{"id":2511,"date":"2026-06-20T09:36:52","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T09:36:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metrotransitreview.com\/?p=2511"},"modified":"2026-06-20T09:36:52","modified_gmt":"2026-06-20T09:36:52","slug":"fans-in-seattle-provide-usmnt-extra-motivation-in-forever-world-cup-atmosphere","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/metrotransitreview.com\/?p=2511","title":{"rendered":"Fans in Seattle provide USMNT ‘extra motivation’ in forever World Cup atmosphere"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

SEATTLE \u2014 The sellout crowd of 66,925 fans arrived draped in red, white, and blue on a sun-splashed Friday afternoon in Seattle. <\/p>\n

Read more USA makes World Cup history not seen since 1930<\/a><\/p>\n

Together they transformed Lumen Field into a temporary capital of the United States.<\/p>\n

Australian supporters donned gold and green, and carved out small pockets throughout the stands. <\/p>\n

But the day belonged to the U.S. from the opening notes of the national anthem until the final chorus of \u201cTake Me Home, Country Roads\u201d after the match ended.<\/p>\n

As the anthem echoed across the stadium, four Black Hawk helicopters thundered overhead, rattling the steel structure. <\/p>\n

In the stands, one fan dressed as a giant bald eagle balanced atop a friend\u2019s shoulders, flapping oversized wings as thousands sang along. <\/p>\n

It was equal parts patriotism, spectacle and absurdity \u2014 a perfect snapshot of the American sports experience.<\/p>\n

And throughout the next 90 minutes the energy never dipped.<\/p>\n

The USMNT fans sang along with the match\u2019s unofficial soundtrack. <\/p>\n

Early in the game AC\/DC rang through the stadium (ironic considering the band is from Australia). <\/p>\n

Read more Starbucks workers bravely fight off robbers before they were fired for stopping duo, new video shows<\/a><\/p>\n

Later came Journey\u2019s \u201cDon\u2019t Stop Believin\u2019,\u201d and during the second-half hydration break, tens of thousands of fans erupted to Bon Jovi\u2019s \u201cLivin\u2019 on a Prayer.\u201d <\/p>\n

A fitting anthem at the time, because the U.S. was indeed halfway there.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was special. So special,\u201d striker Folarin Balogun said afterward. \u201cIt\u2019s tough to put into words. It gave us the extra motivation we needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yet the defining image arrived after the final whistle.<\/p>\n

With the United States securing a 2-0 victory and officially punching its ticket to the knockout rounds, John Denver\u2019s \u201cTake Me Home, Country Roads\u201d poured from the stadium speakers. <\/p>\n

Almost immediately, the music disappeared beneath the voices of the fans.<\/p>\n

Every match of the FIFA World Cup will air on either FOX or FOX Sports 1. If you don\u2019t have cable, you can take advantage of a DIRECTV free trial to stream it all.<\/p>\n

Prefer to check out the action live and in person? Shop World Cup 2026 tickets on SeatGeek and make sure to use promo code NYPOST10<\/strong> for $10 off purchases over $250 at checkout if you\u2019re a first-time SeatGeek user.<\/p>\n

The crowd became a choir. <\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

The speakers became unnecessary.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think half the team even know that song,\u201d captain Tim Ream said jokingly afterward. \u201cIt was just incredible. It\u2019s one of those moments where you\u2019re like, \u2018Is this real life?\u2019 \u201d<\/p>\n

On a day when the United States secured its place in the Round of 32, the victory mattered.<\/p>\n

Read more Bush dynasty suffers defeat in Maine gubernatorial primary<\/a><\/p>\n

But the atmosphere may be what people who witnessed it will remember forever.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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