Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson faced renewed criticism from residents and business owners in the city's Chinatown-International District (CID) ahead of the U.S. men's FIFA World Cup match against Belgium on Monday, as community members held demonstrations over crime, homelessness, and open-air drug activity, as reported by Fox News.

Residents and local advocates say the neighborhood has not experienced the same economic benefits as other parts of Seattle despite the influx of visitors attending World Cup events.

Businesses in the CID and neighboring Little Saigon reported reduced customer traffic even though the district is located less than a mile from Lumen Field, where tournament matches have been played.

Business owners are saying the FIFA World Cup is hurting — not helping — the Chinatown-International District (CID). One advocate said the mayor has turned the CID into a “human dumping ground.”https://t.co/wjd5vgAtnq

— MyNorthwest (@Mynorthwest) July 1, 2026

According to local television station KIRO 7, some business owners believe safety concerns have discouraged visitors from spending time in the neighborhood, leading to declining sales during one of Seattle's busiest tourism periods.

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As crowds gathered for World Cup festivities, protesters assembled near the stadium to voice their concerns about conditions in the CID and to criticize the city's response.

Among those speaking was Chinatown advocate Gary Lee, who accused the mayor of failing to protect the neighborhood.

"Wilson claims to be an advocate for marginalized communities of color, but all she did was turn the CID into a human dumping ground, and we’ve had enough," Lee said during a rally, according to KIRO 7.

Lee also described the contrast between the CID and other popular areas of Seattle that have seen increased activity during the tournament.

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"When I look at the TV, I see that the waterfront is jampacked, Pioneer Square is jampacked. When I go over to Chinatown, it’s just like dead."

"I hate to say it, but it feels like a ghost town," he said of the CID.

Fox News Digital reported that it contacted Wilson's office for comment but did not receive a response before publication.

Wilson has previously addressed concerns about directing visitors beyond Seattle's downtown core.

"We’ve definitely seen, like, a lot of energy was put into trying to make sure that as visitors are coming, they are, you know, venturing out of that downtown corridor," Wilson said when residents raised concerns about conditions in the neighborhood.

In a statement provided to KIRO 7, the mayor's office acknowledged ongoing public safety issues in the district.

"Crime and disorder issues in the CID have gone unaddressed for far too long. We continue to work with the CID community to address their concerns and ensure it is a safe, active, and vibrant neighborhood."

Community activist and former Seattle City Council member Tanya Woo also expressed concern about the area's economic performance during the World Cup.

According to Fox 13 Seattle, Woo said many businesses in the district have experienced sales declines ranging from 10% to 20%.

Woo encouraged residents to help attract visitors by inviting fans to explore the neighborhood before and after matches.

"Many businesses in the Chinatown-International District are reporting sales declines compared to this time last year. Although thousands of FIFA fans are coming to Seattle, our neighborhood has largely become a rideshare pickup and drop-off zone," she wrote.

In a separate post, Woo added, "Seattle’s Chinatown International District should be benefiting from the FIFA World Cup, not being left behind."

Seattle has served as one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup and welcomed several tournament matches, including Monday's contest between the United States and Belgium.

While fan zones and downtown attractions have drawn large crowds, business owners in the CID continue to urge visitors to spend time in their neighborhood as city officials work to address long-standing concerns about crime and public disorder.

The demonstrations highlighted continuing frustration among some residents and merchants, who argue that increased international attention on Seattle during the World Cup has not translated into increased business for the Chinatown-International District.

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