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Iraq receives a hero’s welcome after World Cup qualification

Iraq receives a hero’s welcome after World Cup qualification

publish time

04/04/2026

publish time

04/04/2026

Iraq's soccer players celebrate with fans during an open-top bus procession and ceremony after qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in central Baghdad, Iraq. (AP)

BAGHDAD, April 4: Iraq team was met with an enthusiastic public celebration yesterday after securing a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the first time in 40 years, following its 2-1 victory over Bolivia in the intercontinental playoff final last Wednesday.

According to the Iraqi News Agency, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani personally welcomed the team upon their return and immediately ordered a public parade. An open-top bus carrying the squad departed from Al-Hurriya Square, allowing fans to celebrate the historic qualification and share in the team’s triumph.

Iraq earned the final World Cup berth with goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and captain Ayman Hussein in Monterrey, Mexico. While Iraq advanced directly to the playoff final, Bolivia had to first defeat Suriname in the previous week’s matchup in Monterrey.

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