SEATTLE — The final whistle brought heartbreak for the United States men’s national team on the pitch, but the sellout crowd of supporters in the stands and the celebrities among them still offered a reminder of just how massive the 2026 FIFA World Cup has become in North America.
Long before Belgium ended the Americans’ dream with a 4-1 victory in Monday night’s Round of 16 showdown, Seattle’s celebrity row was a mix of soccer royalty, sports stars, Hollywood names and hometown icons.
Former USWNT World Cup champions Alex Morgan and Kelley O’Hara were among the first familiar faces spotted.
Next was former U.S. captain Clint Dempsey, whose memories of the Americans’ dramatic World Cup battles with Belgium made this rematch all the more emotional.
FOX’s star-studded studio crew was impossible to miss as Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic soaked in the atmosphere before returning to television duties.
Nearby sat another World Cup-winning goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, watching the tournament he once conquered from the stands instead of between the posts.
No one, however, drew louder cheers than Seattle’s own Eddie Vedder. The Pearl Jam frontman embraced the moment by chugging a beer during a break in play before balancing the empty can on his head, sending the home crowd into laughter despite the mounting tension on the field.
The NFL was well represented, too. Giants quarterback Jameis Winston made the trip west.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald watched alongside star defensive lineman Leonard Williams and Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze, the former Washington Huskies standout receiving one of the night’s biggest ovations.
Elsewhere, billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez watched from a luxury suite.
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Even with the United States seeing its World Cup journey come to a painful end, the celebrity turnout reinforced what this tournament has become.
Famous faces have followed the World Cup from city to city. Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Shakira, Patrick Mahomes, Ryan Reynolds, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson and dozens more have turned FIFA’s month-long spectacle into the hottest ticket on the continent.
