Who is performing in the halftime show of the France vs Paraguay World Cup game?
Philadelphia is knows as the Cradle of Liberty, and there are few places that the Fourth of July means more than in the City of Brotherly Love.
It’s a special day in the City of Brotherly Love and not just because there is a massive World Cup match being played at the stadium where the Eagles suit up on Sundays. The Fourth of July hits different in Philadelphia. This holiday means a little more here, that’s why FIFA has prepared a special celebration for before and during the France Paraguay game.
Let the party begin
It started 250 years ago today. The founding fathers of this country gathered in this very city, and signed a declaration that would reshape the entire world for the next two and a half centuries. Little did they know, a sport that didn’t even exist back then would share the spotlight with the biggest Fourth of July this century.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino with a message celebrating America’s 250th birthday on July 4th 🇺🇸
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 4, 2026
He also sent a special guest to the crew in Philadelphia 🏆 pic.twitter.com/KkSFQJ9V1f
France and Paraguay are set for a round of 16 match from Philadelphia Stadium and FIFA is pulling out all the stops. A pregame celebration will precede the kickoff to the match, and will culminate with Idina Menzel signing the national anthem of the United States of America.
That won’t be the end of the festivities set to pay tribute to America’s 250th birthday. There is a halftime show prepared with a line up of local talent. FIFA released a statement previewing what was to come during the pregame and the halftime break on this special Fourth of July World Cup match from the Cradle of Liberty.
Tifo coming from Philly
“Philadelphia Stadium pre-match highlights will include a US national-anthem performance by Tony Award winner Idina Menzel; a musical performance by The Roots, the multiple Grammy Award-winning hip-hop band founded in Philadelphia; and additional ceremonial elements featuring the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale and Miss Pennsylvania, Stephanie Skinner.”
There is also a European style tifo that has been prepared for the pregame festivities in what will be a pregame celebration that might just overshadow the introductions of the teams competing in the round of 16 match. “Additionally, fans at Philadelphia Stadium will be able to take part in a tifo card display and enjoy a fly-past by the VFA-11 and VFA-81 squadrons from the Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach.”
The halftime show will feature another Philly legend “The action in Philadelphia will also feature half-time entertainment from another Grammy Award winner, DJ Jazzy Jeff, a native of the ‘City of Brotherly Love.’” Aside from the sideshows, Paraguay and France will be playing for a place in the quarterfinals.
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