Lauren Sanchez Bezos and her husband, Jeff Bezos, were among the spectators at the United States' World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium. Sanchez shared photos on Instagram wearing a U.S. jersey from Seattle Stadium, where Amazon, Bezos's company, is headquartered. One post featured Sanchez with a friend, expressing excitement for the U.S. team, while another showed her with her son, Evan, also in team attire.
Bezos was later shown on the broadcast alongside Sanchez as the U.S. team was defeated 4-1, exiting the tournament. Other notable figures in attendance included Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike McDonald and Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder.
The match became a focal point for international attention following revelations about efforts to reverse a red card issued to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun. Donald Trump, who was president at the time, admitted to contacting FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request the reversal. Balogun's red card, given after VAR review for stepping on an opponent's ankle, had led to a one-game suspension that was later stayed for a year, allowing him to play against Belgium.
Reports indicated that White House officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the World Cup task force, raised concerns about the suspension's impact on the U.S. team's chances. Trump reportedly instructed aides to explore options for overturning the ban, and legal consultations were held.
Concurrently, U.S. Soccer pursued its own challenge to the FIFA decision. According to sources, U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson and COO Dan Helfrich led an effort arguing that VAR procedures were misapplied. The organization reportedly considered escalating the dispute to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if FIFA did not reconsider.
Neither FIFA nor the Court of Arbitration for Sport has publicly confirmed these discussions. However, Trump did confirm his personal contact with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.