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

Fans of both Haiti and Brazil's teams have arrived in the city of Philadelphia ahead of Friday night's match.

Before Brazil's team bus rolled in, their fans lined up along Sansom Street in Center City. They filled an entire city block as they waited for a chance to see their favorite players.

"We are crazy Brazil fans," said Helama Santos. "It is a dream. I can't believe it."

Brazil, Haiti fans fill Philadelphia ahead of Friday's World Cup match

Brazil will take on Haiti at 8:30 p.m. Friday in South Philadelphia. It is the second match the city is hosting.

Brazil has won the World Cup five times - the most of any country.

Angelo Disprati didn't want to miss out, so he made the trip to Philly.

"It is really cool. I flew all the way from Abu Dhabi just to watch the game," he told Action News.

Other fans, like Roger Schmidt, are returning visitors to the City of Brotherly Love.

Schmidt said, "It's a great party. Everyone is having a lot of fun. I think it's an important moment for us as well because it's bringing people together."

After they filled a stretch in Center City, Brazil fans flooded the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Christopher Miranda, a Brazil fan living in Philadelphia, told Action News, "It's packed with Brazilians."

His mom, Danielly, said, "This being basically in our backyard and everything, since we live here, it's a dream come true."

Brazil fans guarded the Rocky statue as people celebrated on the steps. Despite warnings not to touch the iconic Philadelphia landmark, one fan decided to test out the Rocky curse by putting what appeared to be a Haiti jersey on the statue and then quickly taking it off.

At the bottom of the museum steps, Action News caught up with Djeffson Athis, a Haiti fan.

"It's an opportunity for me to come here and show Brazil, 'Hey, even if you guys love soccer, we love soccer too.' Tomorrow we have an opportunity to show the world what we can do,'" said Athis.

Fans of Haiti's team also gathered at the Graffiti Bar Thursday night to celebrate culture and soccer.

Jeff Maglorie, one of the organizers of the event, described it as, "a celebration of being part of a moment you didn't think would be possible, and you're like I want to capture it."

Haiti is returning to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years. Fans who spoke with Action News say it is surreal that their team is taking on Brazil.

"Me, growing up, I was a Brazilian fan because my dad was a Brazilian fan," Willermine Taloute said. "So now that Haiti is playing in the World Cup, I'm obviously going to support my country. But it's a dream come true to see Haiti and see Brazil at the same time."

The Americans are looking for a suitable encore after one of the country's best performances on a World Cup stage. Folarin Balogun scored two goals while Gio Reyna added another in a 4-1 win over Paraguay that exceeded most fans' expectations.

Pulisic was often the catalyst while the U.S. scored three goals in the first half, but he came off at halftime after feeling stiffness from a calf injury incurred in training. The Milan winger joined his U.S. teammates for a pre-warmup huddle Thursday while wearing a compression sleeve on his calf, then went inside to do individual work in the gym.

Midfielder Weston McKennie said he did not know much about Pulisic's recovery, but that he hopes he will be able to play.

"I know he really wants to be in, and he's doing everything that he can, and the staff is doing everything that they can as well," McKennie said. "But, that's also another question that's better to ask him than me."

Australia also has momentum after its impressive 2-0 win over Turkey. Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scored for the Socceroos, who are playing in their sixth straight World Cup and seventh overall.

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