Washington Spends $100 Million To Clean Up Cities For World Cup Tourists

Seattle welcomed the U.S. Men's National Team back to Lumen Field as thousands of fans packed downtown for a FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. With the winner advancing and the loser eliminated, the atmosphere throughout the city reflected one of the biggest international sporting events ever hosted in Seattle. The Center Square traveled through Seattle using Link light rail, spoke with visitors from across the United States, and explored the Stadium District to see firsthand how the city is handling the influx of World Cup fans. Visitors from New Jersey, Arizona, and other states praised Seattle's waterfront, public transit, walkability, restaurants, and vibrant downtown atmosphere. Many said they were impressed by how easy it was to navigate the city and planned to return in the future. At the same time, longtime Seattle residents expressed concerns about whether the city's cleanup efforts will continue after the tournament ends. Some questioned whether recent public safety improvements, increased police presence, and investments around the World Cup represent lasting changes or temporary measures while international attention remains focused on Seattle. The report also examines homelessness, public safety, Link light rail, the Stadium District, Pioneer Square, and reactions from local residents who say they hope Seattle's recent momentum continues well beyond the FIFA World Cup. In today's report: Team USA vs. Belgium in Seattle Fans react to Seattle's World Cup experience Link light rail during the World Cup Downtown Seattle businesses and tourism Public safety and homelessness concerns What Seattle's future could look like after the tournament Subscribe for daily reporting on Washington politics, public policy, transportation, economic development, taxpayer issues, and local news from The Center Square. VIDEO TAGS Seattle World Cup, FIFA World Cup, USA vs Belgium, USMNT, Team USA, Seattle news, Seattle World Cup 2026, Seattle tourism, Lumen Field, Link Light Rail, Seattle transit, Downtown Seattle, Pioneer Square, Seattle waterfront, Seattle economy, World Cup Seattle, Seattle public safety, homelessness Seattle, Katie Wilson, We Heart Seattle, Andrea Suarez, Washington news, The Center Square, Washington In Focus HASHTAGS #WorldCup #USMNT #Seattle #FIFA2026 #SeattleNews #LumenField #SeattleWorldCup #WashingtonState #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus