Marshawn Lynch, Ciara Lead Celebrity Turnout at 66,925-Strong US-Australia World Cup Match

Q: After a decisive win without its star player, can the USMNT finally break its Round of 16 curse at home?

Yes — the USMNT now has a credible chance to end that pattern at home, though it is still far from guaranteed. The strongest evidence is what happened in Seattle. The United States beat Australia 2-0, moved to 2-0-0 in Group D, and did it without Christian Pulisic, who was out with a calf injury. That matters because it showed depth, defensive control and the ability to win through structure rather than relying on one star. Alex Freeman scored, Australia also conceded an own goal, and Mauricio Pochettino’s team again looked organized and aggressive. The broader context also favors the U.S. They are playing on home soil, have already secured a knockout place, and under Pochettino appear more tactically flexible and mentally sharper than in recent cycles. The squad has multiple attacking options in Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright, while players such as Weston McKennie give them high-level midfield quality. If Pulisic returns healthy, the ceiling rises further. History is the caution. The U.S. has only one knockout-stage win in its modern World Cup history, in 2002, and has repeatedly fallen at the Round of 16 hurdle. The expanded 48-team format also changes the path: the U.S. must now survive a Round of 32 before even reaching the Round of 16. So the answer is that this team looks better equipped than past U.S. sides to make a deeper run. The Australia result did not prove they have broken the curse, but it did show they have a realistic path to do it.

3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 19

66,925 fans filled Seattle Stadium for the United States' Group D match against Australia, where celebrity sightings became a secondary draw around the game.
Marshawn Lynch and singer Ciara led the high-profile crowd presence, with Ciara appearing at the pre-match coin toss.
Russell Wilson attended alongside Ciara, while Paris Hilton was also spotted inside the stadium before and during the June 19 match.
The turnout underscored the broader spectacle around the 2026 Men's World Cup, with attention extending well beyond the field in Seattle.