Crowds flood Baghdad streets to welcome team after World Cup qualification

BAGHDAD — Thousands of fans lined the streets of Baghdad on Saturday to welcome the national football team’s open-top bus as it made its way from the Green Zone through Al-Hurriya Square to Al-Jadriya, celebrating Iraq’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

The General Traffic Directorate closed several main roads during the celebrations, asking motorists to use alternative routes.

Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff final in Monterrey on Wednesday, securing the final place in the expanded 48-team tournament and the country’s first World Cup appearance in 40 years. Prime Minister Sudani declared Wednesday and Thursday public holidays in honor of the achievement.