# Worth it before kickoff

A last-minute World Cup ticket, an American flag painted on my face, good friends, and Seattle at full volume.

Author: Joshua Palamuttam
Published: 2026-07-13
Type: Field note
Tags: personal, seattle, sports
Canonical page: https://www.joshuapalamuttam.com/notes/worth-it-before-kickoff/

## Links

- [Read the match recap from U.S. Soccer](https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2026/07/usmnt/match-recap-highlights-vs-belgium-world-cup-round-of-16)

The day before the United States played Belgium in Seattle, one of my friends said we
should go.

The ticket was expensive enough to make the decision feel irresponsible. The World
Cup was here, the U.S. was playing in my city, and the chance felt unrepeatable.

We said, “Okay, let’s do it.”

Before kickoff, I found someone painting faces. I had never done that before, but I sat
down and let her paint the American flag across mine.

Seattle was bustling. My friends and I found our seats, got water and a beer, and took
it all in. Those moments before the match are what stayed with me: the crowds, the
noise, the flag on my face, and a city I love feeling completely alive.

The U.S. lost. That was pretty much the end of the fun.

But it was still fun. It was a good day.