Brazil Takes Over Times Square — Thousands of Fans Paint New York Green and Yellow Ahead of World Cup Opener Against Morocco

New York City, USA — June 12–13, 2026

New York City has seen a lot. But it has never seen anything quite like this.

Thousands of Brazilian supporters descended on Times Square on Friday evening — transforming one of the world's most recognizable intersections into a wall-to-wall celebration of green and yellow, samba and football history, on the eve of Brazil's 2026 FIFA World Cup opener.

The Scene in Times Square

Brazilian supporters turned Times Square into a sea of green and yellow on the eve of the Selecão's opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Thousands of fans gathered in the heart of Manhattan to celebrate Brazil's rich football history and show their support ahead of the team's Group C clash with Morocco. The famous intersection of 7th Avenue and Broadway was filled with songs honoring Brazil's five World Cup triumphs in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. Supporters also unfurled a giant Brazilian flag, creating a vibrant atmosphere in one of New York City's most iconic locations as anticipation builds for the tournament opener.

The heart of Manhattan was "painted" green and yellow by the celebration of Brazilian supporters. In addition to songs celebrating the world titles, Brazilian fans brought a giant flag to the famous intersection of 7th Avenue and Broadway.

The scenes were extraordinary — a city already buzzing with World Cup energy transformed overnight into what felt like Rio de Janeiro transplanted to the streets of Midtown Manhattan.

The Match That Awaits

Brazil begin their quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title on Saturday when they face reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

It is the marquee match of Day 3 of the tournament — a clash between two of the most beloved footballing nations in the world, playing out in the shadow of one of the world's great cities.

The Neymar Question

However, the five-time world champions will be without their biggest star for the opening fixture after Neymar was ruled out due to fitness concerns. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that the 34-year-old will not feature against Morocco but remains hopeful of having the forward available later in the tournament. "He's working hard to get fit as quickly as possible," Ancelotti said.

His absence inevitably brings back memories of the injury setback he suffered during the 2014 World Cup on home soil — when a vertebrae fracture ended his campaign and Brazil's hopes in the most heartbreaking circumstances imaginable.

The current issue is far less serious. But for the thousands of fans dancing in Times Square on Friday night — his absence is a cloud hanging over what should be one of the most joyful nights Brazilian football has experienced in years.

A City Transformed

New York is going further than any previous host city in embracing the World Cup spirit.

New York City has renamed streets after football legends Thierry Henry and Pelé ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The tributes will remain until November 1 as the city prepares to host the tournament final.

Mayor Mamdani secured 1,000 affordable tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026 for New Yorkers at $50 per seat, including free round-trip bus transportation to MetLife Stadium, and rolled out a free citywide slate of official fan events across all five boroughs.

The Perfect Storm

New York City might struggle under the weight of fan celebrations if Brazil win AND the New York Knicks clinch their first NBA title since 1973 with a road win against the San Antonio Spurs at 8:30 PM ET on the same night.

A Brazilian World Cup victory and a Knicks championship in the same evening would produce scenes in New York City that the world may never forget.

What Comes Next

Brazil vs Morocco. Saturday June 13. 6 PM ET. MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.

If the scenes in Times Square on Friday night are anything to go by — whatever happens on that pitch tomorrow will be felt long and loud across the streets of New York.

DeSanta News will have full coverage of Brazil vs Morocco on Saturday June 13.