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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Luis Andres Henao

World Cup fans celebrate America's 250th birthday in Philadelphia and Houston

Philadelphia World Cup America Houston United States Soccer France Paraguay
Paraguay France WCup Soccer - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Fireworks crackled and jets roared ahead of the France-Paraguay World Cup game in Philadelphia on Saturday as fans celebrated the double joy of soccer's biggest tournament on home soil and the 250th anniversary of American independence in the nation's birthplace.

A pregame show celebrating the city's history included Tony Award winner Idina Menzel singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” a star-shaped stage. The Philadelphia-formed hip-hop band The Roots also performed, backed by dancers, including a “Lady Liberty” draped in a monumental gown, and fireworks in red, white and blue. The Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale then sang an a cappella rendition of “America the Beautiful.”

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