Iraqi and French fans gather in Philadelphia ahead of 2026 World Cup match

PHILADELPHIA — Supporters of Iraq and France gathered in separate parts of the city on Thursday ahead of Friday's 2026 World Cup match between the two teams. Hundreds of Iraqi fans assembled on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art to cheer on their national team. Iraqi supporter Abdullah Yakup said France had no chance in the match, while May Ismail said the game carried emotional significance for her. Fellow supporter Gazwan Kerim, who was discharged from a hospital the same day after being injured playing football on Friday evening, traveled roughly seven hours from Cleveland to reach Philadelphia. French fans gathered separately in the city's Chinatown neighborhood, voicing confidence in their team. CBS News reported that severe storms and heavy rainfall were forecast for the area on Monday, with the potential to disrupt the match and air travel in the region.