Iraq national team arrives in Philadelphia for World Cup clash with France

SALADIN, Iraq — PHILADELPHIA — Iraq's national football team arrived in the U.S. city of Philadelphia on Sunday morning ahead of its second group-stage match at the 2026 World Cup. Members of the Iraqi community in the United States and traveling fans greeted the squad on arrival, with chants and songs creating a festive reception. Iraq faces 2018 World Cup runner-up France in Group D. The team opened its tournament with a 4-1 defeat to Norway, leaving the match against France critical to its chances of advancing from the group. The coaching staff has intensified its training program in Philadelphia in preparation for the France fixture. Iraq's path to the knockout stage depends largely on the result of the match, with Norway, France and Iraq joined in the group by a fourth team yet to play.