Football Persists on Dirt Pitches in Babylon's Rural Villages

Young players in El Kasım district south of Babylon continue competing on traditional dirt pitches, with matches at venues including El Bu Şama and Al Nayef fields drawing participants across age groups. Players say the uneven dirt surfaces build physical endurance and keep them connected to rural traditions. Residents credit the games with keeping youth occupied and strengthening community bonds. Many young athletes wear jerseys of their footballing idols while dreaming of one day representing Iraq. Iraq's national team qualified for the 2026 World Cup in France, marking the country's first appearance at the tournament in 40 years. The squad was drawn in a group alongside France, Senegal and Norway, a development local players say has boosted their ambitions. Babylon province has long produced elite footballers. El Kasım club competed in the Iraqi Stars League for four consecutive seasons before suffering relegation for the 2025-2026 campaign due to financial difficulties.