Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder Spotted at 2026 World Cup Match in Seattle
Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder attended the 2026 FIFA World Cup last-16 match between the USA and Belgium on July 6 at Seattle Stadium. During a second-half hydration break, the stadium PA played the band’s 1991 hit “Alive,” prompting cameras to capture Vedder celebrating with the crowd and drinking a Stella Artois.
USA Eliminated by Belgium in 4-1 Defeat
The match ended in a 4-1 victory for Belgium, knocking the co-hosting United States out of the tournament. Belgium’s scoring was led by Charles De Ketelaere, who netted two goals, with Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku each adding one. Malik Tillman scored the USA’s only goal.
Belgium now advances to the quarter-finals to face Spain at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, July 10. The winner of that matchup will face either France or Morocco in the semi-finals.
FIFA Controversy Regarding Folarin Balogun
The game was preceded by a dispute over the eligibility of USA striker Folarin Balogun. Balogun was initially scheduled to serve a one-match ban following a red card received in the previous round against Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, FIFA suspended the ban, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium.
Reports indicate that Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red-card ban. While FIFA maintained that its judicial bodies operated independently, the decision to allow Balogun to play drew criticism from across the football community.
Eddie Vedder’s Recent Musical Projects
Outside of the sporting event, Vedder has been active with several new projects. He recently released a single titled “Better Believe,” created in partnership with Guitars Over Guns, a Chicago-based non-profit that pairs students with professional musicians. Vedder wrote the track with audio arts students from Columbia College Chicago, with royalties benefiting the organization.
The song made its live debut last month at the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. Additionally, reports have surfaced that Vedder may collaborate with artist Yungblud. Yungblud noted that the two met at a corporate Christmas party last year, describing Vedder as a vocal inspiration and stating, “I think we might write together in the future.”
Pearl Jam’s Current Discography
Pearl Jam released their latest album, Dark Matter, in the spring of 2024. The album received a four-star review from NME, which characterized the record as some of the band’s strongest work in recent memory. The song played during the World Cup, “Alive,” served as the band’s debut single and was later featured on their 1991 debut album, Ten.
Quick Facts: USA vs. Belgium World Cup Match
- Date: July 6, 2026
- Location: Seattle Stadium
- Final Score: Belgium 4, USA 1
- Belgium Scorers: De Ketelaere (2), Vanaken, Lukaku
- USA Scorer: Malik Tillman
- Next Match: Belgium vs. Spain (July 10, SoFi Stadium)