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.
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.
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