TACOMA, WA – The Puyallup Tribe of Indians, in partnership with Pierce County and the City of Tacoma, will host a World Cup Kick-Off Celebration and Fan Zone events during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when six matches will be played in Seattle. The agreement aims to ensure a welcoming experience for Pierce County residents and visitors alike. The agreement was formalized March 12 in a signing ceremony at Puyallup Tribal Administration. Tribal Councilmembers Annette Bryan, James Rideout and Monica Miller were in attendance along with several Tacoma City Councilmembers and city and county staff.
Kick-off Celebration and Parade
On June 12, 2026, festivities begin with a community parade traveling down Portland Avenue, bringing neighbors, youth, and partners together in celebration. The parade culminates at the Puyallup Tribe of Indians’ Administration, where the tribal community will host traditional opening ceremonies and share a Lushootseed traditional narrative to mark the historic moment. The evening concludes with a fireworks display, visible from the Puyallup Tribal Administration front lawn, welcoming visitors from around the world to the region.
Puyallup Tribe Fan Zone
Throughout the tournament, the Puyallup Tribe will host the official Puyallup Tribe Fan Zone on the Puyallup Tribal Administration campus. Pierce County and the City of Tacoma are partnering with the tribe to support the June 12 kick-off celebration and Fan Zone activations throughout the tournament, helping ensure the community can celebrate together on Puyallup land.
The Fan Zone will be open during the six Seattle-based matches (June 15, 19, 24, 26, July 1, and July 6, 2026). Each day will feature live viewings of World Cup matches on large outdoor screens, cultural sharing by tribal and local artists, vendors, food trucks, and a kid’s zone. Free guest parking at the Tacoma Dome and Link Light Rail Station with a complimentary shuttle service to and from the tribe’s campus will be provided.
Fan Zone events coincide with other previously announced events hosted by the Puyallup Tribe at Tribal Administration including the World Cup Protocol (June 18), World Cup Pow-Wow (June 19-21), and World Cup Stick Games Tournament (June 26-28).
Additional Ways to Celebrate
In addition to the kick-off, Fan Zone, and traditional cultural events, the Puyallup Tribe will host a series of World Cup viewing parties at its venues across the region including Emerald Queen Casino, Woven Seafood and Chophouse, Commencement Bay Cannabis on 72nd Street and Firecracker Alley.
Shared Spirit, Shared Celebration
The Puyallup Tribe will be formally represented in connection with the 2026 World Cup as a Legacy Supporter of the Seattle FWC26 Host Committee. Through the role, the tribe plans to share aspects of its culture and history with visitors attending the tournament.
The partnership with Pierce County and the City of Tacoma will support regional preparations for the event. The collaboration focuses on coordinating logistics, promoting tourism, and engaging the public as part of the broader efforts of the Seattle World Cup Host Committee.
“There are too many fans in Seattle! They’re going to have to spill over here to the lower part of the rez,” said Puyallup Tribal Council Chairman Bill Sterud joked. The Chairman noted during the ceremony that the tribe, city and county were all there as friends.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the world to experience Pierce County this summer,” said Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello. “The Puyallup Tribe Fan Zone will offer an experience unlike anything else happening in our state. When people come to Pierce County, they’ll take in stunning mountain-to-sound views, discover incredible local art, and find event swag that truly stands out. With accessible transit options connecting visitors to the Fan Zone and the matches happening in Seattle, it’s easy to be part of the excitement. We’re especially honored to partner with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians as hosts. Their deep cultural roots and rich history in this region will be proudly shared with visitors from around the world.”
“This partnership shows what’s possible when we work together for our community,” said Tacoma Mayor Anders Ibsen. “As the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to our region, we’re proud to partner with the Puyallup Tribe to create a celebration that reflects the culture, energy, and welcoming spirit of the South Sound.”
“I think about how this brings our communities together and that’s really the magic of the World Cup,” said Peter Tomozawa, Seattle FWC26 CEO. “It’s a unification event. It’s been an honor and a pleasure to work with everyone in this room. This brings home all the reason why we needed to do this. We’re doing this in many, many communities, but this is a key one.”
