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How Philadelphia threw America a 250th birthday party to remember

Will Smith, a heat wave, and a World Cup match.

News

Triple-digit heat. A canceled parade. An evacuation of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. None of it could spoil Philadelphia&#x27;s party for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s 250th birthday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/01/philly-is-taking-center-stage-for-americas-250th-birthday" data-vars-content-id="f012f8f7-25a2-435a-ae61-c811f4933a5f" data-vars-headline="How Philadelphia threw America a 250th birthday party to remember" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/01/philly-is-taking-center-stage-for-americas-250th-birthday" target="_self">America&#x27;s 250th birthday</a>.Why it matters: The nation&#x27;s birthplace delivered the kind of weekend only Philly could — reminding the country that Philadelphia remains at the heart of the American story.

This is what Pennsylvania included in America's Time Capsule

The time capsule will be buried at Independence National Historical Park on July 4.

Culture

Pennsylvania&#x27;s message to future generations gets buried this weekend inside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s Time Capsule" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/27/america-is-burying-a-time-capsule-in-philly-for-the-nations-250th-birthday?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paid_search&amp;utm_campaign=national&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23909507513&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACBUgDQ1LuDXn6oQr5u9EId2Z71yO&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw0o3SBhBVEiwAh28-jWEuf9nkGf3ztBzUsgUIqnnyhx-uZmnDEVC31SVKAlRiWqYsz4kCyRoCMNMQAvD_BwE" data-vars-content-id="97e5e1d0-859b-42a2-8374-50ebf2485135" data-vars-headline="This is what Pennsylvania included in America&#x27;s Time Capsule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/27/america-is-burying-a-time-capsule-in-philly-for-the-nations-250th-birthday?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paid_search&amp;utm_campaign=national&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23909507513&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACBUgDQ1LuDXn6oQr5u9EId2Z71yO&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw0o3SBhBVEiwAh28-jWEuf9nkGf3ztBzUsgUIqnnyhx-uZmnDEVC31SVKAlRiWqYsz4kCyRoCMNMQAvD_BwE" target="_self">America&#x27;s Time Capsule</a> at Philly&#x27;s Independence National Historical Park.Why it matters: The steel capsule — which includes hundreds of letters and artifacts from all 56 states, D.C., and territories — is part of the country&#x27;s 250th anniversary festivities intended to give future Americans an authentic record of 2026 life.<ul><li>The time capsule will remain sealed until America&#x27;s 500th birthday in 2276. </li></ul>State of play: Pennsylvania&#x27;s two contributions to the time capsule are bureaucratic and, well, a bit uninspiring: <ul><li>✉️ A letter from Gov. Josh Shapiro, titled &quot;Greetings from Harrisburg.&quot;</li><li>📙 A booklet listing several of the state&#x27;s 250th anniversary commemorations. </li></ul>How it works: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Some of the content" data-vars-click-url="https://america250.org/news/america250-officially-seals-americas-time-capsule-and-reveals-final-contents-ahead-of-july-4-burial-in-philadelphia/" data-vars-content-id="97e5e1d0-859b-42a2-8374-50ebf2485135" data-vars-headline="This is what Pennsylvania included in America&#x27;s Time Capsule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://america250.org/news/america250-officially-seals-americas-time-capsule-and-reveals-final-contents-ahead-of-july-4-burial-in-philadelphia/" target="_blank">Some of the content</a> for the time capsule was selected by America250, the Congress-approved organization planning this and other anniversary events.<ul><li>But the bulk of the items in the capsule were determined by the states and territories.</li></ul>Zoom in: Some states sent a bunch of stuff.<ul><li>For example: New Mexico included a Pueblo seed pot, vial of sand from the White Sands National Park, a silver squash blossom necklace, bolo tie and recipe card for biscochito, the state&#x27;s official state cookie. </li></ul>Meanwhile, other notable contributions include a whale bone from Maine, a copper ingot from Arizona, a diamond from Arkansas, and beaded artwork from Montana.What&#x27;s next: America250 will bury the time capsule at Independence National Historical Park on Saturday, July 4 at 8:30am. 💭 Mike&#x27;s thought bubble: Seems like Pennsylvania really phoned this one in. <ul><li>Let&#x27;s hope that future generations think of Pennsylvania in 2026 as more than a little letter and booklet. </li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">🗣️ Your take</h2>What do you think Pennsylvania should have buried in America&#x27;s Time Capsule? Send your suggestions to philadelphia@axios.com.

Welcome America CEO Michael DelBene exits after July 4 festival

DelBene's exit comes days after the city held its biggest-ever festival on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Michael DelBene is out as CEO of Welcome America, a surprising shakeup coming just days after Philly celebrated its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="biggest-ever festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/05/philadelphia-july-4-concert-fireworks-will-smith-meek-mill" data-vars-content-id="13655c26-1f16-4f76-a980-fb259809415e" data-vars-headline="Welcome America CEO Michael DelBene exits after July 4 festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/05/philadelphia-july-4-concert-fireworks-will-smith-meek-mill" target="_self">biggest-ever festival</a> for the nation&#x27;s 250th birthday.Why it matters: DelBene was instrumental in helping plan two of the city&#x27;s biggest events this year: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA Fan Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/19/world-cup-fan-festival-details" data-vars-content-id="13655c26-1f16-4f76-a980-fb259809415e" data-vars-headline="Welcome America CEO Michael DelBene exits after July 4 festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/19/world-cup-fan-festival-details" target="_self">FIFA Fan Fest</a> and the Fourth of July festivities on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Why Philly is the perfect final act for LeBron James

Let's call this legacy-defining chapter in James' career "The Invitation."

Sports

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LeBron James" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/30/lebron-james-los-angeles-lakers" data-vars-content-id="4e42cb03-72d1-4ab0-914b-e59676d95596" data-vars-headline="Why Philly is the perfect final act for LeBron James" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/30/lebron-james-los-angeles-lakers" target="_self">LeBron James</a> is on the move — and if the &quot;Chosen One&quot; is looking for the perfect final act, Philly should be at the top of his list. Why it matters: A championship in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/16/philly-americas-sportiest-city-is-having-its-biggest-sports-year-yet" data-vars-content-id="4e42cb03-72d1-4ab0-914b-e59676d95596" data-vars-headline="Why Philly is the perfect final act for LeBron James" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/16/philly-americas-sportiest-city-is-having-its-biggest-sports-year-yet" target="_self">Philadelphia</a> would give James a legacy achievement that even Michael Jordan couldn&#x27;t pull off.

How young players are getting an All-Star spotlight in Philly

Dozens of young players are getting a shot at the spotlight in Philly.

He&#x27;s not on the All-Star roster. But Steve Frias played at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday like he was.Why it matters: As MLB legends and some of the sport&#x27;s top prospects descend on Philly for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="All-Star weekend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/07/philly-2026-events-mlb-all-star-cycling-classic-ufc-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="1b6f1e91-f843-4dc4-82cf-c3891363aa0d" data-vars-headline="How young players are getting an All-Star spotlight in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/07/philly-2026-events-mlb-all-star-cycling-classic-ufc-world-cup" target="_self">All-Star weekend</a>, dozens of young players are getting a shot at the spotlight.

Surplus World Cup food is feeding families in the Philly region

20,000 pounds of food was recovered from Philly's six World Cup matches.

Meals prepared for French superstar <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kylian Mbappé" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/22/philly-goes-bleu" data-vars-content-id="4734e67d-1806-4cb3-b3e4-f2dd0769d451" data-vars-headline="Surplus World Cup food is feeding families in the Philly region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/22/philly-goes-bleu" target="_self">Kylian Mbappé</a> and other international athletes who played <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/15/ecuador-ivory-coast-world-cup-philly-first-match" data-vars-content-id="4734e67d-1806-4cb3-b3e4-f2dd0769d451" data-vars-headline="Surplus World Cup food is feeding families in the Philly region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/15/ecuador-ivory-coast-world-cup-philly-first-match" target="_self">World Cup</a> matches in Philly are now feeding families in need across the region.Why it matters: FIFA and Aramark teamed up with local organizations to recover thousands of pounds of surplus food instead of letting it go to waste.

Philadelphia's blockbuster events year rolls on

World Cup crowds were just the beginning. Here's what's coming to Philly later this year.

Things to Do

We&#x27;re halfway through Philadelphia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blockbuster events year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/16/philly-flyers-sixers-playoffs-ufc-sports-year" data-vars-content-id="38df3483-9751-4cf5-9bc3-aa350c104a3e" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia&#x27;s blockbuster events year rolls on" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/16/philly-flyers-sixers-playoffs-ufc-sports-year" target="_self">blockbuster events year</a> — and more crowds are coming.Why it matters: If the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/15/ecuador-ivory-coast-world-cup-philly-first-match" data-vars-content-id="38df3483-9751-4cf5-9bc3-aa350c104a3e" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia&#x27;s blockbuster events year rolls on" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/15/ecuador-ivory-coast-world-cup-philly-first-match" target="_self">World Cup</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/22/philly-goes-bleu" data-vars-content-id="38df3483-9751-4cf5-9bc3-aa350c104a3e" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia&#x27;s blockbuster events year rolls on" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/22/philly-goes-bleu" target="_self">matches</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fourth of July parties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/05/philadelphia-july-4-concert-fireworks-will-smith-meek-mill" data-vars-content-id="38df3483-9751-4cf5-9bc3-aa350c104a3e" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia&#x27;s blockbuster events year rolls on" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/05/philadelphia-july-4-concert-fireworks-will-smith-meek-mill" target="_self">Fourth of July parties</a> wore you out, pop an Advil. Philly&#x27;s calendar is just heating up.

409K fans later, Philly's soccer run is over

Soccer took over Philly for the last month.Why it matters: World Cup organizers are doing a little victory lap after the city&#x27;s final match wrapped last weekend.

Rocky made way. Joe Frazier takes center stage in Philly

"Smokin' Joe" has landed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art's steps.

The Joe Frazier statue that&#x27;s stood in South Philly for more than a decade has landed at the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art&#x27;s steps.Why it matters: &quot;Smokin&#x27; Joe&quot; is getting one of the city&#x27;s most prominent public stages, taking over the site once occupied by Philly&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rocky statue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/23/rocky-statue-art-museum-exhibit-rising-up" data-vars-content-id="506bec39-7a49-4ec7-9df3-f432c62a0950" data-vars-headline="Rocky made way. Joe Frazier takes center stage in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/23/rocky-statue-art-museum-exhibit-rising-up" target="_self">Rocky statue</a>.

The cost of taking home a World Cup memory

Want a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/26/world-cup-tickets-cheap-travel-philly" data-vars-content-id="c5e91f3a-684b-46a0-935e-839cf04263cf" data-vars-headline="The cost of taking home a World Cup memory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/26/world-cup-tickets-cheap-travel-philly" target="_self">World Cup</a> souvenir? Be prepared to pay up.Why it matters: At FIFA stores inside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/09/philadelphia-stadium-world-cup-linc-changes" data-vars-content-id="c5e91f3a-684b-46a0-935e-839cf04263cf" data-vars-headline="The cost of taking home a World Cup memory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/09/philadelphia-stadium-world-cup-linc-changes" target="_self">Philadelphia Stadium</a>, fans will find even basic souvenirs can carry steep price tags.

World Cup beers cost more in Philly than at most U.S. host venues

Philadelphia ranks among the priciest host cities for drinks, even before food enters the equation.

World Cup fans have to shell out more for water and beer at Philadelphia Stadium than many U.S. host venues. Why it matters: Fans coming for soccer could get their biggest surprise at the concession stand.

Philly's French connection gets a World Cup boost

The French superstar will become the latest global icon to take the pitch in Philadelphia tonight.

Philly has caught Kylian Mbappé fever.Why it matters: It&#x27;s now time to go bleu, as the French superstar will become the latest global icon to take the pitch in Philadelphia during the World Cup while chasing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="men&#x27;s international scoring record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/2026-world-cup-can-kylian-mbappe-break-all-time-goalscoring-record" data-vars-content-id="e2c7d4dc-351d-4c79-9a58-4798f9d11887" data-vars-headline="Philly&#x27;s French connection gets a World Cup boost" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/2026-world-cup-can-kylian-mbappe-break-all-time-goalscoring-record" target="_blank">men&#x27;s international scoring record</a>.

Why World Cup teams should stop putting jerseys on Rocky

Philly is a good World Cup host. So to Brazil and Haiti we say, please do not FAFO.

In Philly, putting a jersey on the Rocky statue is like poking the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Eye of the Tiger.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btPJPFnesV4" data-vars-content-id="17325fcf-7f53-4414-94de-246132cba960" data-vars-headline="Why World Cup teams should stop putting jerseys on Rocky" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btPJPFnesV4" target="_blank">&quot;Eye of the Tiger.&quot;</a>Why it matters: To Brazil and Haiti we say, please do not <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FAFO." data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZTEe-DhcBI" data-vars-content-id="17325fcf-7f53-4414-94de-246132cba960" data-vars-headline="Why World Cup teams should stop putting jerseys on Rocky" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZTEe-DhcBI" target="_blank">FAFO.</a>The big picture: Sports curses are as old as the games themselves — a way for superstitious fans to seize back a sense of control over the action on the field, pitch or court and find an easy scapegoat when things go wrong.<ul><li>And in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sportiest city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/16/philly-americas-sportiest-city-is-having-its-biggest-sports-year-yet" data-vars-content-id="17325fcf-7f53-4414-94de-246132cba960" data-vars-headline="Why World Cup teams should stop putting jerseys on Rocky" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/16/philly-americas-sportiest-city-is-having-its-biggest-sports-year-yet" target="_self">sportiest city</a> in the world, we love our hexes. </li><li>Before the Rocky Statue Curse, there was the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Curse of Billy Penn&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://phlsportsnation.com/2024/08/18/the-curse-of-billy-penn/" data-vars-content-id="17325fcf-7f53-4414-94de-246132cba960" data-vars-headline="Why World Cup teams should stop putting jerseys on Rocky" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://phlsportsnation.com/2024/08/18/the-curse-of-billy-penn/" target="_blank">&quot;Curse of Billy Penn&quot;</a> — a long-running legend that inspired a documentary about why the Phillies were doomed after developers broke a gentlemen&#x27;s agreement by building One Liberty Place taller than the William Penn statue atop City Hall.</li><li>The balance of the universe was finally restored in 2007, when a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mini Penn statue " data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQnbMOjlWpI" data-vars-content-id="17325fcf-7f53-4414-94de-246132cba960" data-vars-headline="Why World Cup teams should stop putting jerseys on Rocky" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQnbMOjlWpI" target="_blank">mini Penn statue </a>was placed atop the Comcast Center. The Phillies went on to win the World Series the next year.</li></ul>Driving the news: Visit PA has leaned into the latest superstition, warning teams playing in Philly&#x27;s World Cup not to tempt fate by draping their teams jerseys over Mr. Balboa.<ul><li>&quot;Philadelphia can&#x27;t wait to host you! (but Rocky does not need your kit),&quot; the agency wrote on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Instagram." data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZnjvBNHxNE/?hl=en&amp;img_index=2" data-vars-content-id="17325fcf-7f53-4414-94de-246132cba960" data-vars-headline="Why World Cup teams should stop putting jerseys on Rocky" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZnjvBNHxNE/?hl=en&amp;img_index=2" target="_blank">Instagram.</a></li></ul>Catch up quick: The warning came too late for Ecuador, which became the latest team to fall victim to the curse after losing to the Ivory Coast 1-0 in its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opening match in Philly." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/15/ecuador-ivory-coast-world-cup-philly-first-match" data-vars-content-id="17325fcf-7f53-4414-94de-246132cba960" data-vars-headline="Why World Cup teams should stop putting jerseys on Rocky" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/15/ecuador-ivory-coast-world-cup-philly-first-match" target="_self">opening match in Philly.</a><ul><li>During a massive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rally" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox29.com/sports/ecuador-fans-take-over-philadelphia-world-cup-opener-rocky-statue-curse-strikes-again" data-vars-content-id="17325fcf-7f53-4414-94de-246132cba960" data-vars-headline="Why World Cup teams should stop putting jerseys on Rocky" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox29.com/sports/ecuador-fans-take-over-philadelphia-world-cup-opener-rocky-statue-curse-strikes-again" target="_blank">rally</a> the day before the match, their fans put a yellow jersey over the Rocky statue.</li><li>Buoyed by a sea of yellow who showed up at Philadelphia Stadium,  Ecuador controlled most of the match, dinging several shots off the goalposts.</li><li>But Ivory Coast delivered a dagger in the 90th minute, scoring the game&#x27;s lone goal and silencing Ecuador&#x27;s supporters.</li></ul>And breathing new life into the Rocky Statue Curse.Threat level: Brazil, which faces Haiti on Friday night in pool play at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/09/philadelphia-stadium-world-cup-linc-changes" data-vars-content-id="17325fcf-7f53-4414-94de-246132cba960" data-vars-headline="Why World Cup teams should stop putting jerseys on Rocky" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/09/philadelphia-stadium-world-cup-linc-changes" target="_self">Philadelphia Stadium</a>, is one of the greatest soccer nations in the world, where the sport borders on religion and is tied to the national identity.<ul><li>Those are the type of diehard fans most at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="risk" data-vars-click-url="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8526551/" data-vars-content-id="17325fcf-7f53-4414-94de-246132cba960" data-vars-headline="Why World Cup teams should stop putting jerseys on Rocky" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8526551/" target="_blank">risk</a> to fall prey to superstitions because they take it as a challenge.</li></ul>What they might be saying: We can already hear the mighty boasts of Brazilian fans, who might be tempted to caravan over the Art Museum steps ahead of Friday&#x27;s match with Haiti:<ul><li>We&#x27;re Brazil; we&#x27;re bigger than any little curse. It&#x27;s only a handful of teams. We&#x27;ll show the world, we&#x27;ll be the ones to break this.</li></ul>Reality check: Sure, this might not be the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" &quot;Curse of the Bambino," data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/news/curse-of-the-bambino" data-vars-content-id="17325fcf-7f53-4414-94de-246132cba960" data-vars-headline="Why World Cup teams should stop putting jerseys on Rocky" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/news/curse-of-the-bambino" target="_blank"> &quot;Curse of the Bambino,</a>&quot; a jinx that took the Red Sox 86 years to exorcise.Yes, but: You know what happens when you poke an underdog boxer in the eye?The bottom line: Ask Clubber Lang, Ivan Drago, and now, Ecuador.

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