While President Trump made NO request for funds to support American cities and localities with the cost of hosting the FIFA World Cup in his budget request, Senator Murray led her colleagues in securing more than $100 million to help communities across America, including Seattle, tackle the transportation challenges of hosting the World Cup
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $8.4 million in federal funds for Seattle to support the region’s transportation needs as it hosts the FIFA World Cup this summer. President Trump requested no funds to help local communities meet the demands of hosting the World Cup in his budget request to Congress; however, Senator Murray worked with her colleagues on both sides of the aisle to set aside more than $100 million to help meet the transportation challenges associated with hosting the World Cup—the funding bill Murray helped author and negotiate was signed into law by President Trump on February 3, 2026.
“Hosting the FIFA World Cup should be a major economic boost for Washington state and Seattle—but if we want it to be a success, then the federal government needs to be a partner and provide the necessary resources to manage a large-scale global event like the World Cup,” said Senator Murray. “With visitors from around the world, the funding I wrote into our spending bills will help make sure Seattle and King County are able to get people where they need to go. I can’t wait for the entire world to see how special Seattle and all of Washington state is. Washington state loves soccer and soccer fans will love the great Pacific Northwest.”
“We are excited to welcome the world to our region and play our part in helping both residents and visitors move throughout King County this summer,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “We are grateful for Senator Murray’s efforts that have secured $8.4 million in funding to ensure that public transit can provide safe, reliable, and efficient service during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Through these investments, King County Metro will be well positioned to meet the increased demand on our transit network and make necessary enhancements that help us meet the moment.”
“When our region welcomes fans from across the globe this summer, they will rely on our growing, world-class transit system for getting to and from matches, lodging, fan zones and more,” said Dow Constantine, Sound Transit CEO. “We deeply appreciate the advocacy of Senator Murray and our other federal partners in securing this critical funding. It will help ensure those visiting the Puget Sound for this historic event will have a positive experience.”
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