UW and the 2026 World Cup

Husky Soccer Stadium at the University of Washington is considered a Matchday Minus One (MD-1) practice venue for teams competing in Seattle. For every game, both teams competing have the option to practice at the UW the day before the match. In addition, FIFA is requesting additional days for the UW to be available, to offer teams multiple training options depending on their game and travel schedule. FIFA has an exclusive use window at the UW June 11–July 9, where the field may not be accessed by anyone other than approved staff.

No. All practices are closed to the public. A limited number of invited media and guests may attend practices. FIFA staff will manage this process.

We need to be prepared for only 24–48 hours’ notice of a team coming to practice at the UW. While FIFA hopes to know earlier, there’s no guarantee.

Husky Soccer Stadium, Husky Ballpark (team locker room and media room) and a portion of the E18 parking lot will be used by FIFA.

Follow the Seattle World Cup calendar to see which teams are competing and when.

Fans can purchase tickets at this FIFA website.

Yes! Practices are not happening in Husky Stadium, home to the Class of 2026 Commencement on Saturday, June 13. Practices on the soccer field won’t start until the day after Commencement.

UW Summer A Term begins on June 22, within the FIFA practice period, but there are no anticipated impacts to class schedules or instructional building use or access.

Generally, all campus areas west of Montlake Boulevard (upper campus) are not affected by practices and are open and accessible, as usual.

Yes, parking in most of E18 will remain open to staff, students and the general public. One section of the E18 parking lot will be inaccessible on practice days to create a secure area for team buses and other vehicles. Invited media and guests attending practice will park outside of this secure area.

Yes. Vehicle access will be maintained through East Campus along Wahkiakum and Walla Walla Road.

Yes, although we will need to adjust the route slightly on practice days to go around the secure perimeter.

No, but the teams will be traveling via buses with a police escort. Similar to the day of a football game, traffic may be stopped briefly to prioritize the team buses’ access the practice site.

Sure, but you may occasionally encounter a detour along Canal Road.

The UW is unable to offer campus housing to spectators and unaffiliated members of the general public. During the summer, the UW houses students registered for summer quarter classes, as well as summer groups of all ages attending events on or near campus that are aligned with the University’s educational and outreach mission.

The UW offers housing for groups during the summer beginning on Sunday, June 21. For groups serving specific roles in the World Cup or attending for educational purposes, please contact Conference Services at stayover@uw.edu or 206-543-7636.

The UW is a fantastic housing option for World Cup staff, officials and volunteers through our Guest Housing program, which is available beginning Sunday, June 21. For details, please contact Conference Services at stayover@uw.edu or 206-543-7636.

During the summer, the UW features all-you-care-to-eat dining halls Local Point in Lander Hall on west campus and Center Table in Oliver Hall (formerly known as Willow Hall) on north campus. District Market also has on-campus grocery stores in Alder Hall (west campus) and Oak Hall (north campus). For a list of all campus dining options, please visit the HFS website.

Yes, where operationally feasible. Managers may approve requests for adjusted start and end times, staggered shifts, occasional telework, or other scheduling flexibility to help reduce commute disruption. Decisions should be based on operational needs and the requirements of the role. 

Managers should plan ahead to ensure essential coverage is maintained. This may include confirming staffing levels, coordinating schedules where possible, and setting clear expectations with employees. Early communication helps teams plan for commute impacts and maintain continuity of operations. 

Managers are encouraged to take a proactive and reasonable approach. Employees should communicate delays as early as possible, and managers may consider short-term flexibility where feasible. Expectations should remain clear, while responding with consistency and good judgment.