Rowdy World Cup fans cause seismic spike in Seattle

SEATTLE – Fans caused seismic spikes from the very first goal scored by the United States Men’s National Team at Seattle Stadium (renamed from Lumen Field for the World Cup).

The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network is keeping track of the seismic activity coming from the stadium district in Seattle as Team USA faces off against the Australians for the World Cup. 

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected in Downtown Seattle Friday amid multiple large-scale sporting events, cruise ship dockings, and Juneteenth holiday travelers arriving into town. FOX 13 is tracking real-time traffic updates as crowds fill the streets. 

How they do it

The PNSN has a field crew that installed seven seismic sensors throughout the stadium in January. This allowed them to record spikes during the NFL playoff games that eventually ended with a Super Bowl championship and for the Seattle Seahawks. 

The sensors are located under the pitch, at ground level, and at the stadium’s 300 level, according to the PNSN sports seismology page. 

When is the USA vs AUS FIFA World Cup 2026 match in Seattle?

The United States Men’s National Team will take to the pitch against the Australians at 12 p.m. PT on June 19. The two teams will face off in what is likely the only USMNT appearance in Seattle for the tournament. 

Fans in Seattle cheer as Team USA makes their first goal of the match against the Australians in the World Cup on June 19, 2026

The weather forecast for the USA vs AUS match day in Seattle includes some hot temperatures as fans descend on downtown Seattle. 

USMNT in Seattle: How FIFA USA vs AUS fans celebrate

It is match day in Seattle and Friday will have no shortage of crowds in the city as multiple large-scale sporting events converge in SoDo. Our reporters speak with fans of both teams ahead of the USA vs AUS match.

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