KOMO 4: Seattle readies for first World Cup match June 15 after waterfront and transit upgrades

This story was originally published by KOMO 4 on June 5, 2026.

By Chris Daniels

SEATTLE — With Seattle’s first FIFA World Cup match just days away, many of the event’s biggest accomplishments are already complete.

From a reimagined waterfront and revitalized downtown parks to expanded light rail service and millions of dollars invested in public safety, city leaders say the World Cup has served as a catalyst to accelerate projects that will outlast the tournament itself.

“It’s been such a long time in the making, and all of a sudden time is flying by,” said Seattle FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee President Peter Tomozawa. “Before we know it, the world will be at our doorstep.”

For visitors like Surya Balakrishnan, who was relaxing in Westlake Park this week while considering plans to attend a match, the changes are easy to see.

“It’s very excellent,” Balakrishnan said. “The atmosphere is very nice, and the landscaping is very good.”

Westlake Park is one of several highly visible projects completed ahead of the tournament. The downtown gathering space recently reopened following a major renovation through a public-private partnership. Just blocks away, Seattle’s new Waterfront Park and Elliott Bay Connections project has transformed 16 acres along the city’s shoreline.

The mile-long stretch reconnects downtown Seattle to Elliott Bay and was made possible in part through significant private investment, including support from philanthropist Melinda French Gates.

“Without question, significant private investment — $56 million — made this happen,” said Downtown Seattle Association President Jon Scholes.

Tomozawa said the World Cup provided added urgency for projects that had been years in the making.

“When we first started talking about the World Cup three years ago, those were all big question marks about whether they could get done,” he said. “Credit to our community. Credit to our leaders for getting it done.”

Among the most significant accomplishments, organizers point to transportation improvements. Sound Transit’s East Link Extension now connects Seattle and Bellevue by light rail, while broader transit expansions allow fans and visitors to travel more easily throughout the region.

“Being able to travel from Tacoma up to here, from the Eastside to here — all those things were big question marks,” Tomozawa said.

Organizers also highlight investments that may be less visible to the public.

Security preparations have intensified throughout the stadium district as Seattle prepares to host six World Cup matches. While officials are revealing few specifics, Tomozawa confirmed the city has received advanced counter-drone technology.

“We’ve seen the danger and the damage drones can cause,” he said. “We’re actually quite lucky to be one of the first recipients in the country of the latest and greatest anti-drone equipment because we’re a World Cup host city.”

He added that Seattle now has “the best technology in the country to mitigate the dangers of drones.”

The city will continue unveiling World Cup-related attractions in the days leading up to kickoff. A FIFA flag will fly atop the Space Needle, whose roof has been repainted to resemble a soccer ball when viewed from above. Pacific Place will open Seattle Soccer House, a 27,000-square-foot fan experience featuring a giant viewing screen, FIFA merchandise, and activities for visitors.

Seattle organizers are also partnering with the Puyallup Tribe to showcase Indigenous culture during the tournament. Plans include a World Cup powwow, cultural programming, and a first-of-its-kind Indigenous cultural center near the stadium. Looking beyond the tournament, Tomozawa hopes the event leaves a lasting impression on visitors and potential future residents.

“We want people to choose Washington,” he said. “We want people to come live here, work here, play here, learn here, and build here.”

For now, the city is making its final preparations. The parks are open, the transit lines are running, the security systems are in place, and downtown has undergone a dramatic facelift.

All that’s left is for the games to begin.

Seattle’s first World Cup match is scheduled for June 15.