The Iraqi national team players received a festive public and popular welcome today, Saturday, after their qualification for the World Cup for the first time in 40 years following their victory over Bolivia 2-1 in last Wednesday's global play-off final.
The Iraqi news agency reported that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Sudani welcomed the team delegation upon their arrival in the country last night, and immediately directed a public reception for the team through an open bus that started from Freedom Square today, allowing the fans to celebrate and rejoice over their qualification to the 2026 World Cup finals.
The Iraqi national team's page on the "X" platform posted many pictures and videos of the team players dancing and singing aboard the open bus while the fans chanted "With spirit, with blood, we sacrifice for you, Iraq".
Adnan Darjal, the president of the Iraqi Football Association, was also on the bus, and the video footage showed him celebrating with the players and greeting the crowds gathered in the streets of Baghdad.
Iraq clinched the last World Cup qualifying spot when Ali Hammadi and captain Ayman Hussein scored during their 2-1 victory over Bolivia in Monterrey, Mexico, early last Wednesday.
Iraq succeeded in navigating a long and multi-stage path spanning 21 matches, including an exciting aggregate 3-2 victory over the United Arab Emirates in Basra to secure the global play-off seat for Asia.
Iraq became the 48th team qualified for the tournament held by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where they will play in Group Nine alongside France, Senegal, and Norway in competitions scheduled between June 11 and July 19 next year.
Iraq's previous and only participation in the World Cup was in 1986 in Mexico, where they lost all three of their group stage matches.
