Iraq U-23 Plays Russia U-21 in Antalya Friendly

ANTALYA, Turkey — Iraq's under-23 football team played a friendly match Friday against Russia's under-21 national team at Antalya Stadium. The match kicked off at 5:30 p.m. This was the first of two planned friendlies between the two nations. The second match is scheduled for June 9. The Iraqi national delegation arrived in Antalya on May 31 and established a training camp in the city. The team is continuing its preparations there ahead of upcoming competitions. Coach Imad Muhammad said the matches are intended to evaluate players' preparation levels and establish technical strategies for future games. The squad is working with players from domestic leagues and clubs abroad. Iraq's Olympic committee confirmed the team is using the Antalya camp to fine-tune its preparations.