Hosting the MLS Cup final doesn’t pack nearly the economic punch of a Super Bowl, but there’s still plenty for Seattle to gain.
The biggest is how a strong citywide showing this week and on Sunday by roughly 70,000 Sounders fans could impact chances of playing host to World Cup matches in 2026. Seattle is shortlisted with 17 potential U.S. game sites that will be pared to 10 by FIFA come 2021 for this country’s joint hosting effort with Canada and Mexico.
“It’s already well-known that we have one of the best franchises in MLS,’’ said Ralph Morton, chairman of the Seattle Sports Commission.