Philly, get ready to meet Iraq, the final team to qualify for this summer’s FIFA World Cup

The last team to gain entry to the World Cup’s 48-team field, Iraq, has qualified for the World Cup for the second time in its history.

Iraq claimed the tournament’s final spot in March’s intercontinental FIFA playoff, booking its place in Group I with a 2-1 victory over Bolivia in Monterrey, Mexico.

It is the Lions of Mesopotamia’s first World Cup appearance since 1986. Iraq enters a tightly-contested group alongside France, Senegal, and Norway, but the Iraqis will look to advance past the group stage for the first time.

(all times Eastern)

June 16: vs. Norway in Boston (6 p.m., Fox29)

June 22: vs. France at Lincoln Financial Field (5 p.m., Fox29; tickets)

June 26: vs. Senegal in Toronto (3 p.m., FS1)

Iraq is ranked 57th in FIFA’s latest world rankings … Iraq is a one-time winner of the AFC Asian Cup, beating Saudi Arabia, 1-0, in the 2007 tournament … Iraq’s nickname, Lions of Mesopotamia, comes from the ancient Mesopotamian belief in Babylonian lions as a symbol of power, prestige and dominance … Iraq is coached by Graham Arnold, who took over as manager in May 2025. Before managing Iraq, Arnold spent six years as the manager of his native Australia.

Iraq relied on its veteran players during World Cup qualifiers, including Aymen Hussein. The 30-year old striker is the fifth-leading scorer in Iraq’s history and scored the decisive goal to lift the Lions over Bolivia.

Joining Hussein as a striker in Iraq’s attack is Ali Al-Hamadi. Al-Hamadi, 24, scored twice in six appearances in the qualifying rounds, then scored to give Iraq an early lead in the tenth minute of its win over Bolivia. Al-Hamadi currently plays for Luton Town in the third tier in England.

Amir Al-Ammari logged the most minutes for Iraq in its qualifying campaign. The midfielder, who plays for Cracovia in the Polish first division, contributed two goals and five assists in 18 matches and put in a 90-minute shift in defensive midfield in the Lions’ playoff match.

This summer’s World Cup will be the first time Iraq’s national team has played in Philadelphia, but there are other, non-sporting, ties between the City of Brotherly Love and the cradle of civilization. For example, The Penn Museum has led a number of archaeological expeditions in Iraq, most recently in 2022, when a team of archaeologists discovered intricately-carved marble reliefs in Mosul.

So you should know that Philly is a cornucopia of Middle Eastern delicacies running down the list of award-winning restaurants (we see you Zahav and Suraya), but if we’re talking authentic Iraqi halal cuisine, we keep getting pointed to suggest you try Crispy Wonders Baghdad Restaurant, in the Frankford-Torresdale section of the city.

While it might be too hot for soup in the summer time, their lentil variety? Fantastic. You must try their kebabs, specifically the Kufta kebab, served with hummus, rice and salad. There’s also the chicken shawarma plate that’s fantastic as well.

Oh, and if you’re coming to Philly with a big group, all good — they cater too. 📍Crispy Wonders, 9200 Frankford Ave., ☎️ 267-990-2660.

» READ MORE: Check out the Inquirer's curated list of the 76 best restaurants in the Philly area

The best way to navigate getting to the stadium area where the games will be held is via SEPTA, the city’s public transportation system. The network has its own app and is fully integrated into apps, including Google Maps, Apple Maps, Transit, and CityMapper.

Whether you’re coming in by way of Philadelphia’s international airport or its main train hub, William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, it’s easy to get around Philly’s Center City district and other neighborhoods by bus, train, or trolley.

Don’t feel like figuring out all the schedules? Taxis or ride shares via Uber or Lyft also are quick and convenient options.