Seattle boosts security, cleans up notorious spots for World Cup
Cleanup continues on Seattle streets during World Cup
The FIFA World Cup has influenced the clean up of several streets and encampments known to affect public safety. FOX 13's Dan Griffin visited some of those hot spots to ahead and during the first World Cup match.
SEATTLE - The city of Seattle targeted crime and homeless encampments ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting noticeable improvements in some of its most notorious intersections as the tournament began.
Local residents and visitors reported a visible shift in the conditions of several high-traffic areas, which traditionally struggled with safety and illegal activity. Enhanced law enforcement and security personnel were deployed throughout the city to maintain order during the international sporting event.
Key intersections show improvement
At Third Avenue and Pike Street, as well as Third Avenue and Pine Street, community members noted a stark contrast to previous months. Longtime residents credited the international spotlight for the sudden transformation.
Crowds stroll through downtown Seattle as the city hosts its first World Cup match on June 15, 2026. (FOX 13 Seattle)
What they're saying:
"FIFA has done a wonderful job in this city making it appear beautiful again," Seattle resident Alisha Wilson said.
Wilson noted that even local businesses previously impacted by crime are showing signs of normal operations, including a McDonald's location that had not allowed customers inside for some time.
"That's the influence of FIFA," Wilson said.
International fans arrive
While the city has intensified its cleanup efforts, some disruptions remain. Tourists wearing team jerseys near Third Avenue reported being screamed at by a stranger, though the incident did not appear to dampen their enthusiasm for the tournament.
The influx of international visitors has brought global attention to the Pacific Northwest. Fans traveling from Australia expressed optimism during their first day in the city ahead of a match between the United States and Australia.
"Been here for a day, but looks fantastic so far," Australian fan James Sarris said.
Fellow traveler Janet Leske added that they plan to spend a week exploring the region.
Political statements and watch parties
Signs of the tournament’s global influence are visible beyond the sports venues. Along the Seattle Monorail route, an Iranian flag was found spray-painted over to reflect the nation's pre-revolutionary flag, a symbol frequently utilized by political opposition movements.
Meanwhile, areas like 12th Avenue and South Jackson Street showed decreased levels of street activity, though it still drew the attention of passing tourists. Nearby at Hing Hay Park in the Chinatown-International District, the city established an outdoor watch party monitored by on-duty park rangers.
World Cup fans walk towards Hing Hay Park in Seattle's Chinatown-International District. (FOX 13 Seattle)
Every intersection showed an increased presence of either police officers or private security guards, including the area surrounding 12th Avenue and South Jackson Street. Local residents expressed hope that the improvements will outlast the tournament.
"This is huge," Wilson said. "I love the influence that the world has had on this city. Hopefully the mayor and the other people can keep it up."
MORE WORLD CUP NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
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The Source: Information in this story came from the City of Seattle and original FOX 13 Seattle reporting and interviews.