Seattle hosts opening World Cup match with 66,000 fans

Seattle's first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup drew a capacity crowd of over 66,000 fans to Lumen Field on Monday, June 15, for a 1-1 draw between Belgium and Egypt. The event, however, was partly overshadowed by controversy surrounding the city's handling of public demonstrations near the stadium.

Inside the venue, officially renamed Seattle Stadium for the tournament, the atmosphere was celebratory as 66,775 spectators witnessed the Group G opener. The match featured prominent players like Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne and Egypt's Mohamed Salah, both potentially appearing in their final World Cup. The game was officiated by Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti.

Outside the gates, the Seattle Police Department's establishment of small, fenced-off "protest zones" along Occidental Avenue and South King Street drew widespread criticism. The areas, demarcated by orange construction netting and plastic cones, were largely ignored by demonstrators, who moved freely in surrounding streets. The zones quickly became a subject of ridicule on social media, with fans posing for photos near them and questioning their purpose.

The incident contrasted with extensive city preparations to present a...