American sports fans expressed surprise and confusion on social media after NFL top draft pick Fernando Mendoza was spotted in attendance at a FIFA World Cup match between Egypt and Iran in Seattle.
Mendoza, the first-overall pick in this year's NFL draft and a national championship winner with Indiana University, was seen in a suite watching the Group G match on Friday evening. He wore a retro Adidas sweatshirt from the 1994 World Cup.
The quarterback's appearance prompted questions due to his apparent lack of connection to either competing nation or to Seattle. Mendoza, who is Cuban-American, hails from Miami and played college football at Cal and Indiana before being drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Social media users voiced their bewilderment, with one commenting on X, "What the hell is Fernando Mendoza doing at an Iran Egypt game." Another questioned, "why would he choose this game?" while a different user posted, "wait why is fernando mendoza in seattle of all places?" One post simply stated, "Why is Fernando Mendoza at the Egypt/Iran game in Seattle? Lmao that's so random."
Despite the confusion, some users praised Mendoza's choice, with one labeling him "A man with taste."
The match itself was a dramatic encounter, ending in a 1-1 draw. Iran appeared to have scored a winning goal in the third minute of stoppage time, but the celebration was cut short by a VAR review that disallowed the goal for offside. Egypt secured second place in Group G, while Iran finished third with their progression hopes still alive.
