Mayor Katie Wilson and City Attorney Erika Evans issued the following statement today:
In recent weeks, the City has received questions about whether fans may peacefully express political, cultural, or personal viewpoints while attending World Cup events. We want to be clear about the rights and protections afforded under Seattle law.
Seattle is a welcoming city, and we look forward to the arrival of fans this week from around the globe for FIFA World Cup 2026. Our focus is making sure everyone can safely enjoy the event and exercise their rights. Many of Seattle’s games also coincide with important cultural and national celebrations including Juneteenth and Pride, and we anticipate some visitors may be coming to the games as a platform for peaceful political expression.
In preparing for the start of the games, the City has communicated to FIFA that Seattle has strong anti-discrimination laws which protect the rights of fans peacefully expressing their political beliefs, even in stadiums. We shared with FIFA that the City’s position is not specific to any political viewpoint or ideology but rather designed to protect all people in the city.
While content-neutral limitations on the size or manner of expression are appropriate, our expectation is that FIFA observes Seattle’s anti-discrimination protections for everyone attending games at Seattle Stadium. Seattle has its own values and policies, including a strong commitment to inclusion.
Our anti-discrimination laws are the strongest in the nation and protect people from discrimination based on protected status—even when inside ticketed spaces, like stadiums. We are committed to helping all attendees feel safe and welcome. At matches, Seattle police are there to maintain a safe, fun experience for everyone, and will not take action based solely on the peaceful expression of political speech.
We recognize that people may bring different experiences, perspectives, and deeply held beliefs to these events. We’re so excited for the World Cup to come to Seattle, and we can’t wait to see fans and communities coming together to enjoy the tournament and unite in celebration.