Seattle has firmly established itself as a leading soccer city in the United States, celebrated for its successful professional teams and dedicated fans. Lumen Field, also known as Seattle Stadium, serves as a key venue for soccer, hosting both the Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC.

Soccer fans in Seattle still recall the disappointment of 1994. Despite being one of the nation’s most passionate soccer cities, Seattle was passed over when FIFA selected sites for games during the last United States-hosted World Cup. This decision left a mark on local supporters, who believe it was due to uncertainties over whether matches would take place at the Kingdome or the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium, alongside concerns about the facilities.

Now, any doubts about Seattle being chosen for major soccer events have vanished. Lumen Field was designed with soccer in mind, even though it’s home to the NFL’s Seahawks. The Seattle Sounders FC is one of Major League Soccer’s standout franchises, drawing crowds over 30,000 regularly. Similarly, the Seattle Reign FC in the National Women’s Soccer League has helped solidify Seattle’s reputation in women’s soccer.

By the 2010s, Seattle attracted prominent figures in American soccer. Clint Dempsey concluded his career with the Sounders, and Megan Rapinoe dedicated her entire NWSL career to the Reign.

This is just a great soccer city,” said Lenny Peters, a local fan wearing Seattle Mariners gear at a pre-match rally. He recalls Seattle’s missed opportunity in 1994 but is elated to see the city hosting major events today.

Beyond soccer, Seattle is experiencing a resurgence in professional sports. The Seahawks secured a Super Bowl victory, the Mariners nearly reached the World Series, and the city embraced the new Seattle Kraken NHL team. The NBA is also considering the return of the Seattle SuperSonics, who relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, marking another significant chapter in the city’s sports history.