PUYALLUP, WA – SeattleFWC26 and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians have announced a Host City Supporters Agreement for FIFA World Cup 26™. The Puyallup Tribe joins SeattleFWC26 as the Official Legacy Supporter for all Seattle 26 activities and activations. This marks the first time in the history of the international tournament that an Indigenous people have entered into an agreement with any host city.
“Soccer is the international instrument to bring people together in a good way and for us to have a piece of that is really an honor,” said Puyallup Tribal Council Chairman Bill Sterud. “It is important that we are here, Indigenous people. Whether it’s in Puyallup, throughout the state, throughout the country or through Central and South America, we are here, and we have a culture, and it’s important. We take care of our people, and we’d like to show that to the world.”
The Puyallup Tribe is a federally recognized sovereign nation of more than 5,000 members. The Puyallup people have lived along the shores of what is now called Puget Sound since time immemorial.
“Selecting a legacy partner was a top priority for us,” said Peter Tomozawa, SeattleFWC26’s CEO. “This is not just hosting a massive event that the state has never seen before, but an opportunity for us to build a better future for generations to come. In 1962, the World’s Fair came to Seattle and laid the groundwork for Seattle to become the city of the future. In 2026, we want to leave behind a people-based legacy impacting our community, culture and children that will strengthen the foundation for the future of humanity, and I can think of no better cultural partner than the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.”
The Puyallup Tribe of Indians will work with SeattleFWC26 on several initiatives throughout the next several years, allowing the tribe the opportunity to share their story, in their own voice, on the global stage.
