World Cup 2026 Seattle Matches: A Guide for the Blind Ticket Lottery

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is coming to North America, and Seattle is one of the chosen host cities! The Emerald City is buzzing with excitement, and football fans are already dreaming of witnessing the beautiful game at Lumen Field. However, before you can experience the thrill of a World Cup match, you need to navigate the ticket application process.

The first phase of ticket sales is a "blind" lottery, which means you apply for tickets without knowing which teams will be playing. This can be a daunting prospect, but this guide is here to help you make an informed decision. We'll break down the potential matches in Seattle, analyze the different scenarios, and help you decide if the blind lottery is the right choice for you.

Seattle's Group Stage Matches: A Mixed Bag

Seattle will host four group stage matches, spread across three different groups:

One match from Group B
One match from Group D
Two matches from Group G

This is where things get interesting. The host nations have been pre-assigned to their groups, with Canada in Group B and the USA in Group D. As host nations, they are automatically placed in Pot 1, which is reserved for the highest-ranked teams.

This means that no other Pot 1 team will be drawn into Group B or Group D. So, if you're dreaming of seeing football giants like Spain, Argentina, Brazil, or Portugal in the group stage in Seattle, you're out of luck for the Group B and D matches.

The Group G Wildcard

The two Group G matches are a different story. These two matches will be played between three different teams, and one of them will likely be a Pot 1 team. This means you could potentially see a top-ranked team in one of these matches. However, you won't know which team it is until the draw in December 2025.

Who Should Buy Group Match Tickets in the Blind Lottery?

Given the uncertainty, is it worth buying group match tickets in the blind lottery? Here's a breakdown of who should consider it:

1. The "I Just Want to Be There" Fan:

If your main goal is to soak up the incredible atmosphere of a World Cup match and you don't care which teams are playing, then the blind lottery is a great option. You're guaranteed a ticket to a World Cup match, and you'll get to experience the passion and excitement of the tournament firsthand.

2. The Die-Hard USMNT Supporter:

If you're a supporter of the United States Men's National Team, then you should absolutely apply for the Group D match in Seattle. This is your chance to see the USMNT play on home soil in the world's biggest tournament.

3. The Gambler:

Are you feeling lucky? The teams in Pots 2, 3, and 4 for Groups B and D could still be very strong. You might get to see a team like Croatia, Italy, Germany, Norway, or Egypt. If you're willing to take a chance, you could be rewarded with a fantastic match.

4. The "Fear of Missing Out" Fan:

Imagine if a team you love is drawn to play in Seattle, and you didn't apply for tickets in the blind lottery. If the thought of that fills you with dread, then you should probably apply. It's better to have a ticket and not need it than to need a ticket and not have one.

Run Your Own World Cup Simulation!

Seattle's Knockout Stage Matches: All Eyes on Group G

Seattle will also host two knockout stage matches:

One Round of 32 match
One Round of 16 match

The path to these matches is directly linked to Group G.

Round of 32

The Round of 32 match will be between the winner of Group G and a third-place team from another group. The quality of this match will heavily depend on the strength of the Group G winner. If a top team wins the group, you could be in for a treat.

Round of 16

The Round of 16 match will feature the winner of the Seattle Round of 32 match and potentially the winner of Group D. This means that the quality of this match is also tied to the quality of the Group G winner.

The Verdict: To Buy or Not to Buy?

So, should you buy tickets for the Seattle matches in the blind lottery? Here's a summary:

Group Stage: If you're a USMNT fan, a gambler, or someone who just wants to experience the World Cup, then go for it. If you're holding out for a specific top-tier team, you might want to wait for the third sales phase after the draw.
Knockout Stage: The knockout stage matches are a bit of a lottery. The quality of the matches will depend on the strength of the teams in Group G. If you're feeling lucky, it could be worth a shot. Check out the potential Pot 1 team in Group G here.

Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Weigh the pros and cons, consider your budget, and decide what's most important to you. And remember, you can always try your luck again in the second sales phase after the draw.

For more information on the ticket sales process, be sure to check out our other blog posts:

No matter what you decide, the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Seattle is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Good luck!