The FIFA World Cup is still months away from arriving in the Seattle region, but Eastside residents will have an early opportunity to experience a piece of it in person.
According to The Bellevue Collection, the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola will make a stop at Bellevue Square on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The original trophy will be on display in Center Court from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the first guest viewing and photo opportunities beginning at 3:00 p.m.
The appearance is expected to draw significant interest, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early due to anticipated high traffic and long lines.
A Preview of the 2026 World Cup in the Seattle Region
The trophy tour stop comes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place across three host countries and 16 cities, making it the most geographically expansive tournament in the event’s history. Matches in the Seattle area will be held at Lumen Field between June 11 and July 19, with six weekday games scheduled for June 15, June 19, June 24, June 26, July 1, and July 6.
Regional officials expect approximately 15,000 additional visitors to travel through Bellevue during the tournament period. Teams are anticipated to begin arriving in mid-May.
Bellevue’s Planning Efforts for World Cup Visitors
In preparation for the influx of visitors, the City of Bellevue is launching “Bellevue to Adventure,” a month-long initiative aimed at improving mobility between Bellevue and Seattle while activating public spaces with programming and events.
A key component of transportation planning is the Link light rail 2 Line, which will serve as a primary connection between Bellevue and nearby cities. Major activity hubs are expected at Downtown Bellevue Station, Spring District Station, BelRed Station, and South Bellevue Station.
Planned activations include watch parties, fan festivals, and community programming, while the official FIFA fan zone will be located at Seattle Center.
Expanding Events, Access, and Community Programming
Bellevue’s broader strategy leading up to the World Cup focuses on three areas: simplifying event permitting, expanding access to public and privately owned spaces, and increasing funding support for community programming.
City officials plan to introduce new permitting tools by spring 2026 to streamline approvals for neighborhood gatherings, mid-sized events, and select street closures. Partnerships with private property owners are also underway to open additional spaces for public use.
Through its Community Programming Fund, the City distributed $175,000 this year to 37 organizations, supporting events that drew more than 10,000 attendees. The program is expected to return next year with an increased focus on World Cup-related activities, recurring events, and markets.
Neighborhood Activations Across Bellevue
Several neighborhoods are expected to play a central role in the city’s World Cup efforts.
In BelRed, known for its concentration of creative businesses and public art installations, a central activation zone is planned near the light rail station, featuring arts programming, soccer-themed exhibits, and all-ages cultural events.
The Spring District will host farmers markets, block parties, and community celebrations, with an emphasis on small businesses and cultural programming tied to participating countries.
In Downtown Bellevue, plans include district-wide decorations, match viewing events, food-focused activations, and coordinated programming across plazas and public spaces. Officials say the goal is to create accessible, community-focused fan experiences while supporting local businesses during the summer season.
Additionally, Visit Bellevue is offering free promotional services to help local businesses connect with visitors during the World Cup.
