During summer 2026, the FIFA World Cup™ will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Seattle area will host six matches. You can find more information on the city's webpage for the tournament.
If you are planning to host an event, activity, or program related to the games, there are several considerations, depending on the type, size, and location of your program. Some activities and events may require permits from the City of Bellevue. Others may require licenses from FIFA. It is extremely important to start planning early. While large events are permitted through the city's Special Events Committee, others are permitted by individual city departments or outside agencies. Use this page to get started.
Timeline Expectations
While the below does not cover all scenarios, we want to provide realistic guidance on the amount of time required to plan and permit different types of activities.
| Type of program | Permitting timeline (apply for a permit no fewer than X days before your program) |
| Neighborhood block party on a non-arterial street in a residential area, with no vendors and no liquor service | 14 days |
| Reserving a portion of a City park (other than Downtown Park or Crossroads Park) for a program with fewer than 500 people | 60 days |
| Adding a food truck (parked on a public street) to your program | 30-60 days |
| Reserving a portion of Downtown Park or Crossroads Park for a program with fewer than 500 people | 90 days |
| Programs expecting more than 500 people or which require City resources (like police, fire, or traffic control) | 90 days |
| Closing an arterial or major street | 90 days |
In all cases, please apply as soon as possible—don't wait until the last minute. (The timelines quoted above are the minimum possible timelines.) This will ensure your program's success and prevent unnecessary headaches.
Small programs and watch parties on private property or at your business
FIFA Rules and Regulations
First, for formal watch parties or events taking place entirely on private property, start by consulting the Seattle Sports Commission's Watch Party Playbook. This guide includes useful information on ways to view the games live, which generally requires a license from FIFA. There are also limitations on the use of FIFA branding and/or names.
Public viewing events fall into three categories, as defined by FIFA:
- Non-commercial Public Viewing: There is no entry fee and there are no sponsorships, and the event has a capacity of less than 1,000 people. Public viewing events in commercial establishments, like restaurants, hotels, pubs, clubs, and bars are still considered non-commercial if they're part of the establishment's usual business and no additional commercial activities (like admission fees or sponsorships) occur during the event.
- Commercial Public Viewing: Entry is charged with a direct or indirect admission fee, and/or sponsorships or other commercial rights are used to generate revenue.
- Special Non-Commercial Public Viewing: There is no entry fee and there are no sponsorships, but the event has a capacity of more than 1,000 people.
In general, only programs in the first category may broadcast the games through FOX or Telemundo without obtaining a formal broadcast license. All other events require a formal broadcast license from FIFA. Learn more and get started by consulting the Seattle Sports Commission's Watch Party Playbook.
Note: All public viewing events—regardless of whether a formal broadcast license is required—must follow FIFA's marketing rules. See the Watch Party Playbook for more information.
City Permits
Second, consider any City permits which may be required for your activities. While indoor programming is unlikely to require permits, outdoor programs sometimes do—even if your event is on private property and much smaller than 500 people.
Most common permits which may be required:
- Noise exemption permit, if amplified sound will be used outdoors
- Temporary use permits, for seasonal uses longer than for a single event but less than 90 days
Reach out to us if you'd like to confirm any permits which may be required for your activity.
Small programs and watch parties in a street, sidewalk, or park
FIFA Rules and Regulations
First, for all formal watch parties, you should start by consulting the Seattle Sports Commission's Watch Party Playbook. This guide includes useful information on ways to view the games live, which generally requires a license from FIFA. There are also limitations on the use of FIFA branding and/or names.
Public viewing events fall into three categories, as defined by FIFA:
- Non-commercial Public Viewing: There is no entry fee and there are no sponsorships, and the event has a capacity of less than 1,000 people. Public viewing events in commercial establishments, like restaurants, hotels, pubs, clubs, and bars are still considered non-commercial if they're part of the establishment's usual business and no additional commercial activities (like admission fees or sponsorships) occur during the event.
- Commercial Public Viewing: Entry is charged with a direct or indirect admission fee, and/or sponsorships or other commercial rights are used to generate revenue.
- Special Non-Commercial Public Viewing: There is no entry fee and there are no sponsorships, but the event has a capacity of more than 1,000 people.
In general, only programs in the first category may broadcast the games through FOX or Telemundo without obtaining a formal broadcast license. All other events require a formal broadcast license from FIFA. Learn more and get started by consulting the Seattle Sports Commission's Watch Party Playbook.
Note: All public viewing events—regardless of whether a formal broadcast license is required—must follow FIFA's marketing rules. See the Watch Party Playbook for more information.
City Permits
Second, small programs and events have different permitting requirements based on the scale, features/components, and location of your event or program. In the coming weeks, the city is launching a small event checklist builder which can be used to determine the permits you may need. Check back soon.
Most common permits which may be required:
- Block party permit, for small programs taking place on a non-arterial street in a residential area
- Noise exemption permit, if amplified sound will be used in conjunction with a small program on private property
- Outdoor rental reservation, for small programs expecting less than 500 people taking place in a public park (must apply at least 60 days in advance)
- Special Events Permit for larger events expecting more than 500 people or which require City resources (like police, fire, or traffic control)
Reach out to us if you'd like to confirm any permits which may be required for your activity.
Hosting large events and watch parties in a street, sidewalk, or park
FIFA Rules and Regulations
First, for all formal watch parties or events, you should start by consulting the Seattle Sports Commission's Watch Party Playbook. This guide includes useful information on ways to view the games live, which generally requires a license from FIFA. There are also limitations on the use of FIFA branding and/or names.
Public viewing events fall into three categories, as defined by FIFA:
- Non-commercial Public Viewing: There is no entry fee and there are no sponsorships, and the event has a capacity of less than 1,000 people. Public viewing events in commercial establishments, like restaurants, hotels, pubs, clubs, and bars are still considered non-commercial if they're part of the establishment's usual business and no additional commercial activities (like admission fees or sponsorships) occur during the event.
- Commercial Public Viewing: Entry is charged with a direct or indirect admission fee, and/or sponsorships or other commercial rights are used to generate revenue.
- Special Non-Commercial Public Viewing: There is no entry fee and there are no sponsorships, but the event has a capacity of more than 1,000 people.
In general, only programs in the first category may broadcast the games through FOX or Telemundo without obtaining a formal broadcast license. All other events require a formal broadcast license from FIFA. Learn more and get started by consulting the Seattle Sports Commission's Watch Party Playbook.
Note: All public viewing events—regardless of whether a formal broadcast license is required—must follow FIFA's marketing rules. See the Watch Party Playbook for more information.
City Permits
Second, large programs and events have different permitting requirements based on the scale, features/components, and location of your event or program. Start planning early by reaching out to our Special Events team to discuss location availability and your program's scale.
Special events with more than 500 people, a notable impact to City right-of-way, and/or a need for City support (such as police, fire, or traffic control) must obtain a Special Event Permit by applying online at least 90 days before your event. The Special Event Permit covers all aspects of your event and replaces individual permits issued by City departments.