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2 sources·Started 23d ago·Updated 23d ago
World Cup matches celebrate US 250th birthday in Philadelphia, Houston
Idina MenzelThe RootsPhiladelphiaHoustonMoroccoCanadaFranceParaguay
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Fireworks, flyovers, and performances marked the celebration of America's 250th birthday at two World Cup matches on Saturday. Philadelphia and Houston hosted simultaneous Round of 16 games, each featuring special Independence Day tributes.
Philadelphia's pregame show
In Philadelphia, the France-Paraguay match was preceded by a star-studded event. Tony Award winner Idina Menzel sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" on a star-shaped stage, and the hip-hop band The Roots performed, accompanied by dancers including a "Lady Liberty" figure. The Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale sang "America the Beautiful." A banner with words from the Declaration of Independence was unfurled on the field. Source: AP
Houston's tribute
In Houston, before the Morocco-Canada game, video boards displayed a message from astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Later, a 250-themed banner was unveiled at midfield as "America the Beautiful" played, followed by the national anthems. Source: AP
Both matches saw fans from different nations united in red, white, and blue. FIFA had previously announced that the matches would include Independence Day tributes. Source: Ground News
Sources
6 quotesAP News↗
“A pregame show celebrating the city’s history included Tony Award winner Idina Menzel singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” a star-shaped stage.”
AP News↗
“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.”
AP News↗
“On the field, banners were unfurled to reveal words from the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776.”
AP News↗
“About 45 minutes before the game, video boards featured a message from astronauts aboard the International Space Station wishing fans a happy July Fourth.”
AP News↗
“Later, a circular banner with the number 250 and stars and stripes printed on it was unfurled at midfield as “America the Beautiful” played.”
Ground News↗
“FIFA had previously announced that both matches would feature Independence Day tributes.”