World Cup updates: France taking on Iraq in Philadelphia

FIFA Fan Fest at Lemon Hill in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park will be closed Monday due to inclement weather.

Get the latest forecast at 6abc.com/Weather.

Thousands of soccer fans from Iraq and France filled Philadelphia's streets and landmarks Sunday ahead of their teams' World Cup matchup, transforming Center City and the Philadelphia Museum of Art into a sea of flags, chants and national pride.

The celebrations came one day before Iraq and France are set to face off Monday evening at Philadelphia Stadium.

Iraq, France fans flood Philadelphia ahead of World Cup matchup

For Iraqi supporters, the tournament marks a historic return to the world's biggest soccer stage after a four-decade absence.

"Iraq hasn't been qualified for the World Cup for the past 40 years so this is a huge thing for them and for us," said Abdullah Ali, who traveled from Houston.

Iraqi fans gathered near City Hall before marching through Center City to the Rocky statue and the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps. Along the way, supporters stopped outside the hotel where France's national team, known as Les Bleus, is staying.

Yousif Hussein, who traveled from Memphis, Tennessee, said attending the World Cup and supporting his home country was a dream come true.

"I've been here since 2012, but it's not every day I get to support my home country and be like hey we're actually going to the World Cup!" Hussein said.

The crowd carried Iraqi flags, beat drums and chanted as they made their way through the city.

French supporters also turned out in large numbers. Many gathered at Lion Sports Bar in Chinatown before making their way to the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps later in the evening.

"We can win, we will win. We want to go to the final," said Benjamin Vermeyl, a France supporter.

French fans expressed confidence heading into Monday's match, with some already predicting a lopsided victory.

"I think four for France, one for Iraq," said Bertrand Vermeyl.

Others cautioned against overconfidence.

"We gotta be confident but not too arrogant. I think it should be a win," one supporter said.

Iraqi fans, meanwhile, embraced their underdog status while remaining optimistic about the outcome.

"Tomorrow I think it's 2-2," one fan predicted.

"I think Iraq is gonna win 2-0," said Anthony Hermiz of Michigan.

By Sunday night, Iraqi fans added their own touch to Philadelphia sports lore, placing a France jersey on the Rocky statue.

A record-breaking crowd filled the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill on Friday as fans gathered for several thrilling World Cup matchups.

Organizers said about 14,000 people were on site at the height of the USA-Australia game, marking the largest crowds seen so far in the city.

Attendees described long lines and heavy congestion as fans poured into the venue throughout the afternoon.

FIFA Fan Fest hits capacity during thrilling Friday matches

"I came at 2 o'clock and it was packed. It was very hard, I waited in line for about 45 minutes," said Rachel Jaffe of Northern Liberties.

By the evening, the World Cup spotlight turned to Philadelphia for the Brazil-Haiti matchup.

"It's cool, we've never played Haiti, it's welcomed to have another crowd here too," said Silvio Giraldo of Hoboken, New Jersey.

Organizers said some people were turned away due to capacity limits, but those who made it inside said the experience was worth the effort.

"When there's an event like this, you are willing to do a little bit extra to get here," said Nate Bockrath of Lancaster.

Others pointed to the energy and unity created by the event as a highlight.

Crowds take over South Philadelphia for Brazil-Haiti match

"It's a really good energy in the city that I think we haven't seen in a long time, so I like to see the community come together for whatever team they wanna support. I'm really proud to be a Philadelphian," said Mallory Lawn of Manayunk.

It was just as crowded over in South Philadelphia. Chopper 6 was over Stateside Live! as soccer fans filled the venue before the Brazil-Haiti game.

"It's my first ever World Cup match. I waited a real long time for this day, and I couldn't be happier," said Kevin Cress of West Chester.

World Cup fans take over Stateside Live!

Some Brazil supporters noted the large turnout but said it differed from the scale of crowds in their home country.

"There should be more," said Carlos Xirau and Marcello Sousa.

Fans said the turnout reflected the spirit of the World Cup, bringing together people from different cultures to celebrate the sport.

The next World Cup match in Philadelphia is scheduled for Monday at 5 p.m., when France will face Iraq.

Vinícius Júnior scored and assisted on one of Matheus Cunha's two goals as five-time champion Brazil eliminated Haiti from the World Cup with a 3-0 victory on Friday night.

Haiti, the Western Hemisphere's poorest nation that qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, became the first team guaranteed not to reach the knockout round. Meanwhile, the Seleão got the decisive performance they needed.

Cunha, the Manchester United standout, got the start and showed with every surf-and-slide goal celebration why he should have been in the starting lineup in Brazil's listless 1-1 draw against Morocco. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti made the surprising decision in the opener to instead insert Cunha as a late substitute.

Cunha thrilled the Brazilian fans who made up the bulk of the 68,324 spectators at Lincoln Financial Field when he tapped in a rebound for his first career World Cup goal. He then sent a left-footed strike into the upper left corner for a 2-0 lead in the first half against the overmatched Haitians.

Brazil forward Raphinha, who was subbed out with an injury in the first half, had an early goal disallowed on an offside call that only temporarily muted the yellow-clad Seleão fans in an otherwise festive atmosphere at the home of the two-time Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles - whose cheerleaders did their part to rally the crowd.

Haitian fans danced and sang "Grenadye Alaso" ("Grenadiers to the Attack"), the traditional battle cry of the national team. Brazilians chanted back, reminding them their country is the five-time World Cup champion and the home of the king of soccer: "A thousand goals, a thousand goals, a thousand goals, a thousand goals, a thousand goals! Only Pelé, only Pelé!"