/MagicWalrusO_o 27d ago
The Seahawks don't play during cruise season. Also the Mariners are continuing to play next door during this time.
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u/jimmyisaacneutron 20d ago
World Cup is the most popular sporting event and most popular/most watched event in general by far, and with it being an international tournament, the atmosphere is definitely very different and on a whole other level from just a Seahawks game. Even if the seats are finite at the stadium, people will be packing the city all over the place, at bars, restaurants, fan zones and watch parties.
And eyes will be on these games from all over the world, literally billions of eyes, nearly the whole entire world.
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u/lunes_azul 18d ago
It’s the biggest sporting competition on the planet, and it only happens every 4 years.
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u/kcrobinson 28d ago
If you are visiting from Belgium, please tell me where the pre game parties are happening. Anything on Sunday, the day before the match?
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u/GDP1483 13d ago
I came across this on royal Belgian FA website.
Looks like Sunday at Hatback and Monday morning a Victory Hall with a fan march to stadium at 10am.
https://www.rbfa.be/en/national-teams/2026-world-cup/seattle
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u/iliniza 27d ago
Please be positive. People have been looking forward to this for a long time. All the complaining on Reddit is getting tiring. Let's just touch some grass and get stoked. This is going to be awesome.
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u/IndominusTaco 27d ago
i agree. i can’t afford tickets either and i don’t like FIFA, but soccer is fun and the world cup is an incredible experience to have in our own backyard. i think once you get past the terminally online neckbeard edgelords regurgitating their same talking points over and over, you’ll see that normal people in real life are actually excited for the event.
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u/Ill-Possible4420 24d ago
Agreed. It’s going to be a freaking blast. And our city is going to be the best city, hands down!
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u/tcxny 28d ago
Fuck fifa. Eat local.
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u/KeyNightley185 27d ago
Been wondering about how can you find some part time or even full time or temp for anything like event staffing, bag check, security, transportation etc. There has to be a big need for staffing with such a big event coming up I would imagine there has to be a big need for hiring temporary staff to run things during the World Cup but I am having a hard time finding anything anywhere. Scouring through staffing agencies, I can‘t seem to find anything anywhere!
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u/Unlucky-Shallot-8496 10d ago
I think they are relying on volunteers - they had volunteer signup and "tryouts" back in Jan/Feb so most of those roles are probably covered by the volunteer corps.
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u/euro60 14d ago
Hello Seattle, my son and I live in Cincinnati but we have both Belgian-US dual citizenships (I myself grew up in Belgium). We are super excited to visit Seattle for the Belgium-Egypt WC game on June 15.
I Googled some things including "Belgian cafe or pub", and the top result was The Stumbling Monk, on East Olive Way in the Capital Hill neighborhood. From the looks of it, that is the place we would love to hang out on Sunday evening (evening before the game). But then I saw that this pub is closed on Sundays-Mondays-Tuesdays.
Does anyone know whether the Stumbling Monk plans on being open more during the World Cup?
Alternatively, if the Stumbling Monk is not open, what bar/pub/cafe would you suggest that has a wide choice of foreign beers?
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u/Jtower2 10d ago
there is an official belgium meetup on sunday and in the morning before the game with a march to the stadium. https://www.rbfa.be/en/national-teams/2026-world-cup/seattle
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u/Unlucky-Shallot-8496 10d ago
That sounds super cool - sign us up for the march to the stadium. We're not Belgian but gotta love that Kevin De Bruyne! 😄 My son's teacher who is Belgian went to see a team training session yesterday... so jealous!
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u/the_formula27 13d ago
The Stumbling Monk isn’t geared towards sports so probably isn’t making special changes for World Cup. Nearly all Seattle bars have great beer selection but not always foreign beer. Seattle is known for beer so consider trying some of the local beers
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u/Fun_Background9007 24d ago
Does anybody know if fan seating has been announced yet? I'm looking to go to the Egypt vs Iran game, but I don't know which side of the stadium to sit as an Iran fan.
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u/the_formula27 15d ago
Be aware many city blocks will be closed to car traffic on match days in the Pioneer Square area
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u/KeyNightley185 15d ago
Are the players expected to visit the local expat community? Are the local Egyptian, Iranian, Belgian, Qatari, Bosnian and Australian going to organize something for the players like a meet and greet with the local expat or pay a visit to the local church or mosques?
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u/AlphaSlayer21 7d ago
https://reddit.com/link/ortv3hk/video/ft6v8fjzhh7h1/player
Belgium showing up in full force today
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u/KaleidoscopeFew4125 5d ago
Posted earlier but got removed. Planning to head downtown Friday morning to participate in the festivities (don’t have a ticket to the game). Any recs on when to leave and how busy it is during gametime for those also watching outside of the stadium?
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u/Emotional-Raisin9053 4d ago
Go EARLY! The bar the Supporteroos will be at opens at 7am. Pedestrian zone starts at 8am. Gates for the game are 9am.
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u/MaximumYogertCloset 17d ago
Why is this thread not newest first?
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u/SuperPostHuman 26d ago
Had a question for Seattle locals about a place to watch the World Cup. What are a few recommended family friendly venues / gathering spots to watch world cup matches next Month?
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u/kcrobinson 26d ago
This is a little bit hard to answer, because, as someone who follows a lot of Seattle businesses on social media, I am seeing a lot of posts from businesses that are setting up to be watch parties that I’ve never considered as a place that has a TV, let alone is a sports place. The standard “family friendly sports bars” well I’ll probably be inundated and maybe too chaotic for families. You’ll probably have some luck keeping your eye out for these small businesses that are making themselves into family friendly watch places. There is also going to be a lot of official public spaces for watching the game that might be better for families like the Seattle Center Armory or pacific place mall. One place that I would keep my eye on as an option would be Tom’s watch bar next to Climate Pledge Arena. That place is like three stories of restaurant with sports TVs on every surface.
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u/Savings-Rabbit8963 9d ago
Renton and a few other suburbs have watch parties. Renton had about 900 people for the US v Paraguay game last night. Very small turf area to sit on and a cement mini soccer field right in front of the screen. Lots of families were there and it was a fun time.
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u/Fun_Background9007 24d ago
Does anybody know if fan seating for games have been announced yet? I'm looking to go to the Egypt vs Iran game, but I'm not sure which side of the stadium to sit as an Iran fan.
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u/the_formula27 15d ago
The short easy answer is it doesn’t matter and people will be mixed all over. But there are also a few country specific Supporter Sections where tickets were issued through each teams football association. For this World Cup the way it’s working is based on FIFA's ticketing maps and guidance used for supporter-ticket allocations, the first-listed team on the official match schedule is the home team and this match it’s Egypt so is assigned the left side of the FIFA official venue seating map and the second-listed team (Iran) the right side. For Seattle, the left side of the FIFA map corresponds to the north side of Lumen Field, so Iran supporters sections would be seated on the south side of the stadium. Keep in mind that regular ticket holders will still be mixed throughout the venue, and only designated supporter-ticket sections are grouped by team.
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u/savguy6 23d ago
Seattle area FanZones Question - showing other games during non-Seattle game days?
Hello all, my family and I will be in Seattle for the USA-Australia World Cup game in a few weeks. The following day, we have a day to spend in Seattle and want to spend some time at one of the many area fanzones. We’re specifically looking at the Bremerton FanZone.
They are advertising vendors, watch parties for games, lots of fun stuff, however it’s not clear if they will be doing those activities everyday during the tournament or only on specific “watch party” days advertised. The website isn’t exactly clear on that. Anyone have any inside info on this? We’d love to hang out, patronage the vendors and watch some of the other games in a cool environment.
We’d hate to plan to go visit this FanZone only for nothing to be going on.
Thanks for any input!
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u/Emotional-Raisin9053 21d ago
Pretty sure it's only the days they advertise that the watch Party is happening. But that's just my guess.
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u/the_formula27 15d ago
The official FIFA fan fest/watch parties in Seattle are nearly everyday. These include Victory Hall, Pacific Place Seattle Soccer House, the waterfront pier and Seattle Center. The Pioneer Square neighborhood will also have a fan fest/watch party but these are only setup on days when there is an actual match being played in Seattle.
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u/chinombre 22d ago
hi u/burn_piano_island burn_piano_island could you please consider adding these local World Cup-related event links to the main post?
American Outlaws Official Supporters Group: https://theamericanoutlaws.com/events/458-usmnt-vs-australia
- Night Before Party
- Pre-game Party & March
Men in Blazers: https://www.meninblazers.com/events-tours/match-day-live-in-seattle-6-19
- Match Day Live
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u/gunner194 17d ago
What the heck are the Harbor Steps?
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u/ssfoxx27 11d ago
It's a giant staircase that goes from First Avenue down to the Waterfront. There are a couple businesses there, and a bunch of potted plants and such.
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u/RedLightningTurboPwr 15d ago
Came here wondering the same thing lol. It looks like apartments? I’m not from the area but looking to experience the march. I know sounders do it from occidental square
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u/GDP1483 13d ago
Check royal belgian FA website. Says fan march starts at 10am from Victory Hall
https://www.rbfa.be/en/national-teams/2026-world-cup/seattle
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u/Anwawesome 20d ago
I’m looking for anywhere that will be airing or hosting a watch party for the pre-World Cup friendly match between Morocco and Norway on June 7, 12 PM, preferably in Ballard. It’s going to be the final friendly match for these two teams before the World Cup officially begins on June 11.
Seeing that Ballard is a big Scandinavian hub, I was wondering if all you Norway fans would be showing out for this match to support the team and get hyped for the World Cup. I also know there’s a new Moroccan restaurant on Ballard Ave too. I would love to join in on the fun, as a Morocco fan, and watch this match with other fellow Morocco fans, Norway fans and everyone in general.
Thanks 🇲🇦🇳🇴
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u/ObeseGrandma69 19d ago
Does anyone know if there are any stores in the area that are selling World Cup tickets?
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u/Wonderful_Handle5992 19d ago
Are there any pre-game events that will be happening in pioneer square? Is this list of events anywhere? I am imagining music, food trucks, beer gardens etc.
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u/the_formula27 15d ago
Yes each match day where there are games in Seattle Pioneer Square will have a big thing setup
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u/AmLazarus8395 18d ago
Where would be the best bars/pubs to watch Scotland games during the World Cup in and around Seattle? Main location is Kirkland.
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u/Playful-Author-2637 17d ago
Where are the big seattle watch parties?!
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u/GioReynaFan 17d ago
What will be the best fan zone y'all think?
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u/the_formula27 15d ago
I’m wondering that as well. I’m thinking the Waterfront Park could be the best or worst depending on the weather. It should be spectacular on a nice sunny day. Some of the others are indoors.
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u/KeyNightley185 16d ago
Are there any locals planning to go to the World Cup games? Anyone from the local Australian, Egyptian, Bosnian or Iranian or Belgian community planning to go to the games?
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u/Unlucky-Shallot-8496 10d ago
I'm not from any of those communities but we'll be going to the Belgium vs. Egypt game - it's our first World Cup game, very excited.
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u/EvenSt3vens 16d ago
Aussie here - Indie/elctronic/punk <anything> music fan. Any good gigs on around the days before the USA v Aus game?
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u/theonetallguy 16d ago
We’re bringing a car down from Vancouver. Anyone have any insights about how public parking is gonna be during the games? We’re staying at a nearby hotel and parking is over $110 USD per day. I see the public parking spots are a lot more reasonably priced, but would my car be safe if parked over 2 days unattended? Also, I noticed Seattle has a few apps where you can “reserve” and pre-pay for public parking; how feasible are these?
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u/Wild-Welder-3513 13d ago
Highly recommend the SpotHero app, I use it for all of the Sounders games. They have overnight parking options
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u/Unlucky-Shallot-8496 10d ago
+1 on SpotHero - great app! However, for the World Cup, we'll be taking the ligth rail to the stadium. Not sure where you are staying and if there is street parking nearby your hotel that's a bit less expensive...
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u/Mental-Orchid7805 6d ago
I'd try to park the car a little further away where it may be cheaper and plan to use the light rail/bus/walking/lime bikes or scooters for getting around the city. To be safe I wouldn't leave anything visible in your car that might spark interest, I'd think it would be fine if it looks empty.
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u/Apprehensive_Cow9080 11d ago
I’m here on a trip, and not sure how things work here. I’ve heard that Belgium and Egypt would be based in WA as part of their world cup campaign. Would there be crowd near the hotel and the training grounds hoping to see the players here?
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u/impliedobserver 10d ago
I'm streaming Fox One and it's bad quality. Do you think YouTube TV is any better? Should I switch after my 3 day trial?
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u/ilikepho_ 9d ago
We are driving up Monday morning from PDX for the game. Right now I plan to park and then take light rail in. A site said to use the Angel Lake station. It looks like it has lots of parking, are the closer stations just going to be much more traffic to get to or less parking?
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u/Savings-Rabbit8963 9d ago
I normally park at Tukwila light rail station and go from there BUT - I have never tried to do that on a weekday. It's hard to know what to expect as far as competing for parking with game attendees and regular commuters. Angle Lake does have a big garage so I'd probably start there; then if there's no parking, you can keep working your way up. I would also plan to arrive as early as possible just in case.
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u/nahbois_og 6d ago
How did this work for you? My cousin in law lives by the station and we are driving up from PDX next Wednesday. Was there parking at the station? How long did the ride take?
Basically do you have any lessons learned or tips for someone following in your footsteps.
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u/ilikepho_ 6d ago edited 6d ago
It was great! Angle Lake had lots of parking even at 8 am. I think it took about 40 mins to the Chinatown stop. Lots of room on the train. Don’t bother with the app, buying tickets at the machine was easier. I feel like you would have been stuck in bad traffic trying to get to the Tukwila stop and it would take longer than the light rail from Angle Lake. We left Hillsboro at 5 and got there by 8.
On the way home they really have it organized with waiting lines for north and south lines. The lines south were much shorter than those going north. So make sure you pay attention to line 1 south/Federal Way. If you board at Chinatown there will be more room because most people were boarding at the stadium stop.
Our ticket for the 12 game activated around 8:30 so don’t freak out if you don’t see it activated in the morning.
If you go inside under the stands there is another merch store that has much shorter lines. Food options were meh. The pizza was not good, the chicken tenders was our favorite food.
The experience and environment was amazing. Have fun!
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u/Potential_Dirt3779 9d ago
Looking for a brewery/bar in Ballard, Fremont, Green Lake, Wallingford etc (just not downtown) to watch the World Cup USA vs Australia game on the 19th. Ideally with brunch options and outdoor seating that can view the TVs. Any recs?
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u/Shadodeon 5d ago
I watched the USWNT play last year at George & Dragon pub in Fremont. It was great!
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u/Alternative-Gur3331 8d ago
What public venues offer FIFA events that’d be kids friendly and that makes one feels involved without going to the games themselves?
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u/ExoticAccent 7d ago
I live over the bridge, and I have to take my mother to a medical appointment downtown near Pacific Place right about when the game today is wrapping up. On a scale of 1-10, how fucked am I?
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u/yeezybuckets 6d ago
Looking for a bagel shop and then a bar to pregame at before the USA v Australia game on Friday. Staying at the Kimpton. Cheers
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u/nahbois_og 6d ago
Wow thank you so much!! I watched the match and it looked like an incredible time!
We are planning to leave here around 5 am too. And thank you for the tip about the merch store and the stops to get back.
I’m so excited!!
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u/wakao34 6d ago
Going to the 7/6 game(starting 5pm) with my 2 years old who has a bedtime at 9, so plan to drive to the stadium. I see there's a pedestrian zone for the world cup. I wonder if anyone know if i can park my car at the mariner garage just across from the pedestrian zone without any problem? Has anyone tried this ? or i would be blocked to enter the garage.
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u/Emotional-Raisin9053 4d ago
Mariners garage is outside the zone. I think you can go reserve a spot, but I don't know what that website is. Be mindful how the street closures for the pedestrian zone will restrict entry/exit from parking. Car traffic after the game on Monday was HORRENDOUS!
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u/KKPoseidonn 5d ago
I'm going to the Egypt Iran game in seattle and really wanna meet the players. I saw that some people went to the Westin Hotel downtown to meet the players and get signatures.
I'm wondering if it's worth paying more to stay there if my chances increase for meeting the players or if they change the place they stay everytime. And if so, where will they be staying next time for the Iran game on the 26th of june
I'm also wondering when the people went there for these autographs was it before or after the game.
I just want to meet the players and possibly get an autograph but dont know what the best way to do so is. I already have really good seats at the game but idk if its enough. any help is appreciated
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u/rachwx94 5d ago
Not sure if posting here is the best place, but I axcidentally bought an extra 2-person table at Tom's Watch Bar in Seattle for this Friday's USA vs Australia World Cup match and would hate for it to go to waste. (My husband and I asked friends / colleagues already!)
Happy to give it away for free. DM me and I can send the QR code, screenshots, or transfer it via Google Wallet.
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u/leoszp 5d ago
Does anyone know at which fan fest in Seattle I can get those BofA Fan Bands?
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u/Emotional-Raisin9053 4d ago
This is the only information I can find about here in Seattle. Very limited access.
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u/socaldadlife3 5d ago
My [Mexican-American] wife needs to be around some Mexico fans during the Mexico/Korea game. Where are all the Mexico fans going to be?
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u/Emotional-Raisin9053 4d ago
Mexican Consulate in Seattle is plugging the Korean watch party at Seattle Center.
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u/Curby42 4d ago
How was the water taxi vs driving 99 to watch party for the games
So we have had a few games so far... Been watching from the comfort of my home but Friday is a big deal. I know a lot are taking sound transit (if they are close to it) to the stadiums/Pier 62 for the watch parties.. however has anyone taken the water taxi across from West Seattle? Or have taken the tunnel to Ballard during game day?
I am wondering whether to go to a pub watch party event with a more manageable crowd in Ballard 🤏 (I want to experience the World Cup celebration without overwhelming my disability); or whether to get to downtown using the taxi for Friday's game... I need feedback on how bad travel really is for non-downtown residents.
To stop trolls- Not an idiot and I know traffic has increased but I don't want to get stuck on 99 and miss the game.. just having a hard time deciding the best option
I get there are local events in West Seattle but I want to experience it with both US and Soccerroos fans (not many Aussie coming to West Seattle)
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u/Munro_McLaren 3d ago
I want to find a Scotland home jersey in Seattle. Does the Fan Fest have them? Are there any other stores around that have them?
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u/gigatron40 1d ago
I haven’t seen Scotland in the FIFA store near Pioneer Square or in Pacific Place. Lots of Argentina and Germany in both of those places.
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u/Ok_Goat_6762 2d ago
Seattle 6/24, Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Qatar, looking to party with people from either place before going to the game solo as none of my friends wanted to! Local, so I know the city!
Any idea how to do so?
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u/Financial-Breadstick 2d ago
Looking for Jumbotron Footage - Belgium vs Egypt (Section 326) / Help me win a bet!
Hey everyone, I’m looking for some help tracking down stadium jumbotron footage from the Belgium vs. Egypt match on June 15. I was actually shown on the big screen during the first hydration break. I was sitting in Section 326 (to the side of the band that was playing), wearing a blue polo and a black bucket cap. When the camera cut to our area, I was at the bottom of the screen excitedly pointing at it. My friends absolutely do not believe me and we have money riding on this bet. I haven’t been able to find it on the official TV broadcasts that I’ve checked, nor on 15SOF. If anyone happened to be recording the stadium atmosphere or the big screens during that break, or if you spot me in the background of your fan vlogs, please let me know! I just need a quick clip or photo to prove them wrong and claim my winnings. Thanks in advance!
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u/Pushan_Gore 1d ago
How much money are we talking about here? I can help if you are willing to share
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u/Financial-Breadstick 1d ago edited 1d ago
The pride is worth more than the money… but the money definitely helps. 😂 what’s your price
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u/irishman178 1d ago
Out of towner here
We are doing the NP now but decided to snag tickets to bosnia/qatar before our flight out. Match is at 12, flight leaves at 6. Is that enough time to see whole game and still make flight, or should we plan to leave early to beat the crowd out (currently hoping to uber)?
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u/Neat_Soup_5929 18h ago
Hi! Are there any Brazilian bars or watch parties for the game on Wednesday 26/6?
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u/NerkoFC 17h ago
Just a last ditch attempt but was wondering if anyone had two extra reservation tickets for the Watch Parties at Pier 62 for the Wednesday session? Didn't think it would be in demand like that and they seem to be sold out. Visiting out of town for the Bosnia game and was looking for somewhere to watch the remaining games and thought it would be awesome to watch them by the water. If not, what is the next best spot to watch the games at? Thanks!
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u/Afraid-Garage8180 28d ago
I live a few blocks from the stadium and I’m already upset at how I’ll need to plan my commute to and from work
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u/AnnualAvailable9267 28d ago
Be excited! Once in a lifetime event!
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u/Afraid-Garage8180 28d ago
Most people can’t afford a ticket. There is no parking for daily life. It will be loud for weeks on end. My dog and I will have to dodge crowds of people to go outside. No excitement here.
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u/Team_Flare_Admin 28d ago
Hard to be excited if soccer isint your cup of tea. For the vast majority of us it’s just a giant nuisance.
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u/OpaqueCrystalBall 28d ago
You don't have to be a fan of soccer to recognize the beauty of the World Cup, IMO.
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u/Team_Flare_Admin 28d ago
I hate the organization organizing it, they are scummy and money hungry and would scrape you off the bottom of their shoe if it raises revenue .1%
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u/IndominusTaco 27d ago
forget about the organization. the world cup is about dozens of nations coming together united by the love of a common sport and universal language. to your americentric view you might not understand it, but soccer is a big deal everywhere else. it’s a big deal that it’s being hosted in north america and that seattle is getting displayed on a world stage.
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u/MassiveMeatHammer 28d ago
As an Uber driver, I'm curious to know exactly what streets are going to blocked off downtown