Argentina boots England in World Cup semifinal
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Mercedes-Benz Stadium reported a "full house" attendance of 68,239 people. Photo: Thomas Wheatley/Axios
Tens of thousands of fans packed Downtown Atlanta on Wednesday as Argentina defeated England, capping the city's whirlwind run as a World Cup host.
Why it matters: Argentina's dramatic semifinal victory brought some of the biggest crowds yet and marked the city's final World Cup match before Sunday's tournament finale festivities.
Zoom in: The official Fan Fest was at capacity and Underground Atlanta was a sea of sky blue and white jerseys. Virtually every England fan passed through Brewhouse Cafe and The Irish Exit at some point.
What they're saying: Christian Turner, the United Kingdom's ambassador to the United States, told Axios that an estimated 50,000 fans from both England and Scotland traveled to the United States for the World Cup matches.
- "All those fans coming here are going to take away memories," Turner said. "They're going to make friendships. It's been a story of the tournament that a lot of fans are saying how much they have enjoyed meeting Americans.
"You're polite, you're hospitable, you're welcoming, and I know that's very true down here in Atlanta."
What's next: Mercedes-Benz Stadium has finished hosting World Cup matches. But Atlanta isn't finished celebrating.
- On Sunday, Piedmont Park will host a free watch party, family-friendly events, and a concert by Ludacris. RSVP is required.
Here are photos of the craziness before, during and after the match.
