The biggest sporting competition on the planet is coming to Seattle, and the stage is set.
Last week, FIFA unveiled the 2026 World Cup groups made up of 42 qualified teams, in addition to six nations that have yet to be determined. Of those 48 total countries, seven nations will play at Seattle Soccer Stadium (Lumen Field) across four group stage matches. Seattle will also hold a Round of 32 match (July 1) and a Round of 16 match (July 6), with matchups determined by results in the group stage of the world-renowned competition.
Fans hoping to attend FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Seattle can either enter the lottery on FIFA.com/tickets or purchase all-inclusive hospitality packages HERE.
Here is a quick preview of the four group stage matches and the six confirmed teams set to play in Seattle:
Belgium vs. Egypt on June 15 at 12 p.m. PT (Group G)
Belgium
Manager: Rudi Garcia
FIFA Ranking: 8
Fast facts:
- Finished 3rd at 2018 World Cup after falling to France 1-0 in the semifinals
- 2026 marks Belgium’s 15th World Cup appearance and fourth consecutive qualification.
How they qualified: Belgium finished first in their UEFA qualifying group with an unbeaten record of five wins and three draws. Belgium secured the top spot after their commanding 7-0 victory over Liechtenstein.
Player to watch:
- Thibaut Courtois: Arguably one of the most prolific goalkeepers of all time, Courtois has been at Real Madrid since 2018. In addition to securing two Premier League titles, three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies, the Belgian keeper has won individual awards that include the Golden Glove in the 2018 World Cup and the Premier League, and the Ricardo Zamora Trophy awarded to the best goalkeeper in the world (3x).
Egypt
Manager: Hossam Hassan
FIFA Ranking: 34
Fast Facts:
- Egypt is recognized as 7-time Africa Cup of Nations Champions
- The last time Egypt made the World Cup was in 2018
- Egypt was the first African nation to play in a World Cup (1934)
How they qualified: Egypt finished first in their CAF qualifying group, accumulating eight wins and two draws and collecting a total of 20 goals while conceding only two. They qualified before their final group match, following a 3-0 victory against Djibouti.
Player to watch:
- Mohamed Salah: Captain of the Egyptian National team, Salah is a winger who is recognized for his scoring ability. Not only is he Liverpool's highest goal scorer since the club joined the Premier League, he’s also the all-time top African goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets
Fans can also purchase all-inclusive tickets -- food and beverage included -- for matches starting as low as $1575 for your best chance to secure a seat to FIFA World Cup 2026TM matches at Seattle Soccer Stadium (Lumen Field). All packages include extraordinary seats, exclusive entertainment, exceptional service, and elevated food and beverage inspired by Seattle – plus options like special guest appearances and immersive experiences.
USA vs. Australia on June 19 at 12 p.m. PT (Group D)
USA
Manager: Mauricio Pochettino
FIFA Ranking: 14
Fast Facts:
- Sounders FC midfielder Cristian Roldan worked his way back into the USMNT roster in 2025, earning six caps since September. Roldan put in a Man of the Match performance in the United States’ 2-1 win over Australia in a friendly back on October 15, tallying assists on both goals.
- In their previous experience in the World Cup (2022), the U.S. reached the Round of 16 before falling to the Netherlands, 3-1.
How they qualified: The USMNT received an automatic qualification as a host nation of the tournament.
Player to watch:
- Christian Pulisic: Pulisic serves as both a winger and attacking midfielder for AC Milan. The Pennsylvania native has been a key piece to the USMNT attack since 2016, earning four U.S. Player of the Year Awards and sitting as the fifth ranked goal scorer for the USMNT (57).
Australia
Manager: Tony Popovic
FIFA Ranking: 26
How they qualified: Australia finished second in their third-round qualification group after defeating Saudi Arabia 2-1 in their final match.
Fast Facts:
- Australia’s direct qualification into the FIFA World Cup marks the first time since 2014 they did not have to depend on playoffs to make the tournament.
- Australia has only made it to the Round of 16 twice in World Cup history, including the previous 2022 competition held in Qatar.
Player to watch:
- Martin Boyle: A vital piece to Australia’s attack, Boyle serves as both a winger and a forward for the Socceroos. Through his pace, he is able to stretch opponents and present the Australian side with opportunities in front of goal. He currently plays for Scottish Premiership club Hibernian.
2-Match Pack: Home Opener + Portland Match
Start the 2026 season strong with the Sounders’ 2-Match Pack! Get tickets to the Home Opener and the can’t-miss clash with the Portland Timbers. Lock in your seats now and bring the energy to two of the biggest matches of the year.
Winner of Playoff A (Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales, Bosnia) vs. Qatar on June 24 at 12 p.m. PT (Group B)
Qatar
Manager: Julen Lopetegui
FIFA Ranking: 51
Fast Facts:
- This is the first time Qatar has secured a spot in the World Cup through Asian qualifying. The nation was automatically placed in the tournament in 2022 as hosts of the tournament.
- Following the hiring of former Spain and Real Madrid head coach Lopetegui, Qatar went from struggling in qualifying to punching its ticket to the global finals.
How they qualified: Qatar finished first in their fourth-round qualification group within the Asian Football Confederation, earning a spot in FIFA World Cup 2026 following a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan back in March.
Player to watch:
- Akram Afif: Afif is a winger who is a consistent threat in the attack. In 2019 and 2023, Afif was honored with the Asian Footballer of the Year award. He currently plays for Qatar Stars League club Al Sadd.
MLS - FIFA Calendar Alignment
The MLS Board of Governors has approved a shift to a summer-to-spring schedule, aligning MLS with the world’s top leagues. This transition opens the door to greater competitive opportunities, fewer conflicts with international windows, and improved access to elite talent in the global transfer market.
Egypt vs. IR Iran on June 26 at 8 p.m. PT (Group G)
IR Iran
Manager: Amir Ghalenoei
FIFA Ranking: 20
Fast Facts:
- FIFA World Cup 2026 marks Iran’s fourth consecutive appearance in the global competition.
- Iran has never made it to the knockout stage of the tournament, despite being a part of the competition on seven different occasions.
How they qualified: Iran finished first in their third-round qualification group within the Asian Football Confederation, earning a spot in World Cup 26 following a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan back in March.
Player to watch:
- Alireza Beiranvand: Beiranvand is a goalkeeper who was recognized as the Iranian Footballer of the Year in 2019. In addition to serving as the starting keeper for Iran, Beiranvand plays for Tractor in the Persian Gulf Pro League.
