Iraqi fans proud despite loss to France at World Cup
Ali Harb
Iraqi fans expressed pride and gratitude despite a 0-3 loss to France at the World Cup, marking their country's first appearance in 40 years. Supporters praised the team's effort and unity, emphasising that the result was secondary to the joy of seeing Iraq on the global stage.
Philadelphia, USA — Ali Alkabasi first watched Iraq play at the World Cup on television when he was 13. Four decades later, he was at Philadelphia stadium as his country returned to the big stage, facing former champions France.
Despite a shocking 0-3 loss in their second group I match, Alkabasi said he was grateful to see Iraq play live at the tournament. “Just seeing Iraq at the World Cup is enough,” he told Al Jazeera. “The performance wasn’t bad. The result was predictable. France is a different level. At least the Iraqi players didn’t just play long balls. They tried to build attacks.”
Iraqi fans rose to applaud the team as the final whistle blew, and even three goals down in the closing minutes, they cheered every attack as if it could turn into a equaliser.
“A matter of pride”
For a country that has faced endless adversity over decades, Iraq’s World Cup participation brought pure joy to fans who travelled from across the US and the world to see their team play.
Halah Maykhan, an Iraqi-American living in Wisconsin, said Iraq’s return to the World Cup after four decades was a dream come true. “We are living a dream. My homeland Iraq made the World Cup finals in the US, where I live. For me, the dream is double,” Maykhan said. “I’m so happy and excited. This is the pride of the Iraqi people.”
She thanked the players for bringing Iraqis from all over the planet together to support the team. “We support this team regardless of the result. Even with a lack of experience, we hope they play well, and we hope all Arab teams do well.”
Two-time world champions France started with high intensity, and superstar Kylian Mbappe silenced the cheering Iraqi crowd in the 14th minute with a long-range shot from the edge of the box – but not for long. After the shock, Iraqi fans resumed drumming for their team as chants of “Iraq, Iraq” filled the stadium. This pattern repeated twice, with French goals only temporarily quieting the roar of the Lions of Mesopotamia supporters.
Despite a huge quality gap, Iraq did not simply park the bus and clear the ball. They tried to keep possession and play through France’s high defensive line.
Mohammed Abduljabbar, who lives in Texas, said that while the result was disappointing, the team did what was needed against a stronger opponent. “Their performance was good. Yes, there were mistakes, but also some nice plays. We are proud of them and thank them for bringing us to the World Cup.” He said the feeling of watching Iraq play live was “indescribable.”
A country united by football
Beyond football, Iraq’s World Cup journey showcased a strong national identity that transcends sectarian and religious divisions. At the stadium on Monday, Kurdish and Assyrian flags flew alongside the national flag, but all fans stood united behind the players.
Husam Nafea, an Iraqi fan who drove four hours from Virginia to watch the match, said the country is overcoming divisions and is now more united around the team. “Wherever we go, we Iraqis are happy and united, and I hope we stay that way.”
Over the past decades, Iraq has endured coups, wars, sieges, internal conflict, the US-led invasion, and the rise of ISIL (ISIS). Now the country is experiencing relative peace, but remains close to the epicentre of many regional geopolitical hotspots.
Nawres Almamoori travelled from South Australia to Philadelphia to see Iraq play. He said the excitement surrounding the tournament participation is providing a much-needed relief for Iraqis. “Iraqis have been through and are still going through a lot. They deserve this joy.”
A real storm hit Iraq and France on Monday, with heavy rain and lightning causing a nearly two-hour delay during halftime. As fans lined up to enter the stadium in the downpour, Iraqi fan Hassan Raad said he didn’t care about the weather or the result. “Rain, sun, ice, desert – we are here for the players. The result doesn’t matter. As fans, our duty is to support the team.”
Ateka Saleh, an Iraqi-American from Wisconsin, echoed the sentiment. “No matter what happens today, they brought us here, together, to be happy with them. So ‘thank you’ to the players. We are so proud of this team.”
