Brazil expects 3.7 million tourists to spend $3 billion in the country during World Cup

This aerial photo shot through an airplane window shows a view of the Copacabana beach and neighborhood, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, May 13, 2014. As opening day for the World Cup approaches, people continue to stage protests, some about the billions of dollars spent on the World Cup at a time of social hardship, but soccer is still a unifying force. The international soccer tournament will be the first in the South American nation since 1950. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana) (The Associated Press)

Young residents play soccer at the Sao Carlos slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, May 12, 2014. As opening day for the World Cup approaches, people continue to stage protests, some about the billions of dollars spent on the World Cup at a time of social hardship, but soccer is still a unifying force. The international soccer tournament will be the first in the South American nation since 1950. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana) (The Associated Press)

Brazil expects a total of 3.7 million tourists in the country during the World Cup, including nearly 2 million coming specifically to attend matches and fan events.

The government expects the visitors to provide an economic boost of $3 billion to the country during the monthlong tournament.

Foreign tourists could reach 600,000, with half of them arriving to watch matches and attend the fan events.

Foreigners are expected to be bigger spenders than Brazilian tourists, spending on average $2,500 each while in the country.

The government says it wants to use the World Cup to "win over" these fans and keep them coming to Brazil after the tournament ends.