Iraq delays start of work Wednesday so employees can watch World Cup playoff

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Council of Ministers decided Tuesday to push back the start of official working hours on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., giving state employees time to watch the national football team’s intercontinental playoff match against Bolivia for the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off at 6 a.m. Baghdad time.

The council also directed the allocation of financial rewards for national team players if Iraq qualifies for the tournament.

Victory would send Iraq to the World Cup for only the second time and the first in 40 years, having made its sole previous appearance at Mexico 1986. Iraq has been drawn into a potential group alongside France, Senegal and Norway. The tournament is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.