Erbil fills with fans as Spain-Argentina World Cup final broadcasts draw crowds

ERBIL, Iraq — Erbil's cafes, restaurants and outdoor viewing areas filled with thousands of football fans on Sunday as residents gathered to watch the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. Crowds concentrated in the Kurdish capital's parkshar district, Ainkawa, Sixth Boulevard and residential compound areas, where large outdoor screens had been set up for the match. Argentina supporter Hendrin Kerim said he and his friends had been planning their outing since the morning, adding that the city had stayed awake for the final. Spain fan Sara Samir described the atmosphere at her café as tense but unifying. Café owner Necip Ratip said he had added dozens of chairs outdoors to meet the demand from viewers. The turnout showed once again that Erbil has the infrastructure to host major global sporting events.