While Seattle hosted six FIFA World Cup matches at Lumen Field between June 11 and July 19, Bellevue cashed in.

Early data from Visit Bellevue estimates the city captured $12.5 million in World Cup-related visitor spending, according to Downtown Bellevue Network.

The City of Bellevue had projected 15,000 international visitors would stay in Bellevue lodgings during the tournament, according to a May 27 city announcement.

The 2 Line light rail, running every eight to 15 minutes across Lake Washington, made Bellevue an easy home base for fans heading to matches.

Visit Bellevue marketed the city as a "basecamp destination," offering hotel packages that included a Bellevue Collection gift card and complimentary airport shuttle transportation.

"Whether you're from Lake Hills, Laurelhurst or London, welcome!" Jesse Canedo, the city's chief economic development officer, said in the May 27 announcement previewing summer programming.

On the ground, the Bellevue Downtown Association transformed the Grand Connection Corridor with photo marquees by Seattle-based artist Sarah Robbins, free foosball tables, wayfinding kiosks, and flags representing all 48 participating nations.

The city contracted the BDA, BelRed Arts District Community Alliance, Spring District Association, and Visit Bellevue to host activations near light rail stations.

Reader's Digest named Bellevue a recommended World Cup day trip from Seattle, highlighting restaurants including Baron's Sino Kitchen & Bar, Bellevue Brewing Company, Farzi Cafe, La Mar Bellevue, and The Lakehouse.

International World Cup visitors spent up to 10 times more than domestic visitors, CoStar found.

In the Seattle metro area, average daily hotel rates jumped 30.5% to $271.80 for the week ending June 20, the second-highest increase among top U.S. markets, according to Travel Weekly.

For context, Bellevue's visitor economy generated $760 million in overnight spending in 2025 and supports 14,500 hospitality jobs, according to Visit Bellevue.

No final economic impact report has been released. The $12.5 million figure represents partial-tournament data, and Visit Bellevue has not announced a date for a full accounting.