The United States may not be playing in the World Cup on Independence Day, but the games are still being played on home soil. And in the city where America formally declared independence 250 years ago, Idina Menzel performed a national anthem for the ages.
France took on Paraguay at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, and Menzel was invited to perform The Star-Spangled Banner. The award-winning performer from Wicked delivered a beautiful rendition of the iconic song, which was accented at the end by a flyover.
"A special 4th of July performance ahead of Paraguay vs France in the FIFA World Cup," Fox Sports shared on X. "Idina Menzel sings The Star-Spangled Banner on America’s 250th birthday at Philadelphia Stadium."
Praise for Menzel
Fans had overwhelming praise for Menzel's rendition of the anthem. Some suggested that it might even inspire the French side - America's more important ally in the Revolutionary War - to victory over their South American foes.
"The Star Spangled Banner Gives me chills. America 250!" one user wrote on X.
"Beautifully done by Idina Menzel...." wrote another.
"God, I love America. Happy 250th and many more to come," a third replied.
"Bummer it’s not U.S. vs. England playing. so we could kick their butt…again."
"If Idina hits that high note, even the French will feel the fireworks."
"If Idina can hit those high notes, maybe she’ll teach the French team how to reach the top of the table."
"If Idina hits that high note, even the French will think they’re at a Broadway show and forget the score."
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The game itself has been a tight contest between one team trying to hang on for dear life (Paraguay) and another that is seen as the World Cup favorite (France).
To their credit, Paraguay did a great job for most of the game with the same strategy that helped them to victory over Germany. They sat back, played great defense and waited patiently for opportunities to come.
Meanwhile, France has been relentless with their shots, trying to take multiple shots from outside the box and open the score early.
Ultimately, Paraguay's plan didn't account for a foul in the box that resulted in a VAR review and a penalty awarded to France. Les Bleus' leading scorer Kylian Mbappe buried the strike to give France a 1-0 lead and force Paraguay to abandon their strategy.
The game is being played on FOX.
