Fans packed watch parties across Seattle on Thursday to celebrate the opening day of the FIFA World Cup, with the city's first match just days away. (opens in new tab)

Fans packed watch parties across Seattle on Thursday to celebrate the opening day of the FIFA World Cup, with the city's first match just days away. Hundreds of supporters gathered at the Armory at Seattle Center to watch Mexico take on South Africa in the tournament opener, while thousands more lined Pier 62 and the waterfront, enjoying sunny weather and sweeping views of Puget Sound. For many fans, the excitement was about more than soccer. "In the city of Seattle, I believe they're going t...