World Cup live updates: Ghana takes on Croatia Saturday in Philadelphia

World Cup fans have filled Stateside Live! on Friday ahead of tonight's Brazil-Haiti match.

World Cup fans take over Stateside Live!

The U.S. national soccer team advanced to the knockout round at the World Cup despite the absence of injured forward Christian Pulisic, beating Australia 2-0 on Friday.

A deep U.S. roster overcame Pulisic's absence to clinch a knockout berth after only two matches for the first time. The last time the Americans served as World Cup hosts in 1994, they advanced by being one of the best third-place teams. They then lost to eventual champion Brazil in their next match, which was in the round of 16.

Pulisic, who plays for AC Milan and has 33 goals in 87 international appearances, missed Friday's match because of a calf injury.

Alex Freeman, the youngest player on the team at 21 and son of Super Bowl champion Antonio Freeman, gave the Americans a 2-0 lead in the 43rd minute off a set piece. Freeman headed in a deflected shot by Sergiño Dest for his first career World Cup goal. The goal was confirmed after a video review.

The U.S. took a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute after a run down the left sideline by Folarin Balogun, who scored two goals in the 4-1 victory over Paraguay on June 12.

Balogun directed a centering pass towards striker Ricardo Pepi, who started in place of Pulisic. The ball never reached Pepi, deflecting off Australia defender Cameron Burgess and into the Socceroos' net for an own-goal.

Thousands of soccer fans packed Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park on Friday as the United States took on Australia, drawing loud cheers from the crowd gathered for the FIFA Fan Festival.

The event, part of Philadelphia's World Cup festivities, is hosting about 15,000 visitors daily, with Friday anticipated to be one of the busiest days as fans prepare for additional matches later in the evening.

FIFA Fan Fest packed in Philly for USA-Australia match

"I can't believe how many people are actually here to watch soccer in America," said Connor O'Brien of Bridesburg.

Fans filled the park wearing team colors and waving flags, creating a lively, celebratory atmosphere centered on the global tournament.

"I am loving the atmosphere today, I love being surrounded by all my soccer weirdos, it's fabulous, they're enthusiastic," said Shanda Dudley of Deptford, New Jersey.

Philly buzzing ahead of tonight's Brazil-Haiti match

While many attendees sported red, white and blue in support of the United States, the event also drew international visitors. Among them was Steve Brown, who traveled from Sydney, Australia, and said the turnout in Philadelphia rivaled other fan zones he had experienced.

"This is massive. We were in Vancouver, and it was about 12,000 people, but I think it's about 15,000 people here in this fan zone. It's brilliant," Brown said.

Brown, wearing a yellow jersey among fans awaiting Brazil's upcoming match against Haiti, said he appreciated the atmosphere despite rooting for an opposing team.

Local fans also highlighted the broader impact of the event, noting how it brings together people from different cultures and countries.

"I think this is great for the city of Philadelphia and all the surrounding areas to bring people from countries and cultures here to take part in it," said Scott Stephens of Elkins Park.

Philadelphia's FIFA Fan Festival is free and open to the public for all 39 days of the FIFA World Cup. Entry is being managed through an online registration platform to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.

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."