President Amedi pledges full support for Iraq’s World Cup campaign

BAGHDAD — President Nizar Amedi pledged full support for the national football team Thursday ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, receiving Iraqi Football Association President Younis Mahmoud and a delegation including executive office members and the association’s secretary-general at Al-Salam Palace.

Amedi stressed “the importance of providing all requirements for the success of this participation,” adding that “this occasion represents an important milestone in the history of Iraqi football and requires intensified and coordinated efforts at the level of the Iraqi Football Association, sports media and supporters in order to provide a supportive atmosphere for our players and their technical and administrative staff.”

“Our hearts are with the Lions of Mesopotamia, and all our capabilities are dedicated to supporting them in their World Cup journey,” he said.

Iraq qualified for the tournament by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff final in Monterrey on March 31, securing the country’s first World Cup appearance in 40 years and only its second overall after Mexico 1986. The Lions of Mesopotamia face Norway, France and Senegal in Group I, with the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Younis Mahmoud, a former Iraq national team star, was elected Football Association president in late May, winning 38 votes to incumbent Adnan Dirjal’s 21 at elections held at Al-Rasheed Hotel in Baghdad.