Seattle’s first time hosting the FIFA World Cup is in the books. Let’s take a look at some of the best moments across six incredible matches at Seattle Stadium.
Seattle Soccer Celebration Watch Parties on Pier 62 and the barge
Across 26 days and 63 events, Seattle Soccer Celebration transformed Seattle's waterfront into the region's premier World Cup destination. More than 350,000 people experienced the watch parties across Pier 62 and the barge.
Beyond the numbers, these watch parties provided unforgettable moments and helped grow the Seattle soccer community. Moreover, it showcased our city on a global stage, proving once again that Seattle is one of the premier soccer destinations in the world.
Alex Freeman scores first USMNT goal in Seattle
June 19 | USA vs. Australia | Group Stage
Buoyed by an early own goal and nursing a 1-0 lead just before halftime in the United States’ group stage battle with Australia, Freeman headed home a rebound that was initially ruled offside. The former Orlando City SC and current Villarreal defender’s goal stood after Video Review, sending Seattle Stadium into a delayed frenzy and ultimately pushing the U.S. to their second straight group stage win.
Kerim Alajbegović scores Goal of the Tournament contender for Bosnia
June 24 | Qatar vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina | Group Stage
Bosnia’a Alajbegović opened the scoring in impressive style, skating between multiple Qatari defenders before depositing a strike from outside the box into the back of the net. The 18-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder set the tone for Bosnia, who went on to win 3-1.
Ismaïla Sarr doubles Senegal’s lead
July 1 | Belgum vs. Senegal | Round of 32
Already leading 1-0 in the 51st minute, Sarr made a run in behind the Belgium defense and took down a lofted through ball with immaculate control before firing a half-volleyed finish into the back of the net. It was one of four World Cup goals for the Crystal Palace forward.
Youri Tielemans steals the show
July 1 | Belgium vs. Senegal | Round of 32
After Romelu Lukaku had halved the deficit just minutes earlier, Tielemans rose bravely for a contested header in the box that he redirected into the goal. The Belgian captain wasn’t done, though. After Video Review gave the Red Devils a penalty in the fifth minute of stoppage time in the second period of extra time, Tielemans coolly converted from the spot to send Belgium through to the Round of 16 with the latest goal in World Cup history.
Malik Tillman buries free kick
July 6 | USA vs. Belgium | Round of 16
After Belgium had taken an early lead, Tillman stepped up to a free kick from 25 yards that nicked a Belgium defender in the wall and wrongfooted goalkeeper Thibault Courtois to equalize for the United States. It was the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder’s second straight match with a free kick goal after sealing the U.S.’ win over Bosnia in the Round of 32 and caused a boisterous home crowd to erupt.
