Local Markets Thrive as Communities Unite for World Cup Festivities
WHO:
Santa Barbara News-Press - Travis Twining, owner of Santa Barbara Public Market
Santa Barbara News-Press - Natalie Ramos, Public Market Manager
West Seattle Blog - SeattleFWC26, the organizing body for the FIFA World Cup events in Seattle
WHAT:
Santa Barbara News-Press - The Santa Barbara Public Market was packed during the Mexico vs. England game, showcasing a strong sense of community.
Santa Barbara News-Press - Travis Twining noted that businesses serving food from specific countries experienced a significant increase in sales when those teams played, such as a surge in Korean food sales when Korea was competing.
West Seattle Blog - The Seattle leg of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will conclude with the USA vs. Belgium match, which is the USA's first quarterfinal appearance since 2002.
West Seattle Blog - A new watch party called “Kicking it in the CID” will be hosted at Hing Hay Park, with doors opening at 4 p.m.
Santa Barbara News-Press - The Santa Barbara Public Market has seen an influx of people during FIFA World Cup games.
Santa Barbara News-Press - Fans have been arriving two to three hours early to secure seating for games.
Santa Barbara News-Press - The market has experienced a major increase in sales among businesses during the World Cup.
West Seattle Blog - The USA will compete against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup match.
West Seattle Blog - The match is significant as it marks the USA's first time in the quarterfinals since 2002.
West Seattle Blog - Fan celebrations will begin at Pier 58 with DJs, food, and drinks.
WHERE:
Santa Barbara News-Press - Santa Barbara Public Market, Santa Barbara, California
West Seattle Blog - Pier 58, Seattle, Washington
West Seattle Blog - Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington
West Seattle Blog - Hing Hay Park, Chinatown-International District, Seattle, Washington
WHEN:
West Seattle Blog - The USA vs. Belgium match is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m.
West Seattle Blog - Fan celebrations at Pier 58 will start at 10:30 a.m.
West Seattle Blog - The "March to the Match" will begin at 3 p.m.
West Seattle Blog - Doors for the watch party at Hing Hay Park will open at 4 p.m.
WHY:
Santa Barbara News-Press - The Public Market aims to create a sense of community and inclusion during the World Cup.
West Seattle Blog - The match is crucial for the USA as it seeks to advance in the tournament.
HOW:
West Seattle Blog - The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) plans to close additional streets, including portions of Alaskan Way, starting in the early afternoon and lasting through the duration of the march.
Santa Barbara News-Press - The market prepared for increased attendance by purchasing more TVs and opening its event center.
West Seattle Blog - SeattleFWC26 is organizing fan celebrations and street closures to accommodate larger crowds.
(UPDATED July 6, 2026 16:07 UTC)
The Santa Barbara Public Market was bustling with excitement during the Mexico versus England game, highlighting a vibrant community spirit. Travis Twining observed that food businesses saw a notable boost in sales tied to the teams competing, with Korean cuisine particularly thriving when Korea played. In Seattle, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will wrap up with the USA facing Belgium in their first quarterfinal since 2002, and a new watch party called “Kicking it in the CID” will kick off at Hing Hay Park, with doors opening at 4 p.m.
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(UPDATED July 6, 2026 08:26 UTC)
The Santa Barbara Public Market is experiencing a surge in visitors during the FIFA World Cup, with fans arriving two to three hours early to secure seating and businesses seeing a significant boost in sales. Meanwhile, excitement is building in Seattle as the USA prepares to face Belgium in a crucial quarterfinal match, the first for the team since 2002, with fan celebrations kicking off at Pier 58 at 10:30 a.m. and a "March to the Match" starting at 3 p.m. to rally support for the team.