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U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino declared that his squad would rise to celebrity status by the conclusion of a memorable summer.
"Our players are going to be the great heroes," the Argentine manager said enthusiastically. "I wish with all my heart that the 26, plus two young goalkeepers who are training with us, who are the future of soccer here, will be the heroes who change this sport."
It will take more than a comfortable win over a disorganized Paraguay side to turn Chris Brady into a recognizable name. There were plenty of familiar faces in the stands at Lumen Field to witness the rising stars take on Australia.
Soccer Royalty
🚨 Alex Morgan watching the game at the stands! 😍🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/sLVheqJduG
U.S. women's national team legend Alex Morgan was the focal point of a group of American soccer icons watching the men's team perform. Seated to her right was former two-time World Cup-winning coach Jill Ellis, while ex-goalkeeper Kasey Keller leaned over somewhat awkwardly to place his hands on Morgan's shoulders.
Morgan's husband, Servando Carrasco (seated to her left), was also a professional soccer player, building a solid career in MLS without quite earning a call-up to the national team.
Trinity Rodman
Trinity Rodman brought out the match ball ahead of USA vs Australia. pic.twitter.com/CiDIWrDCnI
USWNT vice-captain Trinity Rodman carried the match ball onto the pitch before kickoff. While Rodman and her teammates were deeply disappointed by a round of 16 elimination at the 2023 World Cup, reaching that same stage would be considered a solid achievement for the current men's squad.
Ciara
The Texas-born singer wasn't simply there as a spectator. Ciara played an active role in the pre-match festivities, presenting the coin that the referee tossed to determine which team would kick off and which end each side would start from.
Russell Wilson
Got @ciara and @DangeRussWilson rockin' with us today. pic.twitter.com/EHjgksjge7
Ciara's husband Russell Wilson also made his way to a venue he knows well. The former Seattle Seahawks quarterback hadn't been cheering on the home side at Lumen Field since 2022, but Wilson was out in full support of the U.S. on Friday, sharing a warm moment with USMNT captain Tim Ream before the opening whistle.
Marshawn Lynch
The former Seahawks star running back knows all too well what the Lumen Field atmosphere can produce and was hoping for another thunderous showing on Friday. "This is how I see it, they caused an earthquake already," Lynch said before the match. "We just want to make sure that the building stays put together, because I think if they get loud enough, I think they can bring that motherf----- down."
Robert F. Kennedy Jr
RFK Jr in the crowd supporting USMNT#USAAUS pic.twitter.com/rstYIIrDCI
As was the case during the World Cup opener, President Donald Trump was not present to support the USMNT in person. U.S. Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was in attendance, with a brief glimpse of him appearing on the stadium's big screen at Lumen Field.
Paris Hilton
While some may question how genuine certain celebrities' support truly is, Paris Hilton can at least point to attending both of the USMNT's opening two World Cup fixtures. That 1,100-mile journey from Los Angeles to Seattle is no small commitment.
Zach LaVine
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Announcers didn't even acknowledge Zach Lavine 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/3gxnoRsXus
Sacramento Kings' Washington-born star Zach LaVine provided some NBA presence in Seattle—even if the American broadcast team didn't feel confident enough to name the basketball star while on air.