The 2024 Copa America is set to begin in the USA on 20th June and thousands of Brazil fans are expected to make the trip over to cheer their team on.
Brazil fans at the Copa America will be full of hope rather than expectation after Selecao's poor form since their quarter-final exit in the 2022 World Cup. Despite that, Brazil still arguably have the best squad at the tournament, and they are the second favourites with the bookies to win it all.
If nothing else, the Brazil fans will be hoping their side can get revenge on Argentina after they lost the 2021 Copa America final to Lionel Messi and co. on home soil.
Here is everything you need to know about Brazil fans and what to expect from them this summer.
A guide to Brazil fans at the Copa América
How many Brazil fans will go to the Copa America?
Although it is anticipated that there will be plenty of Brazil fans at the Copa America, they aren't expected to ‘take over' like they often have done at other international tournaments.
In years gone by, there has been large numbers of Brazilian fans at World Cups and international tournaments but given this tournament is in the USA, don't expect stadiums and cities to be covered in the famous yellow and blue.
Additionally, a sense of apathy towards the Copa America has developed in recent years among Brazil fans. They no longer consider the tournament particularly worthwhile, perhaps due to how frequently it has been played over the past decade.
Even Ronaldinho, a certified Brazilian legend, has said he won't be watching the upcoming tournament.
When @Cerebrone tried to tell you people that Brazilians (the average guy) don't rate the Copa America, y'all came for him.
Well, if this isn't the biggest indication, nothing else will convince you. https://t.co/VpuCBFvOv5
— Tolu O. (@EkoBazinga) June 15, 2024
Tickets for Brazil matches at the Copa America
The biggest indication that there won't be large numbers of Brazil fans at the Copa America is the fact that tickets are still available for all three of their group-stage matches.
You can still purchase tickets via TicketMaster (the official ticket partner for the 2024 Copa America) for Brazil's opening two matches with Costa Rica and Paraguay. Meanwhile, there are also tickets available on the official resale platform for their final group match with Colombia.
Ticket prices could be a reason for the disregard for the tournament among Brazil fans. Tickets for the match against Costa Rica and Paraguay start at $91 and $100 respectively while the resale tickets for the game against Colombia start at $257.
Neymar controversy with Brazil fans at 2024 Copa America
Several Brazil fans will be glad that Neymar won't be available for selection for the 2024 Copa America. The former Barcelona man was furious with sections of the Selecao fanbase ahead of the 2021 final with Argentina after some of them claimed they wanted Argentina to win the tournament so Lionel Messi could have an international winners medal.
Brazilian sports TV journalist Fabiola Andrade posted on Instagram prior to the final:
“Before stoning me in a public square, let me explain: I love Brazil, Brazilian football…I have several Argentine friends. But I'm not going to root for Argentina in the Copa America final because of them, no. I cheer because I love football and Lionel Messi. This guy needs to win a title with his country's shirt! For justice!”
In response, Neymar posted:
“I am Brazilian with a lot of pride and love. My dream was always to be in the Brazil national team and hear the fans singing. I never attacked, nor will attack Brazil if they are competing for something, whether that is in sport, a modelling competition, or the Oscars.
“If it's Brazil I am Brazil, and who is Brazilian and does it differently. It's fine, I will respect it, but go to hell, those who are in opposition.”
Brazil fans to create an atmosphere at the Copa America
Despite the reported apathy among Brazil fans, the ones that do travel to the USA for the Copa America will be there to make themselves heard.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Brazil fans created a carnival-style atmosphere despite their being fears of a sterilised tournament atmosphere given the location.
🇧🇷 Brazil fans have arrived and brought that World Cup spirit with them.
📹: @SelecaoTalk pic.twitter.com/GIl7ZG3KOQ
— COPA90 (@Copa90) November 20, 2022
One popular chant that will be heard at the Copa America is the Hino Nacional Brasileiro. The lyrics (in English) are as follows:
The peaceful banks of the Ipiranga
Heard the resounding cry of a heroic people,
And the dazzling rays of the sun of liberty
Bathed our country in their brilliant light.
If with strong arm we have succeeded
In winning a pledge of equality,
In your bosom, oh liberty,
Our hearts will defy death itself.
Oh adored Fatherland, Cherished and revered,
All Hail, All Hail.