Soccer fans won’t need a ticket to Seattle’s World Cup matches to join the celebration.
Everett’s official SeattleFWC26 Fan Zone opens this week at Boxcar Park, transforming part of the city’s waterfront into a free, all-ages gathering place where fans can watch matches on a giant screen, enjoy live entertainment, grab food from local vendors, and take part in family-friendly activities.
The Waterfront Watch Parties are being hosted by the City of Everett, the Port of Everett and the Snohomish County Sports Commission as part of the region’s lead-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Organizers say the events will bring the excitement of the world’s largest sporting event directly to Everett’s waterfront.
First Watch Parties Kick Off This Week
The first fan zone event takes place Thursday, June 11, when Mexico faces South Africa.
The fan zone opens at 10 a.m., two hours before the noon kickoff.
A second watch party follows Friday, June 12, when the United States takes on Paraguay. The fan zone opens at 4 p.m. ahead of the 6 p.m. match.
Admission is free for both events.
Fans can expect live match broadcasts on a giant waterfront screen, DJs, family activities, a beer garden, food trucks, and special guests from the soccer world.
Thursday’s festivities will feature DJ Passion Vibes, emcee Jaime Mendez, a foam party after the match and an appearance by former Seattle Sounders defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, who helped the club win multiple major championships.
Friday’s watch party will feature DJ Mike Ilvester, a live performance from The Grizzled Mighty after the match, and a special appearance by Seattle Reign FC General Manager Lesle Gallimore.
Both events will include a Kids Zone featuring Imagine Children’s Museum and local soccer clubs, along with a Game Truck gaming trailer.
Food Trucks Announced
The food truck lineup for Thursday’s Mexico vs. South Africa watch party includes:
- Anthony’s Finn
- Dick’s Drive-In
- GoodBelly
- Kona Ice
- Mi Espresso
- Ryan’s REZ-ipes
- Tapped Public House
Friday’s USA vs. Paraguay watch party will feature:
- Anthony’s Finn
- GoodBelly
- Kona Ice
- Mi Espresso
- Ryan’s REZ-ipes
- Smokin’ Dough
- Sweet Wheels Handmade Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Tacos Pirata
- Tapped Public House
Additional watch parties are scheduled for June 18 and June 19.
Mexico will face South Korea on June 18, while the United States will play Australia on June 19.
Getting There
Officials are encouraging visitors to leave their cars elsewhere if possible. Parking at the waterfront is limited, and organizers are offering free shuttle service from Everett Station and downtown Everett.
The shuttle service begins two hours and 15 minutes before kickoff and runs throughout each event. Service increases after matches end and continues for two hours following the final whistle.
Officials say the shuttle is the easiest way to reach the fan zone without worrying about parking.
Find more information on the watch party shuttles here.
Why Is Everett Hosting A World Cup Fan Zone?
The events are part of preparations for FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Everett’s waterfront fan zone is designed to give Snohomish County residents a chance to join the celebration closer to home.
The tournament will feature 48 national teams, the largest field in World Cup history.
Seattle is one of the tournament’s host cities and will welcome multiple World Cup matches at Lumen Field, temporarily renamed Seattle Stadium.
