Seattle is gearing up for a historic soccer summer, scheduled to host six matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The city’s enthusiasm for the sport extends beyond the stadiums, spilling into the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), which has opened an exhibit titled "The Beautiful Game: How Soccer Connects Us All."
Curated by Libbie Barnes, the exhibition runs from May 23 through September 7 and brings together a rich tapestry of visual and auditory experiences. Magnum Photos contributes a selection of iconic images, while MOHAI’s own archives supply historic photographs that illustrate the sport’s universal appeal.
A Global Gallery of Voices
The walls of MOHAI are adorned with pictures that spotlight players from every continent, emphasizing the diversity that defines modern soccer. From street games in Rio to youth leagues in Nairobi, the collection underscores how the sport weaves together cultures, economies, and generations.
Sounds of the Stands
One of the exhibit’s most immersive features is a dome shaped like a soccer ball. Inside, visitors hear fan chants recorded from far‑flung locales — including Egypt, Iran, and Belgium — creating a sonic map of the world’s stadiums. The audio loop offers a vivid reminder that the roar of a crowd transcends language.
Beyond visual and auditory stimuli, the showcase includes a large object mural composed of 22 soccer balls, each donated by local teams and nonprofits. The mural serves as a tangible tribute to the community’s role in nurturing the sport at every level.
Specialized equipment on display highlights the inclusive spirit of the game. A bell ball designed for visually impaired athletes, supplied by the NW Association of Blind Athletes, and a power soccer ball from Seattle Adaptive Sports illustrate how the sport adapts to meet every participant’s needs.
Community Connections
The exhibit also offers a photo opportunity in front of a Seattle Sounders mural, inviting fans to capture their own piece of local soccer history. Nearby, a series of murals from Seatown FC, Seattle Samurai, Cultures United FC, Somali Health Board Soccer Club, Emerald City Soccer Club, and the ECS Pub League celebrate the city’s vibrant amateur scene.
Through partnerships with organizations such as Magnum Photos, the Museum of History and Industry, and a network of local clubs, the exhibition positions Seattle as a cultural hub where global soccer narratives intersect with neighborhood pride. The collaborative effort reflects a broader vision: to use sport as a conduit for community building and cross‑cultural dialogue.
As the city prepares to welcome international teams and fans for the World Cup matches, the exhibit stands as a prelude — a celebration of soccer’s past, present, and future within Seattle’s diverse neighborhoods. Whether through a photograph, a chant, or a shared moment on the field, the message is clear: the beautiful game truly connects us all.