FAQs

GENERAL 

Where can I find information about when and where World Cup matches are taking place? 

Details about matches can be found on FIFA’s World Cup website.  

Is Redmond hosting any events or watch parties?  

Yes. You can find information about watch parties on Experience Redmond. If you are hosting your own community watch party, you can post it there too! 

What is Redmond doing to get ready for the World Cup? 

As the region prepares for the 2026 World Cup, the City of Redmond has a wide variety of engaging programming and events planned. Whether you’re a community member, small business owner, or first-time visitor – whether you’re a passionate soccer supporter or don’t even know where to start learning – Redmond has you covered. 

Check out redmond.gov/Soccer to explore different programs or read more about various offerings. 

How can I get involved in World Cup activations in the City?  

The City is hosting a variety of events leading up to the tournament, including the Fútbol for All speaker series, quarterly Let’s Get Match Ready: Strategy and Information Sessions, and supporting community watch parties through grants. Learn more by visiting redmond.gov/Soccer. You can also check out different public watch parties on Experience Redmond. 

Can residents rent their homes to visitors? 

Single-family homeowners may rent their home, accessory dwelling units, or a portion of these to visitors. Multi-family or apartment dwellings might be rented if they are approved by the respective management of the building or complex. Homeowner association or condominium agreements should be reviewed to confirm whether rentals are allowed. Local regulations will apply, depending on the duration of the rental and the property owner’s residency. These requirements are available at redmond.gov/ShortTermRentals.

How can I provide feedback regarding World Cup programming or World Cup-related concerns?  

Please fill out our World Cup questionnaire. We’d love to hear from you! 

TRANSPORTATION

How will light rail accommodate the increased number of riders? 

Sound Transit's goal is to deliver a safe and reliable experience for visitors while keeping the region moving for residents. 2 Line trains will come every 8 minutes during peak service. Peak service will run both directions from 6 a.m. – 1 a.m. on match days. Sound Transit will also deploy Staff Ambassadors and Fare Ambassadors to assist with boarding, wayfinding, and safety. 

Where can visitors park?

There are numerous areas to park throughout the City, including public parking, paid lots, Park and Rides, and more. View our Downtown Parking webpage for information about street parking and other options.  

If you will be taking light rail, there are parking garages at Marymoor Village and Redmond Technology stations. The Redmond Transit Center also has parking for anyone park and riding from that location. 

How can I get from Redmond to Seattle for World Cup matches or activities? 

The best ways to get from Redmond to Seattle for World Cup matches is the via light rail on the 2 Line and by bus using the ST 545 route. Please be aware that transit services expect to see a large increase in ridership over the course of the tournament, so plan your timing accordingly! 

All trips on light rail, no matter the distance, cost $3.  A Tap to Pay feature allows riders to use credit and debit cards, and digital wallets, to pay for transit across the Puget Sound region. Riders can simply tap their contactless Visa, Mastercard, Discover® Network, or American Express credit or debit cards, or cards in digital wallets, using Apple Pay™, Google Pay™, or Samsung Pay™ to ride. Riders can also continue to use their ORCA card. Don’t forget to tap before you board! 

And if you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe aboard the light rail, you can contact Sound Transit security staff at 206-398-5268. The number is monitored 24/7 and is accessible via call or text. For emergencies, please call 911. 

How can I get around Redmond?

Redmond is the first stop on the 2 Line to take you to and from the Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field). Redmond has four light rail stations that provide access to our Overlake Village, Marymoor Village, and Downtown Redmond neighborhoods, as well as to Redmond Technology Station near Microsoft’s campus.

There are several buses that service Redmond. Whether you want to get from the airport to Redmond, hop on a bus to a match, or visit other areas of region, public transit offers reliable and affordable routes.

You can also take RedLink, the City’s on-demand, free, all-electric ride service to get around parts of Downtown Redmond, Education Hill, and Southeast Redmond. Whether you're heading to local businesses, catching light rail, or running errands, this service makes local trips simple with no car required.

Plus, Redmond offers an extensive network of bike-friendly paths and walkable areas, catering to those looking for sustainable ways to get around.

TICKET SALES

How can I confirm if my ticket purchase is valid/not being scammed? 

While there is no official way to independently verify the validity of a ticket, FIFA recommends:  

• Only purchase tickets through official FIFA channels 
• Use FIFA’s official ticket transfer process when tickets are shared between individuals 
• Avoid third-party or unofficial resale platforms

Learn more about the risk of buying tickets outside of FIFA.  

PUBLIC SAFETY

What is the City doing to prepare for increased visitors during World Cup? 

The Redmond Office of Emergency Management is conducting reviews and updates of various emergency preparedness plans in preparation for World Cup. City staff are actively involved in ongoing local and regional training and exercises focused on the influx of visitors for FIFA events. 

How will the City mitigate traffic during World Cup? 

Redmond Police Department (RPD) will increase patrol staffing levels, with an emphasis on safety and pedestrian/vehicle traffic Downtown and near the light rail stations. Officers will focus on pedestrian safety, particularly between the hotels and light rail station and traffic congestion will be monitored from RPD’s Real Time Information Center. Traffic cameras and related information will be used to direct police resources accordingly.    

What additional security measures will be in place during World Cup? 

Redmond Police Department (RPD) will increase staffing for patrol coverage, particularly during game days. Officers will provide a visible presence in heavily congestion areas, including Downtown, light rail stations, and World Cup community events. Additional traffic cameras are being placed Downtown to monitor for congestion and situations impacting safety and security. Police bicycle teams will also be deployed for visibility and greater mobility in congested areas of the City and Police drones will be used to provide an aerial perspective of suspicious or criminal activity. RPD will also activate a local Department Operations Center, which will work in conjunction with Real Time Information Center to monitor and deploy resources, as necessary.   

How do I report suspicious activity? 

Suspicious activity may be reported by calling 9-1-1, calling the Police Department non-emergency line at 425-556-2500, or communicating in person to a police officer or city employee. People should not report suspicious activity via the Police Department’s email as this is not monitored 24/7. 

What is suspicious activity I should remain alert for? 

• Abandoned baggage, especially in crowded and public spaces. 
• Individuals acting strangely or trying to get into secured places. 
• People taking photos or videos of government buildings or public infrastructure, like utilities and power lines. 
• Vehicles parked or idling for long periods of time in odd locations.

What can I do to stay safe in crowded indoor and outdoor venues? 

• Look for where the exits are ahead of time in case you need to leave quickly. Make sure they do not appear blocked or locked.  
• Call 9-1-1 if it looks like a room or area inside a building is too crowded or packed. 
• If you are in a crowd that is getting too tight, hold your arms in front of your chest and stay standing. Move diagonally or sideways to exit crowds - not with or against the flow. 
• Determine a meeting point away from the venue for your friends and family to meet if separated before arriving. 
• Do not sit where crowds are standing. 
• Wear weather-appropriate outfits, and avoid loose, heavy clothing. Also be sure to where close-toed shoes.

How is the City preparing for human trafficking prevention?

Ahead of World Cup, public safety officers and city staff are completing specific training, and we are offering training to businesses and the community. We are sponsoring free access to Businesses Ending Slavery & Trafficking (BEST) Basics online training for up to 2,500 employees of local retail and hospitality businesses in Redmond. To receive training access instructions for you and your staff please visit our World Cup Business Resources webpage to learn more. 

How can I stay up to date on ways to stay safe during World Cup?

The City is offering real-time updates on World Cup happenings in Redmond. By opting in to these alerts, you can stay ahead of significant road closures, transit changes, and safety updates related to World Cup.

Text REDMONDREADY — all one word — to 888777 to receive Redmond World Cup alerts directly from the City of Redmond. By opting in, you will receive text message alerts related to the World Cup happenings in Redmond through July 21, 2026 – after which, your contact information will be deleted from the system.  

These alerts are available for anyone interested and do not require an AlertRedmond account. It’s quick and easy! 

BUSINESSES 

I am a business, how to I take advantage of opportunities?

We want to help businesses be prepared and ready to take advantage of the economic impact of major sporting events. Visit our business resource webpage and reach out for tailored assistance to our small business assistance program manager Domonique Meeks at [email protected].

EXPLORE REDMOND 

What places and activities should visitors see in Redmond? 

Redmond offers a vibrant mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and lively urban spots that make it a must-visit destination in the Pacific Northwest. From scenic parks, miles of trails, and family-friendly attractions to eclectic shopping, arts and culture, and unique local experiences, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy. Whether you’re exploring nature along the Sammamish River, discovering local flavors and shops, or catching a community event, Redmond invites you to experience its best sights and activities. Discover more on Experience Redmond's website.  

How can visitors get around Redmond? 

Whether it’s by foot, rolling, transit, or a rideshare, getting around Redmond without a car has never been easier. The City of Redmond offers a well-connected transit system for people that live, work, and visit, making it easy to navigate the City and the Puget Sound region. Find out more on Go Redmond’s website.  

What should visitors know about Redmond?  

• In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1. 
• Other helpful resources can be found on our website.