First Seattle World Cup Match Set for Monday: What You Need to Know About Getting Around

Seattle is preparing for its first FIFA World Cup match, with Belgium vs. Egypt set for noon tomorrow and five more matches scheduled in the city over the next three weeks. The event will bring major transportation changes in and around SODO and downtown, where a designated area will be closed to motor-vehicle traffic. Organizers and city officials are advising residents, commuters, and visitors to check maps and plan ahead before heading into the area.

Several bus routes will be rerouted because of the closures, including West Seattle’s Route 21. Riders are being directed to route-specific detour information for details on how service will change during match days. The Seattle Department of Transportation says street closures are expected to begin about four hours before each match and will remain in place until after the event ends, affecting access to nearby streets and transit corridors.

The West Seattle Water Taxi will also see schedule adjustments. On World Cup match days, an extra round trip will be added during a usual two-hour gap in the schedule. The added service includes a 10:00 a.m. departure from downtown Seattle’s Pier 50 to Seacrest, followed by a 10:15 a.m. departure from West Seattle. The change is intended to help accommodate increased travel demand and provide another option for those heading to the stadium area or avoiding traffic congestion.

With large crowds expected, transportation around the stadium, downtown, and SODO is likely to be busy throughout the day. Officials are urging travelers to allow extra time, expect delays, and be aware that road closures may limit vehicle access even for those not attending the matches. Pedestrians are also being encouraged to follow posted guidance and use designated walking routes in and around the event zone.

Local observers say they will be monitoring traffic, transit, and waterfront service throughout the day and will share updates if conditions change. Residents who notice issues on roads, trails, the water, or near the stadium are being asked to report them so others can be informed quickly.

The matches mark a major milestone for Seattle, which has spent years planning for this moment. Tomorrow’s opening game is expected to set the tone for the city’s World Cup schedule, drawing attention not only to the stadium but also to the transportation network that will support the tournament. As the first match day arrives, the focus will be on keeping people moving safely while managing the heavy influx of fans, commuters, and visitors across Seattle’s downtown core and West Seattle transit connections.