Iraq National Football Team Arrives in Chicago for Final World Cup Preparations

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Iraqi national football team has arrived in Chicago to begin the final phase of its 2026 World Cup preparations. The squad completed a training camp in Spain and departed from La Coruña by private aircraft, a journey expected to take approximately 11 hours. Ghalib ez-Zamili, a member of the Iraqi Parliament's Football Federation who was part of the delegation in Spain, confirmed the travel plans. The team will begin its final preparations upon arrival late at night. As part of its preparation schedule, Iraq is set to face Venezuela in a friendly match on July 9. Australian head coach Graham Arnold has called up Ahmed McKenzie to replace defender Ahmed Yahya, who sustained an injury during the 2-2 draw against Spain. Yahya's participation in the Venezuela match will be determined following medical assessment.