Pochettino Delivers First Pitch at Mariners Game Days Before USMNT's Round of 16
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 4
Pochettino Delivers First Pitch at Mariners Game Days Before USMNT's Round of 16
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 4
Summary
54-year-old Mauricio Pochettino threw a looping but straight ceremonial first pitch at the Seattle Mariners game in Seattle, with his USMNT squad lined up behind him ahead of Monday's match against Belgium.
Zero baseball experience had made the appearance a minor concern, prompting discussion over whether he should throw from the mound and a quick mechanics lesson from goalkeeper Matt Turner before the game.
The Mariners event doubled as a Seattle sendoff for the U.S. team before its Round of 16 game at nearby Lumen Field, where the Americans will play without striker Folarin Balogun.
One more win would match the United States' best World Cup performance since 1930, extending a tournament run that has already fueled reports Pochettino has been offered a deal through 2030.
Can America's team overcome immense home pressure to defeat an aging but unbeaten Belgian squad for a quarterfinal spot?
Can Seattle's engineered stadium noise and deep soccer roots provide the decisive edge needed to upset a world power?
2026 World Cup Round of 16: USMNT Faces Belgium in Seattle’s Biggest Soccer Match
Overview
On July 6, 2026, the USMNT faces Belgium in Seattle in a highly anticipated Round of 16 World Cup match. This pivotal game not only echoes past World Cup encounters but also marks a potential turning point for American soccer, as the team aims for its deepest tournament run in decades. The atmosphere in Seattle is expected to be electric, with the entire nation watching this crucial knockout fixture. The USMNT’s journey has been defined by a resolute mentality and strong team spirit, setting the stage for a defining moment in both the team’s history and the country’s soccer legacy.