Sudani declares public holiday after Iraq qualifies for World Cup

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani declared Wednesday and Thursday public holidays to mark Iraq’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling it “a significant milestone in the journey of Iraqi sports” that reflects “the determination and resilience of our youth.”

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our great people on this remarkable football achievement,” Sudani said in a statement, adding that the government had provided full support to the national team and the Iraqi Football Association throughout the qualifying campaign.

Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff final in Monterrey, Mexico, on Wednesday to secure the final place in the expanded 48-team tournament — the country’s first World Cup appearance in 40 years.