Brazil and Morocco fans build electric atmosphere ahead of Atlanta kickoff
Brazil and Morocco fans gathered near Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium ahead of Tuesday's group-stage match in an electric atmosphere. Al Jazeera footage shows similar crowds forming in North American host cities through the opening week.
Al Jazeera reporters said Brazil and Morocco fans had been gathering around Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium since Friday evening. Brazilian fans formed samba groups while Moroccan supporters waved red-and-green flags and played traditional music. A local police spokesperson said more than 60,000 visitors were expected around the stadium over the weekend.
The FIFA Fan Festival site in Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park reached its 25,000 capacity, the footage shows. The city has temporarily expanded MARTA public-transit services to move fans safely. Brazil's Sports Minister Ana Moser confirmed that 200 Brazilian police officers are working with US authorities on fan safety.
The group-stage match is scheduled for 21:00 ET on Tuesday. FIFA officials said the stadium's 71,000-ticket capacity is sold out. Atlanta will host seven tournament matches and the economic impact is projected at around $350 million.
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