Iraq Celebrates World Cup Qualification After 37 Years

Iraq's national football team has qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1986, achieving this milestone with a 2-1 victory over Bolivia on Tuesday night. This match took place against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in the region, particularly following the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, which have exacerbated tensions in Iraq.

The victory has sparked widespread celebrations in Baghdad, where supporters gathered in the Karrada district to cheer for their team. Ali Al Muhandi, a local resident, expressed joy at the win, noting its significance in uniting the Iraqi people during a time of war.

The celebrations were reminiscent of Iraq's triumph in the 2007 Asian Cup, which occurred during a peak in sectarian violence. The Iraqi team, which faced challenges in travel due to the war, arrived in Mexico last week and displayed remarkable energy during the match.

Following the victory, the government announced a bonus for the team and declared two days of holiday. Iraq will compete in the World Cup group stage against France, Senegal, and Norway.