The Seattle portion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins next week.

Dear SPS Families and Staff, 

The Seattle portion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins next week. This is an exciting opportunity to celebrate international sports in our city, and it will also bring increased activity and traffic across the area. 

Matches will be held at Lumen Field (Seattle Stadium), drawing large crowds and impacting travel near downtown. Streets around the stadium are expected to close 4–5 hours before each match and 2–3 hours afterward, which will affect traffic patterns and travel times. 

Match schedule: 

• June 15 at noon 
• June 19 at noon 
• June 24 at noon 
• June 26 at 8 p.m. 
• July 1 at 1 p.m. 
• July 6 at 5 p.m. 

In addition, graduation ceremonies for comprehensive high schools begin Monday, June 15, at McCaw Hall, which may add to congestion in the downtown area. 

What this means for SPS families and staff: 

• Please plan for extra drive time on game days, especially when traveling near downtown Seattle. 
• School buses and district transportation may experience delays. 
• If possible, consider adjusting travel times or allowing additional time to get to and from school or district offices, including the John Stanford Center. 

We are excited to be part of a city hosting such a global event, and we appreciate your patience and flexibility as we navigate these impacts together. 

If you have questions about transportation or schedules, please contact your school directly. 

Thank you for your support as we celebrate this exciting time in Seattle. 

Sincerely, 

Bev Redmond 
Chief of Staff and Public Affairs 
Seattle Public Schools