​The U.S. men’s national team was introduced before a game between the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. SEATTLE — This summer stands out as one of the most eventful in Seattle sports history. Just months after the Seattle Seahawks claimed their second Super Bowl title, Lumen Field — the stadium known this summer as “Seattle Stadium” — has hosted several 2026 World Cup matches. One notable matchup near the Mariners’ home turf at T-Mobile Park saw the U.S. men’s national team, enjoying its strongest World Cup run since reaching the quarterfinals in 2002, secure a 2-0 victory over Australia in the group stage on June 19 at Seattle Stadium. The U.S. team will return to the Pacific Northwest for a Round of 16 game against Belgium on July 6, with a win potentially matching the program’s best modern-era World Cup finish. The Mariners will be on the road for that match, anticipated to keep Emerald City public transit crowded throughout the day. Yet even with the M’s away, Seattle remains connected to the momentous event through its local representatives. Seattle hosted the U.S. squad in its entirety ahead of Friday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game. “It’s gonna be exciting,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said in a pregame interview. “This has been an incredible Sunday already for Seattle to have hosted an event like this. I haven’t been down there, but I’ve heard a lot about the waterfront and how many people have gathered. This has been an incredible event for the city, and they’ve done a great job. To have the USA team here earlier and now to have them back is pretty cool.” He also spoke about the opportunity for players to meet fans and for the city to show its appreciation for their efforts, noting the global reach and unifying power of the event. Former University of Washington standout and current Seattle Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan, who is part of the USMNT, received a loud ovation as he stepped onto the field at T-Mobile Park, carrying the Mariners’ home-run trident during his introduction. The Mariners have long hosted athletes who participate in global tournaments, a trend that continued after a spring World Baseball Classic appearance underscoring Seattle’s connection to international competition.