Lumen Field in Seattle will host six matches at the 2026 World Cup. Capacity, location, fixtures, kick-off times and travel info explained
Lumen Field, a venue celebrated for its acoustic intensity and striking urban design, will play a central role in the 2026 World Cup. Since its opening in 2002, the ground has become a landmark of the SoDo district, offering spectators panoramic views of the downtown skyline and the waters of Elliott Bay.
While commonly known as Lumen Field, the stadium will adopt the official moniker ‘Seattle Stadium’ throughout the competition to satisfy FIFA’s commercial neutrality requirements.
Where is Lumen Field located?
The stadium is situated just south of Seattle’s central business district in the SoDo neighbourhood. It forms part of a dual-stadium complex alongside T-Mobile Park.
The location is a model for transit-oriented design, as fans can access the venue via the Link Light Rail at the Stadium and International District/Chinatown stations.
Additionally, King Street Station provides a hub for Sounder commuter rail and Amtrak services, making it one of the most accessible venues for fans travelling from across the region or from nearby Canada.
What is the capacity of Lumen Field?
For the 2026 World Cup, Lumen Field will operate with a seated capacity of approximately 69,000. The facility is famous for its massive overhanging roof canopies, which cover 70 percent of the seats, sheltering fans from the Pacific Northwest rain while amplifying the crowd’s roar.
This architectural feature makes it one of the most intimidating environments for visiting squads in global sport.
Which teams call Lumen Field home?
Lumen Field is the long-term home of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and the MLS giants Seattle Sounders FC. It also hosts the NWSL’s Seattle Reign.
The venue has a rich history of hosting marquee football events, including the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League Final and numerous international friendlies.
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Who is the owner of Lumen Field?
The stadium is owned by the Washington State Public Stadium Authority. It is operated by First & Goal Inc., an organisation founded by the late Paul G. Allen.
Ahead of 2026, the operators have committed to significant upgrades, including the installation of a state-of-the-art natural grass surface, replacing the usual synthetic turf, to meet strict FIFA technical standards.
How many World Cup matches will Lumen Field Seattle host?
A total of six matches are scheduled for Lumen Field. The lineup features four group-stage fixtures, including a highly anticipated appearance by the United States Men’s National Team, followed by two critical knockout matches.
Lumen Field World Cup 2026 fixtures
Times are listed as Local (PT) / CET / UK (BST).
Group Stage
- Belgium vs. Egypt
June 15 – 12:00 Local / 21:00 CET / 20:00 UK - United States vs. Australia
June 19 – 12:00 Local / 21:00 CET / 20:00 UK - Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Qatar
June 24 – 12:00 Local / 21:00 CET / 20:00 UK - Egypt vs. IR Iran
June 26 – 20:00 Local / 05:00 CET (June 27) / 04:00 UK (June 27)
Knockout Stage
- Round of 32 (Match 82)
July 1 – 13:00 Local / 22:00 CET / 21:00 UK - Round of 16 (Match 94)
July 6 – 17:00 Local / 02:00 CET (July 7) / 01:00 UK (July 7)
What are the main features of Lumen Field?
The defining characteristic of the stadium is its vertical seating bowl, which places fans exceptionally close to the touchlines.
The north end features the iconic Hawk’s Nest, an uncovered bleacher section that offers a unique vantage point of the city.
Sustainability is a core focus, as the facility is a founding member of the Green Sports Alliance and operates a zero-waste program, with solar panels on the adjacent event centre returning energy to the grid.
How does Lumen Field compare to other 2026 venues?
Lumen Field is widely considered the loudest venue in the 2026 rotation. While its capacity is comparable to Philadelphia or San Francisco, its urban integration and the sheer passion of its local soccer community set it apart.
Its proximity to Vancouver also makes it a vital anchor for the tournament’s Pacific Northwest cluster, ensuring a seamless experience for fans following their teams across the border.