Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani poses with Iraq’s national football team during an official reception in Baghdad following their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sudani to host national team Saturday as Baghdad plans open-top bus parade
BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani will receive Iraq’s national football team Friday following its World Cup qualification, with a formal lunch at the government palace Saturday and an open-top bus parade through central Baghdad planned to allow fans to celebrate alongside the players.
The parade will begin Saturday morning at Tahrir Square, passing toward the University of Baghdad intersection, crossing Jadriya Bridge and ending at the first Jadriya intersection. Sudani will host the lunch with cabinet members and players’ families in attendance.
Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff final in Monterrey on Wednesday to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the country’s first appearance in 40 years and only its second in history, following Mexico 1986. The team will face France, Senegal and Norway in Group I of the expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.