World Cup: Photos and updates from Seattle as USA takes on Australia
A look at the scene from one of the hottest tickets of the year.
SEATTLE — Hello from the Seattle Stadium press box.
I’m here for today’s 12 p.m. kickoff between Australia and USA in Group D play of the 2026 World Cup. Expect a full match report following the conclusion — but until then, I’ll be updating this post throughout the day with photos, videos and notes from the scene.
I’ll be monitoring this page, so feel free to ask questions in the comments throughout the day.
8:30 a.m.
You know the day is going to be good when the first conversation overheard upon exiting the Seattle Mariners parking garage is between a pair of Australians and a Seattle police officer.
“You can’t get in the stadium until nine,” the cop said, “but you can get breakfast beers that way.”
The Aussies laughed.
“If that’s what the police are saying, I guess we’ll have to.”
11:06 a.m. — Pulisic out
Not a great start for the Americans, who will be without their top player, Christian Pulisic.
The stadium is starting to fill up as players begin warming up on the pitch.
11:52 a.m. — We’re getting close to kickoff. The first stadium-wide “USA” chant just rung out.
12:17 p.m. — The Americans strike first. While USA might not have Pulisic, it still has old reliable: Own Goal.
For the second match in a row, USA got on the board thanks to the foot of its opponent, this time with Australia’s Cameron Burgess deflecting a centering pass from USA’s Folarin Balogun in the 11th minute into the roof of the net.
12:25 p.m. — Seattle fans know ball: They’re booing the hydration break.
12:47 p.m. — The press box is shaking again after the USA scored its second goal of the match. Alex Freeman heads home a shot from Sergino Dest, which is initially ruled offside but later overturned by VAR.
It’s 2-0 USA here in first-half stoppage.
*This post will be updated
So cool to see the World Cup in PNW. Let’s GO USA 🇺🇸
I am at the match. Lots of energy. Getting a few comments with my Timbers visor. Much wilder than Mondays match.