Thurston County to host interactive fan zone during FIFA World Cup 26

The Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Local Organizing Committee announced that Thurston County will host an interactive fan zone for the event.

The Thurston County fan zone, which was one of nine announced by the committee on Friday, Jan. 17, will be located in the Lacey and Olympia area. The exact location is expected to be announced at a later date.

“It’s very exciting for Thurston County to be able to play a small part in such a significant global event,” said Thurston County Board of Commissioners Chair Tye Menser in a statement that accompanied the announcement.

“The World Cup truly has a unique ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds, celebrating shared passions for the beautiful game. 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.”

The organizing committee said it sought partnerships with communities outside of King County to create the fan zones, in an effort to ensure that as many people can be part of the World Cup, which begins on June 11, 2026, with matches in Guadalajara and Mexico City. 

In addition to a Seattle Fan Celebration to be held at the Seattle Center, the other eight fan zones will be in Bellingham, Bremerton, Everett, Tri-Cities (Pasco, Richland and Kennewick), Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver and Yakima.

The organizing committee said it is working with FOX 13 Seattle, a broadcast partner of FIFA World Cup 26, to support fan zones across the state.

Programming for fan zones during the Seattle World Cup matches, of which there will be six, may feature live entertainment, interactive fan activations, and food and beverages.