In fewer than three weeks, FIFA World Cup 2026 is coming to Washington State and Yakima fans have a chance to be part of this historic event.
Yakima is one of nine communities in Washington State designated as official FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone locations. Seattle will host six FIFA World Cup matches. Ten other cities in the United States are hosting World Cup matches. Matches will also be played in three cities in Mexico and two cities in Canada.
Four free, family-friendly Fan Zone watch parties will be taking place at the Sozo Sports Complex (2200 S. 36th Avenue) in Yakima. Watch parties open an hour and a half before matches begin. The four matches that will be featured at the Yakima Sozo Fan Zone are:
– Thursday, June 18th – Mexico v. Korea Republic (South Korea)
– Game Time – 6:00 pm – Fan Zone Opens – 4:30 pm
– Friday, June 19th – USA v. Australia
– Game Time – 12:00 pm – Fan Zone Opens – 10:30 am
– Wednesday, June 24th – Mexico v. Czechia (Czech Republic)
– Game Time – 6:00 pm – Fan Zone Opens – 4:30 pm
– Friday, June 25th – USA v. Turkyie (Turkey)
– Game Time – 7:00 pm – Fan Zone Opens – 5:30 pm
While the Yakima Fan Zone will be free to attend, organizers are asking fans to indicate they plan to be at the matches by clicking the following link and reserving a ticket – Discover Fifa Fan Zone Events & Activities in Yakima, WA | Eventbrite
A Kid Zone at the watch parties will include inflatables, soccer activities, and games. The Michelob Ultra beer garden will feature interactive activities for fans 21 and older. The vendor area will include local businesses and organizations, food trucks, and entertainment.
To help everyone get in the soccer spirit, free FIFA World Cup 2026 Yakima Fan Zone merchandise will be given away at the watch parties while supplies last. No pets are allowed in the Fan Zone. Service animals will be allowed.
The Fan Zone will take place outside, so fans are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or a blanket with them to sit on.
“Yakima’s Fan Zone will give avid soccer fans, casual soccer fans, and everyone in between the opportunity to be part of the largest sporting event in the world,” said Patricia Byers, a Yakima City Council member whose part of the local committee organizing the Fan Zone. “It will bring the World Cup experience to the Yakima Valley.”
Yakima is one of nine communities in Washington State selected to host a Fan Zone. Seattle is the site
For information about being a Yakima Fan Zone sponsor or vendor, contact Kathy Kramer at kathyk@fairfun.com. For media requests, contact Randy Beehler at 509-901-1142 or randy.beehler@yakimawa.gov.
