Seattle is transforming into a real mecca for supporters this summer: every corner of the city is becoming a viewing spot for World Cup matches — from the Pacific Place mall and Seattle–Tacoma International Airport to public library branches and even a floating soccer bar in Elliott Bay. For those who didn’t get tickets to games at Lumen Field — the large downtown stadium that hosts the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Sounders FC, known as one of the loudest in the world because of its unique acoustics and devoted fans — there are hundreds of alternative options. From classic sports bars to unusual venues, like the former QFC supermarket on Capitol Hill turned into a flea market, and a historic Art Deco theater in Edmonds. Floating structures, such as retired ferries, take advantage of scenic views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, turning match viewing into a unique on-the-water experience — part of a local tradition of repurposing maritime assets into cultural spaces.
Local national team fan clubs are organizing themed parties that blend soccer with national cuisine and cultural traditions. Fans of the reigning champions Argentina can gather at Seatango on Lake City Way, where new TVs have been installed and Argentine specialties — alfajores and empanadas — are served. For fans of Australia and New Zealand, the Kangaroo & Kiwi pub in Ballard has become a main hub, offering meat pies and a pub atmosphere “from the other side of the world.” Brazilian supporters have two main options: Oasis Brazilian Steakhouse in Kirkland, serving classic grilled meats, and a temporary spot in the Old Bank Building in SeaTac with Stoup Brewing — one of many successful Seattle craft breweries located in Ballard. The city is considered a craft-brewing capital in the U.S. with more than 50 breweries. On June 13 a samba group will perform, and on June 19 the Brazilian honorary consul will attend. Canadians can cheer on their team at Greenwood’s The Angry Beaver, a former hockey bar temporarily shifted to soccer, or at Life on Mars on Capitol Hill, where a large screen will be set up among vinyl records and vegan poutine will be offered with promotions on Molson and Canadian rye whiskey.
The famed fine-dining restaurant Canlis is turning its lower parking lot into an 11-day fan zone, “Canlis Kickback,” showing 24 games in all weather with simple fare like wings and hot dogs. Guests 21 and over can reserve tables, and general bench and bleacher seats start at $10, creating a semi-festival atmosphere. In the International District, or CID — one of Seattle’s oldest multicultural neighborhoods historically home to Chinese, Japanese, Filipino and Vietnamese immigrants — three free public parties will take place in Hoa Mai Park, Hing Hay Park and Theatre Off Jackson. They will screen Seattle’s match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar, a quarterfinal and the final. All CID events will be hosted by Seattle drag queen Viper Fanz, adding a show element to communal viewing. Drag culture in Seattle is deeply integrated into public life: performers appear not only in clubs but also at sporting events, fundraisers and public spaces, promoting inclusivity and fun.
On Beacon Hill, El Centro de la Raza will host a family doubleheader on Plaza Roberto Maestas on June 27: Panama vs. England followed by Colombia vs. Portugal. The event includes musical and cultural performances, food trucks and a market, turning the matches into a celebration of Latin American culture. Czech fans can head to Obec Brewing in Ballard, which pours Czech pilsner and a rare Czech amber lager; owner Wayne Jehlicka is the honorary consul of Prague in Seattle. Obec also welcomes fans of Austria, Belgium and France, becoming a pan-European soccer hub.
For supporters of England and Scotland, the George and Dragon pub in Fremont remains Seattle’s main British soccer pub and a gathering place for both “Three Lions” and “Tartan Army” fans. Expect familiar sounds like the English anthem “Three Lions” and Belle and Sebastian’s “It Only Takes One Lion.” French fans will find many spots to rally: from L’Experience Paris in Bellevue to Bar Bayonne in the Central District. Given that France won in 2018, reached the final in 2022, and is again among the favorites, cries of “Allez les Bleus!” will be heard everywhere.
German supporters are spoiled for choice: Berliner Pub in Renton, Prost! in Finney Ridge and Rhein Haus on Capitol Hill promise steins, sausages and football frenzy. Japanese fans can cheer on the Samurai Blue at Miyabi Sushi in Tukwila, where a World Cup roll has been added to the menu, and at Fort St. George in the CID for the late June 20 match against Tunisia. During that game, Hisato Kawaminami, co-owner of Itsumono, will be behind the bar mixing highballs that are considered among the best in Seattle.
Fans of co-host nation Mexico can start at the tournament-opening party on June 11 at the Mexican consulate event in the Armory at Seattle Center with mariachi music and the national anthem. El Tri supporters can also gather at Fogón Cocina Mexicana on Capitol Hill or El Rinconsito in Burien. Morocco’s Atlas Lions will cheer at Andalucia in Ballard, which serves merguez sandwiches and tagines, and the restaurant also welcomes fans of other Middle Eastern and North African teams.
Norway’s team will get support at several Scandinavian establishments: Skål Beer Hall in Ballard and Sons of Norway Normanna Lodge in Everett will show games, while Valholl Brewing in Poulsbo invites fans to cheer for Norge in Washington’s “Little Norway.” Downtown, Pacific Place is being turned into a large fan zone, join
Based on: Where to watch World Cup games in Seattle: Over 20 fun watch party spots