The official bus carrying the France soccer team sped by Connie and me early Friday, July 3, 2026 as we drove north on Route 295. Insignias of the France team logo, along with FIFA World Cup 2026 was wrapped on both sides of the vehicle. photo credit Connie Cleary CNBNews photographer
*****
PHILADELPHIA PA (July 3, 2026)(CNBNews)--To mark the United States’ Independence Day and the nation’s 250th anniversary, FIFA will celebrate the holiday with special pre-game programming at both the FIFA World Cup 2026™ round-of-16 match this Saturday, at Philadelphia Stadium.
The celebration in Philadelphia will honor the city’s history and continued legacy as the United States’ birthplace.
Philadelphia Stadium pre-match highlights will include the following:
- US national-anthem performance by Tony Award winner Idina Menzel
- Special rendition of America the Beautiful by the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale
- Musical performance by The Roots, the multiple Grammy Award-winning hip-hop band founded in Philadelphia
- Ceremonial moment featuring Miss Pennsylvania, Stephanie Skinner
- Tifo card display for audience members
- Flyover by the VFA-11 and VFA-81 squadrons from the Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach
- Additional ceremonial elements, including a field cover, pyrotechnics and themed video-board signage
The action in Philadelphia will also feature half-time entertainment from another Grammy Award winner, DJ Jazzy Jeff, who hails from the City of Brotherly Love.
Video footage capturing Thursday’s rehearsal and teasing the July 4th ceremony is available here: https://fwc26.assets.fifa.com/en/media/4th-of-july-ceremony/
And, a reminder ahead of this Saturday’s knock-out round FIFA World Cup 2026TM match at Philadelphia Stadium on Saturday, July 4, a few notes for you to share with your followers from FIFA:
FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff through a tiered heat mitigation model. Through close collaboration with the City of Philadelphia, medical experts and emergency authorities, FIFA remains committed to delivering a safe, resilient and memorable tournament experience for everyone involved.
– For the FIFA World Cup 2026TM match on Saturday, July 4th, misting fans will be available on 11th Street as fans approach the stadium. Additionally, cooling tents with will be available to fans within the stadium footprint at the Stadium Fan Experience.
– All fans will be allowed to bring in one, soft, plastic, 20 ounces (590ml), factory-sealed disposable water bottle into Philadelphia Stadium (or any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the US and Canada). Water fountains at Philadelphia Stadium are found on the concourse behind Sections 103, 118, 122, C3, C19, C24, C38, 204 and 222.
– FIFA also wants to remind fans heading to Philadelphia Stadium or any of the other matches, to not fall for fake tickets. Generally, tickets are not paper tickets. FIFA.com/tickets is the only official resale platform.
– Fans are encouraged to arrive early – gates open to Philadelphia Stadium at 2 p.m. on Match Day, Saturday, July 4. Fans should be in their seats for the pre-game ceremony at KO-30. Fans are also being encouraged to get there earlier to see warm-ups (KO-65) and ensure a smooth entry.
SOURCE PRESS RELEASE