Seattle will make history this weekend as the host of the first international blind soccer tournament ever staged in the Pacific Northwest, bringing together national teams from the United States, Kazakhstan, and Peru for two days of elite competition and community engagement at Interbay Stadium on 23 and 24 May.
The Blind Soccer International Tournament is organised by the Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026 Local Organising Committee [LINK: seattlefwc26.org] in partnership with the US Association of Blind Athletes, Ballard FC, and Salmon Bay FC. The event is the first of its kind in the region and is designed to elevate visibility for adaptive sports, expand access for athletes who are blind or visually impaired, and build long-term infrastructure for blind soccer in the Pacific Northwest. Organisers say it represents a direct expression of the legacy SeattleFWC26 is committed to building around the city’s hosting of six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches this summer.
“This partnership demonstrates what soccer in service of the community can accomplish,” organisers said, describing the tournament as a pathway to establishing Seattle as a growing hub for blind soccer while advancing accessibility as a core part of the World Cup’s local legacy.
The two-day schedule is as follows:
Saturday, 23 May at Interbay Stadium 11:00 a.m. — USA vs. Peru (media availability) 1:45 p.m. — Kazakhstan vs. Peru 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. — Fan Engagement and Community Activation
Sunday, 24 May at Interbay Stadium 11:00 a.m. — USA vs. Kazakhstan 12:30 p.m. — Awards Ceremony and Photo Opportunities
Saturday’s community activation includes a free Try Blind Soccer Community Clinic open to all ages and experience levels. Participants will have the opportunity to experience blind soccer firsthand through interactive activities and guided demonstrations, learning directly from players, coaches, and organisers. The clinic also includes meet-and-greet experiences with members of the US Blind Soccer National Team and two former Seattle Sounders FC defenders, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado and James Riley. Those who wish to participate in the community clinic can register in advance [LINK: surveymonkey.com/r/CWQBFDW]. No registration is required to attend and watch the matches.
On Sunday, fans are invited to attend the tournament’s final match between the USA and Kazakhstan, followed by the closing awards ceremony celebrating the athletes, teams, and nations who participated throughout the weekend.
The event is taking place at Interbay Stadium, located at 3027 17th Avenue W, Seattle, WA 98119. Key figures involved in the weekend include Peter Tomozawa, CEO of SeattleFWC26; Michael Holmes, President of the US Association of Blind Athletes; Sam Zisette, Co-Founder and President of Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC; and former Sounders defenders Hurtado and Riley.
Media and event inquiries can be directed to Hana Tadesse, SVP of Communications, at 206-436-9131.
To keep up to date on the latest news and involvement opportunities with SeattleFWC26, please with https:www.seattlefwc26.org.
