Iraq Kicks Off Girona Training Camp Ahead of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Iraq’s national football team has begun an intensive training camp in Girona, Spain, as part of its preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The squad arrived in Girona on Saturday morning aboard a special aircraft provided by the government. Professional players based in European leagues have started joining the camp as Iraq finalises its last stage of preparations before the tournament. Imar Sher, Zidane Iqbal and Daria Namu were among the first arrivals, followed by Marco Faraj. The Iraqi Football Association said professional player Yusuf Al-Nasrawi will travel from Vienna to Barcelona next Tuesday and then join the camp directly in Girona. Al-Zawraa midfielder Karrar Nabil was unable to accompany the delegation after suffering an sudden health problem, and will join the team once he recovers. Under the technical staff’s preparation plan, Iraq will play two major friendly matches during the camp. The team faces Andorra in Girona on 29 May and Spain in La Coruña on 4 June. Iraqi sports fans are hoping to see the “Lions of Mesopotamia” return to the World Cup stage after a 40-year absence dating back to 1986.