Barzani's praise of Kurdish players on Iraq's World Cup squad draws political reaction

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government, said he was pleased that Kurdish footballers would represent Iraq at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing them as important figures carrying the country's colors. The remarks drew mixed reactions across Iraq, with critics arguing the comments were inappropriate on a matter of national unity while political analysts said the statement reflected sporting enthusiasm rather than separatist intent. The exchange intensified on social media, where users from different political backgrounds questioned the framing of national representation. Some Iraqi figures accused Barzani of politicizing the national team, while others defended the comments as a routine expression of regional pride in local athletes. Analysts noted that the dispute reflects long-running sensitivities in Iraq over the balance between Kurdish identity and federal state symbolism, particularly around events that command broad public attention. The Iraqi government had not issued an official statement on the remarks as of publication. No further details on potential responses from federal authorities were immediately available.