NEW YORK CITY June 13, 2026 — On Saturday, June 13, 2026, thousands of Brazilian supporters turned one of America’s most iconic landmarks into a vibrant sea of green and yellow, creating an electric pre-match atmosphere just hours before Brazil’s Group C clash with Morocco at MetLife Stadium.
Videos circulating on social media show massive crowds of fans waving flags, jumping in unison, and chanting classic Seleção anthems amid the bright billboards of Times Square. Many wore the famous yellow jerseys, carried inflatable trophies, and brought drums and horns, evoking the carnival spirit Brazil is known for on the global stage.
The buildup comes as five-time World Cup champions Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti in his first tournament with the team, prepare to face a resilient Morocco side. Morocco, who reached the semifinals in Qatar 2022, earned the nickname “Brazilians of Africa” for their flair and have proven they can challenge football’s elite.
Brazil enters the match as heavy favorites, boasting stars like Vinícius Júnior, but the pressure is on to deliver the attacking “samba football” fans crave while chasing a record sixth title. Morocco will look to disrupt with disciplined defending and counter-attacks.
The fan takeover in New York highlights the passion of Brazil’s global diaspora and the unique energy the 2026 tournament—co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—has brought to host cities. Local authorities reported heightened security and traffic around Times Square and the stadium as celebrations spilled into the streets.
As kickoff approaches at 6:00 PM ET, the message from the streets is clear: Brazil’s 12th player has arrived loud and proud. Whether the team can translate that energy into a strong start remains to be seen in what promises to be one of the most anticipated openers of the group stage.
Viva Brasil! 🇧🇷
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