Keeping Seattle Moving: Your Guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Construction Pause
Seattle is gearing up to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and we couldn’t be more excited! To get ready for this huge event and make travel easier for everyone, we're implementing a temporary pause on construction in key areas. This means streets, sidewalks, and public spaces will stay clear and accessible for residents and visitors during the games.
What You Need to Know
We’re hitting pause on construction in busy areas to reduce traffic and keep things running smoothly during the 2026 World Cup. By doing this, we’re making it easier for everyone to get around and enjoy the festivities.
Key Dates to Remember
- Pause Starts: June 8, 2026
- Pause Ends: July 13, 2026
- Deadline to Clear Public Spaces: June 7, 2026
By June 7, all construction equipment, materials, and temporary coverings like steel plates must be removed from streets, sidewalks, and other public spaces that we manage. This ensures everything is ready before the games begin.
Our construction pause does not affect public spaces managed by the Seattle Public Library or Seattle Parks and Recreation.
Why Are We Doing This?
Our goal is to make Seattle shine during the World Cup while keeping the city safe and easy to navigate. Here’s how the construction pause will help:
- Keep Everyone Safe: Clear sidewalks and streets make it easier for people walking, biking, scooting, or driving to move around.
- Ease Traffic: With tens of thousands of visitors expected, keeping streets open will reduce congestion.
- Support Local Businesses: Open streets make it easier for people to visit shops, restaurants, and venues.
- Show Off Our City: A clean, accessible city creates a warm welcome for visitors from around the world.
Construction can still continue on private property or in areas outside the paused zones, so we encourage you to adjust your project schedules to avoid delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a temporary pause on construction projects that block streets, sidewalks, or other public spaces in busy areas of Seattle during the 2026 World Cup.
The pause runs from June 8, 2026 to July 13, 2026. All public spaces covered by the construction pause must be cleared by June 7, 2026.
Any construction project that blocks public spaces like streets or sidewalks in the affected areas, including city projects. You can find a map of these zones at the top of this page.
Yes, restaurants with outdoor dining areas can keep them, but all preparations must be finished before June 7, 2026. New setups will need to wait until after the pause ends.
It helps ensure Seattle’s streets and public spaces stay open and safe for everyone during the event.
The pause applies to certain high-traffic areas, such as downtown and SODO. Check our official map at the top of this page for details.
You must finish your work and restore streets and sidewalks by June 7, 2026. This includes removing equipment and temporary coverings.
Your must meet restoration standards for either interim or final paving.
- Non-arterial streets: At least 2 inches of asphalt over 4 inches of crushed rock.
- Arterial streets: At least 6 inches of asphalt over 6 inches of crushed rock.
Work with your Street Use inspector to make sure your project meets these standards. Your restoration work must stay safe and functional until your project is complete.
Yes, your projects outside the areas covered by the construction pause can continue.You should plan for traffic congestion or delivery delays because of increased activity around the city during the World Cup.
You can apply for a FIFA Moratorium Exception Waiver, but these will only be granted for emergency or critical work. You'll be able to apply for a waiver beginning in March 2026.
We'll publish more details about the waiver process later.
This temporary halt ensures safer travel, less traffic, and a welcoming city for residents and visitors. It’s a chance to show the world the best of Seattle during a global event.
Yes, increased activity on streets around the city may cause delays, even outside the paused zones. Plan ahead to avoid disruptions.
Yes, there are no specific restrictions on trucking, but you should expect potential congestion.
Visit this website for updates and permit conditions. Make sure to plan your project timeline and coordinate with your Street Use inspector to meet deadlines.
If you have questions, contact your Street Use inspector or our Construction Coordination and Mobility Management team for help.