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November 2025
Washington State's FIFA World Cup 2026™ Safety & Security Planning Updates
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Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Ball among Larch Trees (AI generated image)
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In This Issue
◊ WA FWC2026 Subcommittee Updates
◊ Planning Tools & Resources
◊ Tournament Status
◊ Training Opportunities
◊ In the News
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FIFA World Cup 2026™ brings the world's largest sporting event to Washington and 15 other locations across North America.
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Washington FWC2026 Subcommittee Updates
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Washington State’s FIFA World Cup 2026 (WA FWC2026) Safety and Security Planning Committee has become a well-established hub for partner integration. The six focused Subcommittees are: Communications, Emergency Management, Public Health & Medical, Safety & Security, Transportation, and Intelligence, Threat Analysis, and Investigations. Each group brings together subject matter experts from across local, state, tribal, federal, and regional agencies.
Please email emd.worldcup26@mil.wa.gov to connect with a subcommittee or follow-ups on any of the following information.
Subcommittees are seeking input on these key topics:
- Suggestions and needs for health and public safety messages.
- Data or requests to display on the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) common operating picture (COP).
- Personnel to join communications and information sharing platforms (when established).
Highlighted Planning Updates:
- October 23rd, 2025, Public Information Officers (PIOs) from around the state and region participated in the Joint Information Center tabletop exercise hosted by King County Office of Emergency Management.
- SeattleFWC26 has published new Playbooks as planning tools for partners. These can be accessed at this link: SeattleFWC26 Playbooks.
- The SEOC Operations Section is expanding preparedness engagements with a wider audience of statewide fire, EMS, and law enforcement partners.
- EMD's regional LEPC liaisons are assisting preparedness through information sharing and connecting partners.
- “Human Rights” remains a key FIFA legacy pillar, which includes potential training opportunities for first responders—particularly 911 dispatchers—on human and sex trafficking. Visit here for SEATTLEFWC2026's first Human Trafficking Prevention Strategy Workshop: Human Trafficking Prevention-Strategy Workshop.
- The U.S. Office of Foreign Missions continues to offer sessions on diplomatic engagement and consular coordination for law enforcement. Scheduling remains on hold due to the federal government shutdown, but plans are in place to make content accessible via in-person, remote, and recorded formats.
- National teams have an informal window between the December 5 Team Draw and January 9, 2025, to select preferred base camps and hotels, with contracts to be finalized by January 31, 2025. Teams may view available facilities here.
- Tacoma, Vancouver, and Spokane watch party locations remain TBD, with Spokane considering Avista Stadium as a potential venue.
Safety & Security
- Continuing to build security site assessments as more details on statewide fans zones are being shared.
- Seattle PD is Seeking FIFA guidance on escort requirements for VVIPs (i.e. important visitors that are not teams, dignitaries, and heads of state).
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The WA State Fusion Center (WSFC) is working on a real-time intel collaboration platform. Details will be share when as soon as the platform is ready.
Communications
- The King County JIC/JIS Exercise will take place October 23, using a “heat dome during World Cup” scenario with over 40 PIOs registered.
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Sheri Badger (King County OEM) released a short video explaining the statewide Joint Information System (JIS) for the tournament: Watch Here.
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Private cellular network providers are collaborating on coverage and system load assessments.
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Stadium display capabilities are being reviewed for potential use in public health messaging.
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The State Interoperability Summit 2025 is scheduled for October 30 in Ellensburg.
- Frist drafts of the Joint Information System (JIS) plan and pre-scripted messages are complete and under review.
Emergency Management
- One planning factor for the WC mass care plan is identifying alternate locations when our traditional sheltering sites are already booked.
- SEOC continues statewide COP development, which will now include National Weather Service data.
- ESF 6 - Mass Care will be included SEOC FWC2026 related activations.
- Considering employment of Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) volunteers to support statewide events
Intelligence, Threat Analysis, & Investigations
- WA State Fusion Center (WSFC) has begun team profile analysis on the qualified teams.
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WA DOH’s intelligence team will integrate with WSFC to enhance monitoring of biohazards and public health threats.
- During tournament activations, WSFC will deploy analysis to various command and control nodes across the state.
- Intelligence products are now regularly being distributed by FIFA and WSFC. Contact the WSFC to receive these FIFA World Cup intelligence products.
Public Health & Medical
- DOH is requesting clarification from FIFA regarding match delay or cancellation procedures due to air quality or wildfire smoke.
- DOH requests notification if the Puyallup Tribe charters a “hotel ship” to allow time for inspection.
- Local Emergency Medical Corps volunteers remain available; however, the State Emergency Medical Corps (SEMC) has been discontinued.
- DOH anticipates increased demand for food inspection capacity during the tournament due to expanded vendor operations.
- DOH surveillance workgroup discussed updates on FIFA surveillance planning, reviewed priority conditions from previous events (2010 Olympics, 2022 FIFA World Cup, and 2024 Paris Olympics) and discussed how to maintain situational awareness.
- Credentialing – working with DOH HSQA to make sure international team providers from are supported for practicing medicine in WA. These providers may also be useful in the event of a potential disaster (i.e. rapid credentialing).
Transportation
- SeattleFWC2026 (the Local Organizing Committee) is developing a webpage to share tips on how to move about the region during the tournament.
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Increased cruise ship activity during the tournament is expected to bring 4,000–7,000 additional visitors to the Seattle area.
- WA EMD's UAS Treat and Hazard Preparedness Framework is published.
- The Cross-Border Workgroup is addressing traffic and other British Columbia - Washington border related topics.
Thank you to all partners for your collaboration!
Join Our Monthly Open Office Hours
The Washington State FWC2026 Planning Committee hosts monthly Open Office Hours via MS Teams providing a space to ask questions, share updates, or just listen in. Let's continue building momentum together as we prepare for one of the biggest events Washington has ever hosted!
Next Session: November 5, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. To receive an invite, email: emd.worldcup26@mil.wa.gov
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Planning Tools & Resources
Tournament Status
Key Takeaways from the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification Process
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Current status: As of October 31, 2025, 28 teams have officially qualified.
- CAF (Africa) finished qualifications with Cabo Verde securing a spot in their first FIFA World Cup. Also qualified are Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal and South Africa.
- AFC (Asia) qualified two more teams, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
- UEFA (Europe) England is the first team to qualify.
- Qualification timeline: The qualification process began in 2023, continues through 2025, and concludes in March 2026.
- Majority of teams decided by end of 2025: 42 of the 48 total teams will be confirmed by December 5, 2025. The remaining 6 teams will qualify through March 2026 playoffs
- Team site selection begins soon: Bidding for base camps, training sites, and accommodations opens in December 2025, with final decisions potentially extending to April 2026.
Each confederation has its own path to qualification based on FIFA’s allocated slots. For the most current updates and explanations, visit FIFA’s official tournament page: FIFA World Cup 26™ Qualifiers
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Training Opportunities
Washington State Emergency Management Division and our partners are coordinating many training opportunities to address the unique challenges of FIFA World Cup 2026.
Highlights from Washington Emergency Management Division
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Course Title
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Date(s)
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Location
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PER-335: Critical Decision Making for Complex Coordinated Attacks
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1/28 - 1/29/2025
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Snohomish County DEM
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AWR-144: Port and Vessel Security for Public Safety and Maritime Personnel
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3/11 - 3/12/2025
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Virtual - Snohomish County
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MGT-467: Sport and Special
Event Public Information and
Emergency Notification
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4/28 - 4/29/2026
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Everett, WA
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MGT-412: Sport and Special
Event Evacuation and
Protective Actions
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5/12 -5/13/2026
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Everett, WA
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Registration for the above courses on the EMD Training Webpage: https://mil.wa.gov/training-and-exercise or email EMD.training@mil.wa.gov.
Subscribe to Training and Exercises' GovDelivery updates at Subscribe to WA EMD GovDelivery
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Training Opportunities from Other Partners
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In the News
September 26, 2025
Seattle officials say city is safe for World Cup
by Elliott Almond, Cascade Daily News Contributor
Seattle organizers said Friday they are committed to ensuring a safe, welcoming and memorable experience for the 2026 World Cup, speaking a day after President Donald Trump suggested he might replace some host cities he deemed unsafe.
Trump’s comments to reporters at the Oval Office on Thursday, Sept. 25, have led to speculation and confusion about sport’s biggest event two months before the tournament draw will determine where and when the teams will play in 16 cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
“Seattle looks forward to shining on the world stage and hosting an event that is not only spectacular, but safe for all,” said Hana Tadesse, spokesperson for the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26."
“Since being selected by FIFA as a host city, we’ve worked closely with them, the White House Task Force for FIFA World Cup 26, community partners, and law enforcement, and are confident in our planning and coordination in advance of next summer’s matches,” Tadesse added in her statement.
Read the full article here.
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September 30, 2025
Redmond is Ready for the World: City Shares Welcoming Vision in Preparation for FIFA World Cup 2026™
Contact: Kelly Schutz, City of Redmond Communications Manager
REDMOND, WA – The City of Redmond today unveiled Redmond is Ready for the World, a bold strategic campaign rooted in community connection and designed to bring people together ahead of next year’s World Cup events in the Puget Sound region. The campaign is a celebration of Redmond’s welcoming vision and includes a comprehensive collection of programming designed to engage community members, local businesses, and visitors alike.
“Redmond is Ready for the World reflects who we are as a city: welcoming, innovative, and connected,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “As we prepare for next summer, we are proud to showcase Redmond not only as a gateway to the global excitement, but also as a community that embraces diversity, supports our local businesses, and creates lasting connections.”
The campaign centers primarily on fostering community pride and connection through engaging with residents and community members and supporting local businesses as they prepare for next summer and use the event as a catalyst to drive Redmond’s progress.
The City is also using this generational opportunity to further establish Redmond as a premier place to visit and stay, with roughly 750,000 visitors expected regionally over the course of the tournament. Given the expected spring 2026 opening of Sound Transit’s light rail across Lake Washington and Redmond’s place as the first stop on the 2 Line, the City is poised as a desirable destination for fans looking to travel into Seattle for World Cup matches and other regional events.
Read the full news release here.
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October 15, 2025
Washington military leader warns of drone threat to World Cup, other events
by Chris Daniels, KOMO News
WASHINGTON STATE — What if a foreign enemy or terrorist organization launched a drone attack from Seattle’s waterfront towards the neighboring stadiums or SeaTac airport?
It is a sobering question that Washington state’s top military leader and emergency management official is now thinking about daily.
Welsh wears multiple high-ranking hats for the state of Washington as the Adjutant General. He is the commanding general of the Washington Army and Air National Guard forces and oversees the state’s emergency management and enhanced 911 programs. He is also the Homeland Security Advisor to the Governor of Washington. He said recent events, combined with Seattle’s planned hosting of the 2026 World Cup, have raised his concerns.
In a draft report, being finalized this month, the State’s Emergency Management office is set to issue new guidance on drone activity to local and state jurisdictions, while also noting.
"(Drone) threats remain difficult to counter due to civil rights protections, federal aviation restrictions, and the ease with which operators can evade law enforcement,” and that "Federal law gives the FAA exclusive control of U.S. airspace, which limits what states and local jurisdictions can do on their own."
Read the full article here.
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October 16, 2025
Over 1 million tickets sold for 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in North America
by Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press
More than 1 million tickets have already been sold for next year’s World Cup, FIFA said Thursday in its first update on numbers since the official start of sales began earlier this month.
The highest demand, as would be expected, were from buyers in the U.S., Canada and Mexico — the three nations that will play host to the tournament. FIFA said people from 212 different countries and territories have already purchased, even though only 28 of the 48 spots in the field have been filled.
Rounding out the top-10 countries in terms of tickets purchased already: England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina and France, in order, FIFA said. The tournament runs from June 11 through July 19.
“As national teams across the globe compete for a place at the historic FIFA World Cup 26, I am thrilled so many football-loving fans also want to be part of this watershed event in North America,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a release.
He added, “It’s an incredible response, and a wonderful sign that the biggest, most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history is capturing the imagination of supporters everywhere.”
Read the full article here.
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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
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Pause Starts: June 8, 2026
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Pause Ends: July 13, 2026
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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:
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Keep Everyone Safe: Clear sidewalks and streets make it easier for people walking, biking, scooting, or driving to move around.
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Ease Traffic: With tens of thousands of visitors expected, keeping streets open will reduce congestion.
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Support Local Businesses: Open streets make it easier for people to visit shops, restaurants, and venues.
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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.
Get more information here.
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October 1, 2025
EASC Launches Grant Program to Support Regional Readiness for FIFA World Cup 26 Seattle
Everett, Wash., Oct. 1, 2025 — Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) is pleased to announce the launch of the Activate Snohomish Community Grant Program, a competitive funding opportunity designed to support small businesses and community-based organizations in preparing for the anticipated economic and cultural impact of FIFA World Cup 26 Seattle™.
This grant program is made possible through funding from the Seattle Foundation, with additional support from the Washington State Department of Commerce and will be administered by EASC in its role as the small business liaison to the Snohomish Local Organizing Committee for the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to bring a significant influx of international visitors to the Pacific Northwest, with matches taking place in both Seattle and Vancouver, BC. Snohomish County, positioned along the main travel corridor between these two host cities, is uniquely situated to benefit from the associated tourism, business activity, and global visibility. The Activate Snohomish Community Grant Program is intended to help communities and small businesses capitalize on this unprecedented opportunity by enhancing local readiness, promoting tourism-facing assets, and activating commercial corridors.
Read the full news release here
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Want to share this newsletter with others? Include this link in your own publication: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAMILITARY/bulletins/3f66529
For further inquiries, please contact the Safety & Security Planning Team at emd.worldcup26@mil.wa.gov
This newsletter was produced by Caroline Byrd and Bobby Kelly, Washington Emergency Management Division, at caroline.byrd@mil.wa.gov & robert.kelly@mil.wa.gov
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