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

AI Summary

World Cup fans celebrated the United States' 250th anniversary of independence with fireworks and musical performances in Philadelphia and Houston. The events combined patriotism with soccer enthusiasm ahead of the France-Paraguay World Cup game.

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 Boys Choir & Chorale then sang an a cappella rendition of “America the Beautiful.”