Aerial of U District's celebration on July 18 & 19, 2026
Check Out the Report on the World Soccer Fan Celebration
Project Report
We transformed the public square beside the U District light rail station into an urban living room and welcomed hundreds of neighbors, students, families, and first-time fans. When the final kicked off, the crowd overflowed the square and filled the closed street, everyone watching together under one giant screen.
This report tells the story of how it came together, what we learned, and where we go next.
This report tells the story of how it came together, what we learned, and where we go next.
U District's World Soccer Fan Celebration
Two days. Two matches. One neighborhood.
The final two matches of the world's biggest soccer tournament were the most-watched sporting events on the planet. On July 18 & 19, the U District was your front-row seat: outside, together, and free.
Check out the images and videos from the celebration:
What Happened
For the final weekend of the tournament, we transformed the heart of the neighborhood into a two-day celebration of soccer, community, and pure global energy. Streaming the third-place match and the championship final live on a giant LED screen. Featuring live music, youth soccer zone, and other activities all weekend. Followed by a soccer-themed movie under the summer sky. Everyone was welcome: all ages, all abilities, all fans, and the soccer-curious too.
You Voted, and the Winner was...
Shaolin Soccer (2001) takes the crown in our audience movie vote. The movie played on Saturday at 7pm, this beloved martial-arts soccer comedy on our giant LED screen. Thanks to everyone who cast a ballot.
Schedule at a Glance
Saturday, July 18
9am - Nearby: U District Farmers Market (until 2pm)
10am - Youth Soccer Zone opens / family activities begin
2pm - Third-place match on the big screen
4pm* - Live music with Farplane
5pm* - Live music with Leo Leo
7pm* - Outdoor movie: Shaolin Soccer (2001) - PG-13
10pm* - Thanks for coming, see you tomorrow!
Sunday, July 19
10am - Husky Alumni Marching Band opens the day
10am - Youth Soccer Zone opens / family activities begin
12pm - Championship final on the big screen
3pm* - Live music with Craetorus
5pm* - Live music with Steven Wang Band
7pm* - Celebration concludes
Getting Here Is the Easy Part
The square sits directly above U District Station. Step off the train and you're at the party. Frequent buses, protected bike lanes, and the most walkable neighborhood in Seattle do the rest. No event parking was provided, and you won't miss it.
Become a Volunteer
Supporters
Hosted by U District Advocates. This event is supported by the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture.
Questions? Contact soccer@udistrict.org
Get in touch
soccer.udistrict.org
soccer@udistrict.org
Seattle, Washington USA