World Cup updates: Excitement building ahead of Brazil-Haiti match in Philadelphia

The FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill will be closing for the remainder of the day on Thursday due to winds, according to officials.

The FIFA World Cup has taken over Philadelphia with six matches taking place in the city and watch parties popping up throughout area over the course of the 39-day tournament.

We've rounded up a few spots where soccer fans and those looking to experience the energy can catch a game in the city.

World Cup excitement continued to surge through Philadelphia on Monday as fans arrived at the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill on its fifth day.

RELATED: Philadelphia releases parking, transit and security info for FIFA Fan Festival and World Cup

The FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill is the official viewing party of the city. The festival is free for the public, but you do need to pre-register online for a ticket to enter.

FIFA Fan Festival | Facebook | Instagram
1 Lemon Hill Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Brauhaus Schmitz in Center City is know for its German beer and cuisine, but they welcome all soccer fans for the World Cup.

They are having viewing parties for every match at the German beer hall on South Street. For five select dates, they are moving the party outside for a block party. It's also the perfect spot to watch the championship match on July 19.

To enter the venue, go to the secured entry point at the corner of Kelly and Sedgely drives near Boathouse Row.

Brauhaus Schmitz | Facebook | Instagram
718 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Mamajuana Café in Fishtown is hosting World Cup watch parties with a special soccer-themed menu that includes sushi made in the national team colors of Brazil, Argentina, USA and more.

There are cocktails based around the event and a giant screen for viewing. The restaurant also got a special exemption from the city to stay open until 4 a.m. on select nights to keep the party rolling after the game.

Mamajuana Café Philadelphia | Facebook | Instagram
1000 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125

In the shadow of Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Union are hosting weekend watch parties at Union Yards.

The indoor and outdoor venue provides a family atmosphere.

The food will feature the culture of the teams playing and there will be performances that highlight the nation's involved.

Enjoy games for the kids, live music and lots of screens to watch all the action. The event is free, but requires a pre-registration ticket.

Parking is available in lots G and H.

Philadelphia Union Soccer Celebration | Facebook | Instagram
12 Reaney Street, Chester, PA 19013

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now being immortalized with its own set of commemorative coins.

Workers at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia are inspecting the coins before their official release.

The Mint says the limited edition half-dollar, silver dollar, and $5 gold coins will only be available this year.

Authorized by Congress, each coin is crafted to be rich in symbolic history and cultural significance, according to U.S. Mint.

Designs feature a soccer player making a kick, as well as the official World Cup emblem and trophy.

The Mint says the limited-edition half-dollar, silver dollar, and $5 gold coins will only be available this year.

Sales from the coins will go toward supporting youth soccer programs across the country.

You can preorder the limited-edition coins on the Mint website.

After a lacklustre start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, five-time champions Brazil will look to get some momentum going when they take on Haiti in their second match of Group C.

Brazil started the World Cup with a 1-1 draw to Morocco, a game in which they were outplayed for large swathes and were bailed out by a piece of magic from Vinícius Júnior and good goalkeeping from Alisson. Haiti, meanwhile, were narrowly beaten by Scotland in their opener, a John McGinn goal the difference even as Haiti attacked well for most of the match.

With so much on the line for Brazil, expect Carlo Ancelotti to send out his team with a clear message: make a statement.

Talking Points

Vinícius needs to step up, again

For most of their opener against Morocco, Brazil looked ponderous in build-up while defensively, they had a porous midfield and weak flanks. The lone bright spot, though, was Vinicius. He took his goal extremely well, creating something out of nothing when Brazil had zero hold in the game, and had moments of quality when he linked up with Raphinha and Bruno Guimarães. Against Haiti, though, he'll need to do it in more than flashes. Brazil have scored 17 goals in their three previous matches against Haiti, and with pressure mounting back home, this would be the perfect time to keep that average up. With Neymar ruled out, it's up to Vinícius, again, to step up and push Brazil on.

Carlo Ancelotti will also be under pressure to make changes to his starting XI, and it will be interesting to see if he sticks with Igor Thiago or goes his main two options up top: the non-traditional No. 9 in Matheus Cunha or the explosive youngster that is Endrick.

Haiti should be brave

As they usually are, as they were against the more favoured Scotland on opening day. With Deedson and Providence on the wings, and the attacking qualities of left-back Experience -- they have the firepower to attack Brazil's weakest areas. With ageing fullbacks and wingers (one, atleast) who don't track back all that much, Haiti could find plenty of joy down the flanks if they have the courage to attack it. Of course, it would only matter if they improve their end product considerably but it is certainly worth a try against a Brazil side creaking at the hinges.

This World Cup has already thrown up quite a few upsets, could this be the next?