PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Thousands of soccer fans from Iraq and France filled the streets and venues of Philadelphia ahead of their teams’ World Cup match on Sunday, turning Center City and the Philadelphia Museum of Art into a sea of flags, chants and national pride.
The celebration took place a day before Iraq and France face each other at the Philadelphia Stadium at 5 pm on Monday.
For Iraqi supporters, the tournament marks a historic return to the world’s biggest football stage after a four-decade absence.
“Iraq haven’t qualified for the World Cup for the last 40 years, so this is a big deal for them and us,” said Abdullah Ali, traveling from Houston.
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Iraqi fans gathered near City Hall before marching through Center City to the Rocky statue and the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Along the way, supporters stopped outside the hotel where the France national team, known as Les Bleus, is staying.
Yusuf Hussain, from Memphis, Tennessee, said attending the World Cup and supporting his country was a dream come true.
“I’ve been here since 2012, but it’s not every day I get a chance to support my country and be like, Hey, we’re actually going to the World Cup!” Hussain said.
The crowd carried Iraqi flags, beating drums and chanting slogans as they advanced through the city.
A large number of French supporters also arrived. Many gathered at the Lion Sports Bar in Chinatown before heading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the evening.
“We can win, we will win. We want to go to the final,” said France supporter Benjamin Vermeil.
French fans expressed confidence heading into Monday’s match, with some already predicting a lopsided victory.
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Bertrand Vermeil said, “I think four for France, one for Iraq.”
Others cautioned against overconfidence.
One supporter said, “We have to be confident but not be too cocky. I think it should be a win.”
Meanwhile, Iraqi fans accepted their underdog status while remaining optimistic about the result.
One fan predicted, “I think it will be 2-2 tomorrow.”
Michigan’s Anthony Hermes said, “I think Iraq will win 2–0.”
By Sunday night, Iraqi fans added their touch to Philadelphia sports lore by placing a France jersey on the Rocky statue.
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