Photo: Jared Brosnan/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — South Station was packed with soccer fans on their way to watch a friendly match before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Brazil and France National Soccer Teams traveled to Foxborough on Thursday to take part in one of several friendly matches ahead of the international tournament. Fans from all over the world were piling up at train stations across Boston, like Rodrigo and Rafael from Canada.
“Our idea is to just follow the Brazilian National Team around the U.S., and hopefully we can make the finals and get the trophy,” said Rodrigo.
“Looks like we are starting to get in the World Cup feeling, you know? That World Cup atmosphere,” said Rafael.
Around 60,000 people are expected to be in attendance for the matches at Gillette, which will be dubbed ‘Boston Stadium’ during the World Cup.
Even those from the Bay State are excited to see the national teams go head-to-head. Festivities at Gillette have already kicked off far before the game, and Millis resident Andre was taking part.
“Today we’re going to booze a lot, we’re going to have a good time, Brazil is going to spank France,” said Andre. “It’s going to be a close game, but I think Brazil is going to come out on top. I'm going to predict 2-1.”
“We’re going to root for Brazil since they’re South American, but it’s a fantastic matchup between two soccer powerhouses,” said Boston resident Alberto Beltran.
Thursday's match between Brazil and France kicked off at 4 p.m. France beat Brazil 2-1.
The first official World Cup matches at Gillette will take place on June 13 between Haiti and Scotland.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.