Local

Fans pack downtown Orlando for World Cup games

ORLANDO, Fla. — Thousands of fans packed downtown Orlando for Sunday night’s World Cup match between U.S.A and Portugal.

The game could determine if the U.S. team will continue their run for the championship, which would mean more games, and more money for businesses who host watch parties.

Soccer fans flooded downtown’s Wall Street Plaza, hours before the 6 p.m. game.

Paul Emery, the event director for Wall Street Plaza, said streets are blocked off and thousands will watch the game on giant televisions.

On Monday, nearly 4,000 people enjoyed the block parties for the games. It was so busy some people had to be turned away.

The United States played Ghana and won, and Sunday, a larger crowd is expected as the U.S. takes on Portugal.

“Excited for a win today—if we win today, we’re definitely in the next rounds and that will mean more crowds, more business and more fun for the USA team,” Emery said.

Business owners told WFTV they’re hoping for even larger crowds for Thursday’s game.

The block party starts at 11 a.m. and the game starts at noon.