World Cup fans in Philadelphia say Philly cheesesteak a must in 'City of Brotherly Love'

World Cup fans come to Philadelphia for the soccer, but if they were to stay in the City of Brotherly Love, it might be for the world-famous Philly cheesesteaks. 

Fans in town on Friday (June 19) ahead of the Brazil v Haiti match, said finding a cheesesteak joint was a must for anyone passing through the city. 

The sandwich is a staple in Philly and is made with hot beef and melted cheese spread out on a long, flaky roll. 

You can choose your favourite cheese, with classics being Cooper sharp, provolone, American, or even Cheez Whiz. 

While some fans prefer their sandwich to be strictly meat and cheese, optional add-ons often include grilled onions, hot or sweet peppers, tomatoes, or mushrooms. 

There are several iconic shops to choose from throughout the city, but one of the favourite hotspots for soccer fans is Skinny Joey’s located just a five-minute drive from Philadelphia Stadium. 

On Friday, fans from Brazil, Haiti, Colombia, Canada and the United States made their pilgrimage to Skinny’s to have a go at Philadelphia’s most iconic food.

Everyone Reuters spoke to said it was like nothing they’d had before, with one Brazilian fan, Angelo Paes, saying, “It’s a 10, just like our Neymar”.

Production: Janis Laizans, Kurt Michael Hall/Reuters