Team Feature: Iraq | Lions of Mesopotamia: Iraq’s 40-Year Wait to World Cup History

"Jeeb al-kaas jeeba!" After four decades, a football-mad nation has waited long for this moment. Iraq officially kicks off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. This is more than a sporting comeback; it is a story of national healing and a people united by pure passion. Through a gruelling 21-match marathon qualification process, the national team became a symbol of hope, igniting massive street celebrations from Karbala to Kirkuk. Bridging the global diaspora to represent this resilient homeland, Liverpool-raised striker Ali Al-Hamadi and Swedish-born midfielder Kevin Yakob share what it means to wear the crest. They give voice to a generation of fans worldwide who are finally seeing the Lions of Mesopotamia reclaim their rightful place on the world stage. #FIFAWorldCupOnYT #iraq #norway FOLLOW FIFA’S TOURNAMENT CHANNELS BELOW! FIFA World Cup: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/fifaworldcup 👉 https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup 👉 https://www.facebook.com/fifaworldcup 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@fifaworldcup 👉 https://www.threads.com/@fifaworldcup 👉 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb78sHK30LKMhYZAwQ3i