Seattle shakes off politics for US World Cup match amid Balogun red card controversy

Seattle, a city typically associated with liberal politics and protests, transformed into a vibrant display of national unity on Monday. The city's traditional Democratic leanings and socialist mayor were set aside as fans donned red, white, and blue for the United States' World Cup last-16 match against Belgium.

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I don't think soccer is blue or red. I think it's a national sport. Actually, there's more soccer players in this country than there are of any other sport. It's actually a united soccer nation.

Even President Donald Trump's controversial call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding U.S. player Folarin Balogun's red card suspension did not divide the fans. Many locals and visitors alike expressed a desire to focus on the sport, emphasizing that soccer transcends political divides. "I don't think soccer is blue or red. I think it's a national sport," said Brad Lawliss, 57, from Portland, Oregon. "Actually, there's more soccer players in this country than there are of any other sport. It's actually a united soccer nation."

The World Cup has become a unifying ritual in Seattle, with fan zones expanding along the waterfront as the U.S. team progressed. Thousands lined the streets, singing and chanting "U-S-A" before the game. Fans gathered in large numbers at the stadium, fan zones, bars, and restaurants.

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I didn't like the fact that we had to have a political twist to this decision. I thought it was enough that FIFA should just review it without a political push, but I understand that Trump is gonna be a fan of the USA, and he's gonna want to do what he's gonna do.

Michael Scott, 54, and Eric Cutts, 47, from Seattle's suburbs, felt the decision to reinstate Balogun was correct, though they disliked the political involvement. "I didn't like the fact that we had to have a political twist to this decision," Scott said. "I thought it was enough that FIFA should just review it without a political push, but I understand that Trump is gonna be a fan of the USA, and he's gonna want to do what he's gonna do." Cutts added that Seattle's patriotism runs deep, and supporting the team is the primary focus for fans. "Seattle’s a lot more patriotic than people think. I think we're obviously all here to support the team first,” he said. "And that we have the best players on the field and on the pitch, that's the best thing for the fans."

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Seattle’s a lot more patriotic than people think. I think we're obviously all here to support the team first. And that we have the best players on the field and on the pitch, that's the best thing for the fans.

Belgian fans also marched to the stadium, creating a lively atmosphere with drums and singing. While most seemed happy, one supporter held a sign referencing the Balogun controversy. Brad Petts, 34, believed the red card was incorrect but felt the situation was handled strangely. "It wasn't a red card, so I think it is the right result," he said. "But it happened in a pretty sketchy way, so I think they should have gotten the same result differently."

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It wasn't a red card, so I think it is the right result. But it happened in a pretty sketchy way, so I think they should have gotten the same result differently.