Soccer watch parties in Tri-Cities to kick off the buzz for Seattle’s World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in Seattle may be two years away, but Tri-Cities soccer fans already are getting a chance to join in the excitement for the event.

Soccer fans can attend a COPA America semi-final watch party at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, at the Summer’s Hub food truck venue in Kennewick. The game is between the Uruguay and Colombia national teams.

Admission is free, but space is limited. First arrivals will receive Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 swag and player autographs.

The nonprofit Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 is partnering with local communities to host a series of soccer watch parties across Washington this summer. In Kennewick, the organization is working with Visit Tri-Cities .

Former Seattle Sounders player Roman Torres and Seattle 2026 Ambassador Jaime Méndez will be attending this week’s festivities.

Roman Torres is a Panamanian national hero and one of the greatest players in the country’s history. During the qualifications for the 2018 World Cup, Torres scored a late winning goal, securing Panama’s first-ever World Cup appearance.

He also scored the decisive penalty in a shoot-out against Toronto, giving the Seattle Sounders their first MLS Cup in 2016. Torres has won nine league championship titles and has been named to CONCACAF’s Best XI twice in his career.

Jaime Méndez, an Emmy award-winning journalist, presenter and influencer, is a prominent figure in Washington’s Spanish-language media.

Méndez was a news anchor and reporter for Univision Seattle’s daily news program since 2007.

“We are proud to partner with Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 to bring the excitement of COPA America to the Tri-Cities,” said Hector Cruz, vice president of Development & Community Engagement at Visit Tri-Cities.

“As the FIFA World Cup approaches with games in Seattle in just two years, this event presents the Tri-Cities with potential opportunities to maximize on the economic benefits of hosting the world’s largest sporting event,” he said.

Pasco is being considered to host the FIFA Fan Festival in 2026, the official site where fans can watch live broadcasts of World Cup games and experience soccer, music, food and culture in a World Cup atmosphere.