Thousands of Iraqi football supporters gathered in Philadelphia on Monday, creating a vibrant display of national colours ahead of Iraq’s highly anticipated World Cup match against France.
Fans travelled from across the United States and neighbouring countries to support the national team, with Iraqi flags and team colours visible throughout the city in the hours leading up to kick-off at Lincoln Financial Field.
The match carries added significance for Iraq, which secured its place at the tournament after a lengthy and demanding qualification campaign. The team, known as the Lions of Mesopotamia, earned one of the final spots in the competition and now faces what many observers regard as one of the tournament’s most challenging groups.
The encounter will mark the first international meeting between Iraq and France, adding another layer of interest to the fixture as the two sides prepare to face each other on football’s biggest stage.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time in the United States, corresponding to midnight on Tuesday in Iraq. Supporters hope the occasion will mark another memorable chapter in the national team’s World Cup journey.
