Today, USA vs Australia kicks off at noon Pacific at Lumen Field, sorry, Seattle Stadium, for the tournament, and the city seems like it is exploding with people.
If you have been downtown lately, you already know that this is not just a soccer match anymore. This is World Cup fever in full effect.
The Crowds Are Genuinely Massive
An estimated 10,000 Australian fans alone are expected at today’s match, after a sellout crowd for Seattle’s opening match between Belgium and Egypt. Pioneer Square has seen a dramatic surge in foot traffic, with the neighborhood converting to a pedestrian zone for match days.
Fans packed Pier 62 on Thursday night just to watch other tournament matches on the big screen ahead of today’s kickoff, many of them having traveled specifically for this game.
The energy has been building daily. Belgian fans marched through Victory Hall earlier in the tournament with middle school band directors recruited to drum for them. International visitors have spilled into Mariners games and other local attractions, turning the World Cup into a full West Coast vacation for thousands of traveling fans.
Free Ways to Watch and Celebrate Around the City
The good news is you do not need a $1,200 ticket to be part of this. Pier 62 is hosting a free watch party starting at 9 AM today, though preregistration has already filled.
Seattle Center, Pacific Place, and Victory Hall in SODO are all hosting free fan celebrations throughout the tournament with massive screens and live atmosphere.
How to Watch the Game at Home for Free
USA vs Australia airs today at 3 PM ET / 12 PM PT on FOX, available free over the air with a TV antenna or through your local FOX affiliate with no subscription required.
The match is also available in Spanish on Telemundo.
You can stream the match through the following platforms:
- FOX One: Subscription required (Free Trial available)
- Fubo: Subscription required (Free Trial available)
- Sling TV: Subscription required (Select plans include FOX)
- YouTube TV: Subscription required.Peacock: Subscription required (Live Spanish-language broadcast)
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Seahawks Celebrate 60 – Seattle, Washington
Gallery Credit: Aj Brewster