World Cup festivities arrive in Seattle

For years, Seattle prepared for this moment. On Monday, the city finally took center stage at the FIFA World Cup. Before a ball was kicked, the energy was impossible to miss. Belgium and its nationally beloved team, the Red Devils, transformed the usually blue-and-green streets of SoDo and Pioneer Square into a sea of red. On Monday, the city finally took center stage at the FIFA World Cup. Before a ball was kicked, the energy was impossible to miss. Belgium and its nationally beloved team, the Red Devils, transformed the usually blue-and-green streets of SoDo and Pioneer Square into a sea of red. Belgium may be known for waffles, frites and beer, but many supporters appeared happy to begin enjoying the latter well before lunchtime. Leading one of the largest fan marches was a supporter known simply as "Obelgix," who helped rally hundreds of traveling fans through Seattle's streets. "Best city I've stayed in," he said while praising the Pioneer Square area. "People are great. It's a great start to the World Cup." Many visitors are spending multiple nights in the region, with Belgium's national team training nearby in Renton. Local tourism and hospitality leaders have long hoped the tournament would deliver this kind of international economic boost. One Belgian supporter told KOMO News he had spent three nights in Seattle and described the experience as "great." Belgian fans weren't the only ones creating memories. Egyptian supporters also filled the area around Lumen Field, posing for photos and celebrating their team's return to the world's biggest soccer tournament. Among them was Bothell resident John Girgus, who brought his extended Egyptian American family to the match. https://fox17.com/news/nation-world/s... _______________ Follow! Like! Share! Subscribe! WZTV on Facebook:   / foxnashville   WZTV on X:   / foxnashville   https://fox17.com Email us: [email protected] Call the Newsroom: 615.369.1717 Fox 17 provides local news, weather, sports, traffic and entertainment for Nashville and nearby towns and communities in Middle Tennessee, including Forest Hills, Brentwood, Franklin, Fairview, Dickson, Clarksville, White House, Greenbrier, Springfield, Gallatin, Hartsville, Lebanon, Mt Juliet, Smyrna, College Grove, Thompson’s Station, Centerville, Murfreesboro, Columbia, Lewisburg, Shelbyville, Manchester, McMinnville, Smithville, Sparta, Cookeville, Hohenwald, Waverly, Camden, Paris, Lafayette, Portland, and in Kentucky, Russelville, Bowling Green, Franklin, Alvaton, Scottsville, Hopkinsville, Glasgow. #WZTV #fox17news #foxnashville #nashville #tennessee #tn #middletn #localnews #breakingnews #trending