Thousands of soccer fans from Iraq and France filled Philadelphia’s streets and landmarks Sunday ahead of their teams’ World Cup matchup, transforming Center City and the Philadelphia Museum of Art into a sea of flags, chants and national pride.
The celebrations came one day before Iraq and France are set to face off Monday evening at Philadelphia Stadium.
For Iraqi supporters, the tournament marks a historic return to the world’s biggest soccer stage after a four-decade absence.
“Iraq hasn’t been qualified for the World Cup for the past 40 years so this is a huge thing for them and for us,” said Abdullah Ali, who traveled from Houston.
Iraqi fans gathered near City Hall before marching through Center City to the Rocky statue and the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps. Along the way, supporters stopped outside the hotel where France’s national team, known as Les Bleus, is staying.
Yousif Hussein, who traveled from Memphis, Tennessee, said attending the World Cup and supporting his home country was a dream come true.
“I’ve been here since 2012, but it’s not every day I get to support my home country and be like hey we’re actually going to the World Cup!” Hussein said.
The crowd carried Iraqi flags, beat drums and chanted as they made their way through the city.
French supporters also turned out in large numbers. Many gathered at Lion Sports Bar in Chinatown before making their way to the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps later in the evening.
“We can win, we will win. We want to go to the final,” said Benjamin Vermeyl, a France supporter.
French fans expressed confidence heading into Monday’s match, with some already predicting a lopsided victory.
“I think four for France, one for Iraq,” said Bertrand Vermeyl.
Others cautioned against overconfidence.
“We gotta be confident but not too arrogant. I think it should be a win,” one supporter said.
Iraqi fans, meanwhile, embraced their underdog status while remaining optimistic about the outcome.
“Tomorrow I think it’s 2-2,” one fan predicted.
“I think Iraq is gonna win 2-0,” said Anthony Hermiz of Michigan.
By Sunday night, Iraqi fans added their own touch to Philadelphia sports lore, placing a France jersey on the Rocky statue.
