Thurston County to host interactive fan zone during live 2026 World Cup matches

By Martín Bilbao / The Olympian
Posted 1/20/25

Thurston County will host an interactive fan zone during the FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2026.

The Seattle FIFA World CUP 16TM Local Organizing Committee (SeattleFWC26) announced nine fan zone …

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Thurston County to host interactive fan zone during live 2026 World Cup matches

Posted

Thurston County will host an interactive fan zone during the FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2026.

The Seattle FIFA World CUP 16TM Local Organizing Committee (SeattleFWC26) announced nine fan zone locations across Washington state this week.

The Thurston County fan zone will be located somewhere in the Olympia/Lacey area, according to a news release. The SeattleFWC26 is partnering with FOX 13 Seattle to broadcast the soccer matches at the zone. Live entertainment, interactive fan activities, food and beverages will be available as well.

Specific locations for the fan zones are expected to be announced at a later date.

Thurston County Commissioner Tye Menser said it’s “very exciting” for the county to play a small part in such a significant historic and global event.

“The World Cup truly has a unique ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds, celebrating shared passions for the beautiful game,” Menser said in the news release. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for Thurston County to embrace that global spirit and be involved in something that has an impact across the world.”

Menser, who’s serves as the county commission’s chair, also took part in a brief promotional video for the event. In the video, he invites the public to the county’s fan zone with the dilapidated old Olympia Brewery behind him.

“Our fan zone will be designed for fans of all ages and abilities to enjoy,” Menser said in the video. “We expect our fan zone to bring together sports fans from all across southwest Washington. So, mark your calendars for June 2026 and let’s make this the most unforgettable FIFA World Cup yet.”

Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder also provided a comment in the SeattleFWC26 news release.

“We are excited to be a SeattleFWC26 fan zone. Lacey is a sports community with a heavy emphasis on soccer,” Ryder said. “There is no bigger event than the World Cup, so this will be a big happening for our community. Looking forward to 2026!”

The nine fan zone locations complement the Seattle Fan Celebration that will be hosted at the Seattle Center. Fan zone locations include the following.

• Bellingham — Whatcom County



• Bremerton — Kitsap County

• Everett — Snohomish County

• Olympia/Lacey — Thurston County

• Pasco/Richland/Kennewick (Tri-Cities) — Benton & Franklin Counties

• Spokane — Spokane County

• Tacoma — Pierce County

• Vancouver — Clark County

• Yakima — Yakima County

SeattleFWC26 CEO Peter Tomozawa said the World Cup brings people all over the world together around their love of soccer and their country.

“We’re excited to work with these nine communities to bring the thrill of the FIFA World Cup 2026TM experience to all corners of Washington state,” Tomozawa said.

The World Cup will kick-off on June 11, 2026, and be hosted in 16 cities in Canada, Mexico and United States. Seattle’s Lumen Field is expected to host six World Cup matches from June 15 to July 6, 2026, according to the official event schedule.