Dylan Ordonez, a representative of Seattle FWC26, and Ryan Doss, Mountlake Terrace economic development manager, told the Mountlake Terrace City Council on Sept. 4 that Seattle’s six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches present a statewide opportunity for visitorship, business marketing and community events. Ordonez described the local organizing committee’s plans for fan celebrations, watch parties, volunteer roles and mobility strategies aimed at routing visitors to public transit and local activations.

The City of Mountlake Terrace could use guidance and marketing playbooks the committee plans to publish this fall to recruit local restaurants, bars and shops to host watch parties and other events, Doss said. “We want our residents to be informed of what’s going on down in Seattle or up in Everett at the fan zone,” Doss told the council, and added that the city will work with the Chamber of Commerce on outreach to businesses.

Seattle FWC26 explained operational details the council said will matter for planning: Seattle will host six matches (four group-stage, two knockout rounds), with the first Seattle match on June 15 and the U.S. men’s national team guaranteed to play in Seattle on June 19. The tournament runs June 11–July 19, 2026 and is being hosted across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Ordonez said the host committee expects limited public parking in stadium garages and the North Lot, expanded secure perimeters around the stadium on match days and heavy reliance on transit and nonprivate vehicles; the committee’s current target is 80% match-day access by nonprivate vehicle.

Ordonez said Seattle FWC26 will provide playbooks and guidance for: community watch parties (broadcast-license requirements and best practices), a community branding playbook with Visit Seattle, and a small-business playbook with the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber. He also described legacy work such as the Sounders Foundation’s mini-pitch initiative (26 pitches pledged by 2026, with expansion goals) and training for frontline employees to spot human trafficking risks.

Council members asked about local logistics, including whether Mountlake Terrace will be included in regional branding, short-term rental information for residents who may list their homes, volunteer opportunities, and coordination with nearby events like the city’s July 3 celebration. Ordonez said FIFA controls ticketing and draw details; the tournament draw is set for Dec. 5 and will determine exact match times and the nations that will play in Seattle. He also said volunteer signups are open through FIFA’s portal and will include varied roles such as wayfinding and airport assistance.

Mountlake Terrace officials said they plan to use committee materials to promote local businesses, consider watch-party networks with downtown restaurants, and work with neighboring jurisdictions on mobility and marketing. Council members suggested further conversations about bike-share options, light-rail wayfinding and cross-jurisdictional promotion to bring visitors from the station into the city center.

The council did not adopt any formal policy or expenditure at the meeting; members requested staff follow up on branded outreach options and take the committee’s playbooks into account when preparing local communications and business outreach.