I spent the better part of a week in Washington for the 2026 World Cup match between the United States and Belgium, and the entire trip turned into an experience I will not soon forget.

The game was the reason for the trip, but Seattle quickly became one of the highlights. There was something about the city that immediately clicked with me. It felt energetic without being overwhelming, and every neighborhood seemed to have its own personality. With the water, mountains, and city skyline all coming together, there was no shortage of scenery.

Pike Place Market was every bit as good as I had hoped. The seafood, fresh produce, small shops, and constant activity made it easy to spend hours wandering around. I took full advantage of being in the Pacific Northwest and enjoyed fresh salmon nearly every day. It is hard to beat food that fresh, especially when it is paired with locally grown produce.

Photography was not the main focus of the trip, and I did not have nearly as much time behind the camera as I would have liked. Still, I managed to get away for a few photographs around Mount Rainier, the Olympic Peninsula, and several other areas surrounding Seattle. The landscapes were incredible. Even when the weather was cloudy, the soft light, deep greens, distant mountains, and dramatic skies made the entire region feel made for photography.

Washington left a lasting impression on me. The World Cup match was unforgettable, but the beauty of Seattle and the surrounding landscape made the trip even more special. I left feeling like I had only scratched the surface.

I will definitely be going back, and next time, I plan to bring more time for photography and backpacking.

Although US took a loss, the experience was a win. The atmosphere was off the hook