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SEATTLE — The individual who has dominated the most coverage over the past two days was taking the field for the U.S. men's national team wearing the No. 20 jersey.
Folarin Balogun's goals throughout the summer thrust him into the awareness of a new generation of soccer fans, but FIFA's extraordinary decision to reverse his red card following direct involvement from U.S. President Donald Trump caused his public profile to soar — though perhaps not in the manner he would have preferred.
Away from the action on the field, a host of prominent figures made their way to Lumen Field to witness the USMNT take on its most significant World Cup challenge in a generation.
Kelley O'Hara, Alex Morgan
US Soccer legends Alex Morgan & Kelley O'Hara cheering on the USMNT 🙌🇺🇸
📸: @alexmorgan13 pic.twitter.com/OxJU0Ob4Gj
Two two-time World Cup champions watched their male counterparts battle through the relative obscurity of the round of 16. The men's team has already matched its all-time record of knockout stage victories in a single World Cup (one) — a benchmark that would have been considered a serious disappointment for the standards set by the likes of Kelley O'Hara and Alex Morgan.
Fox Crew
Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry have become the defining faces of Fox Sports' English-language broadcast of the tournament after the network secured exclusive rights away from ESPN. While Ibrahimović has drawn applause as the comic presence — deflecting any attempt at serious analysis with a third-person quip — Henry has delivered genuine tactical insight, all while pulling entertaining expressions to keep viewers engaged.
Hugo Lloris
Hugo Lloris is at the game.#USABEL pic.twitter.com/SdfwCgippT
France's 2018 World Cup-winning skipper has made the United States his home since signing with LAFC in 2024. Hugo Lloris traveled up the west coast to soak in the electric Seattle atmosphere and watch whether the U.S. or Belgium would advance to join his nation in the quarterfinals.
Clint Dempsey
The USMNT's all-time joint leading scorer was no stranger to finding the net in the Pacific Northwest. The former Seattle Sounders icon netted 57 goals in 136 appearances, with Lumen Field serving as his home ground for five years across two separate stints.
Jameis Winston
NFL quarterback-turned-roving correspondent Jameis Winston has enjoyed a lively summer tracking supporters from various nations at World Cup fixtures. The likable personality is well known for his infectious energy — a quality that makes him such a valuable backup for the New York Giants — and it also makes him a compelling presence in the stands.
Mike Macdonald
Defending Super Bowl champion head coach Mike Macdonald was on familiar ground before kickoff, greeted by a thunderous reception from the home crowd. The Seattle Seahawks head coach was asked about the USMNT's loss to Belgium back in March and delivered a response that drew an even louder roar from the passionate crowd: "We do not care."
Eddie Vedder
Alex Morgan and Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder are in attendance for USA vs. Belgium tonight. pic.twitter.com/OOhu92suRi
Pearl Jam's lead singer Eddie Vedder has long been more closely linked to baseball in his leisure time, yet found himself not only inside Lumen Field but embracing one of the greatest soccer players the United States has ever produced.
Rome Odunze
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze was prominently featured in the pre-match festivities, carrying out the match ball and attempting to display a flag that proved somewhat difficult to unfurl.