BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham will be a hotspot next year for what’s been called the biggest international sporting event of all time.

The Seattle-based organizing committee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup announced on Jan. 14 that Bellingham has been selected as one of nine locations across the state to be an official fan zone of the event.

As a fan zone, the city will host watch parties, live entertainment and interactive experiences for fans. The city will also receive a portion of state and federal funding to help prepare security and small businesses for the influx of visitors.

“Bellingham is ready to get in the game for FIFA World Cup 2026,” Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund said in a statement. “From waterfront watch parties to showcasing our unrivaled recreation opportunities, we can’t wait to show off the best of the Pacific Northwest. We are harnessing our uniquely Bellingham energy to make the Bellingham fan zone an unforgettable experience now, and a legacy for our future.”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, featuring 16 host cities all together.

Bellingham will be right in the middle of the action, with six matches taking place in Seattle and seven more in Vancouver from June 13 through July 7.

Specific fan zone locations around the city will be announced ahead of the tournament.