WATCH: "We Couldn't Reach The World Cup," Iraq Fans Create Their Own Historic Football Celebration

By Times Now World

Community Score: 50% | 19 views | 2w

0 community ratings: null thumbs up, null thumbs down

ot every World Cup fan could make it to North America—but in Mosul, they made sure the World Cup came to them. 🇮🇶⚽ As Iraq returned to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986, thousands gathered in a massive fan zone to celebrate a historic moment together. What You Need to Know • Iraq qualified for its first FIFA World Cup since 1986. • Many Iraqi supporters were unable to travel because of visa delays or the high cost of flights, hotels and match tickets. • Fans transformed Mosul's al Muthanna neighborhood into a giant World Cup fan zone with massive screens, music and celebrations. • One supporter, Mustafa al Saadi, watched from Mosul while his friends traveled to the United States after receiving visas. • The event showcased Mosul's recovery and resilience, with locals describing the city as having "risen from the ashes." • Iraq's return to football's biggest stage united thousands of supporters despite the distance from the tournament. From emotional fan reactions to

Tags: iraq world cup, iraq football, iraq vs france, mosul, mosul fan zone, world cup 2026, fifa world cup, iraqi football fans, iraq returns to world cup, iraq first world cup since 1986, mustafa al saadi, world cup fan zone, middle east news, football news, soccer news, iraq supporters, world cup atmosphere, why couldn't iraqi fans travel to the world cup, why did mosul build a world cup fan zone, iraq world cup celebration