AFC Marks Iraq's Return to World Cup After 40 Years

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Asian Football Confederation celebrated Iraq's national team return to the World Cup finals on Saturday. The AFC shared photos with the caption "Four decades of waiting, forty years of longing" to mark the occasion. Iraq qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1986, ending a 40-year absence from the tournament. The confederation stated that Iraq had made a historic return to the world's largest football stage. Iraqi fans responded with widespread engagement following the qualification. The achievement is being described as one of the most significant milestones in Iraqi football history. Supporters expressed hope that the national team would deliver a strong performance during the tournament.