FIFA fans gear up for jam-packed day of soccer action in Winnipeg

The countdown is on as only hours remain before FIFA women's soccer action kicks off in Winnipeg Monday. 

The world's eyes are on Canada as media and fans flood into the country. 

Hundreds of American fans were seen outside the Winnipeg Investors Group Field Monday afternoon as they waited for the doors to open.

Todd Bartee and his family made the trip to Winnipeg from Kearney Nebraska to watch Monday night's match between the U.S. and Australia. His wife Jane Bartee is originally from Australia.

RAW: Team Australia fans gear up for jam-packed day of soccer action in Winnipeg

10 years ago

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The countdown is on as only hours remain before FIFA women's soccer action kicks off in Winnipeg Monday.

"So Jane is from Australia so we're going to have a mixed crowd. There will be a sole Aussie chant going on in a sea of red white and blue I think," said Todd Bartee.

His wife Jane admits she will be torn on which team she will cheer for.

"Well my heart's always going to cheer for Australia."

"But we all know USA is going to win because USA is awesome and we live in it!" said Callie.

There was no shortage of Sweden fans at Investors Group Field.

Malin Rosen travelled to Winnipeg from Gothenburg, Sweden with her two young sons to watch Sweden play against Nigeria.

"We're excited about the match, we're a little bit nervous, first match is important." Malin said.

Malin said it's also her first time to Canada and was surprised to see so many American fans.

"Very many!" Malin laughs. "It's fun to see all the Americans here."

Sonja Lundstrom, president of the Swedish Cultural Association of Manitoba, is a part of the 300-person-Swedish-fan block heading to the first game Monday, decked out in home-made swag. 

"Right from the time those players landed in the airport, we've been exited and celebrating every day. The party's already begun before the game starts."

Nigeria faces Sweden on Investors Group Field at 3 p.m. Nikki Omoniyi will be among the Winnipeggers rooting for Nigeria.

"I'm super excited, I'm a huge soccer fan. I've played since I was seven-years-old so having FIFA in Winnipeg in general, it's awesome. It's a great experience," Omoniyi told CBC's Information Radio.

And many fans are impatiently waiting for the United States to hit the field against Australia at 6:30 p.m. 

CBC's Cameron MacIntosh is watching the excitement unroll at the stadium and he says he has spotted licence plates from at least 11 U.S. states, from as far away as Texas.