STORY: Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Friday (April 3) welcomed members of the national soccer team and coaching staff in Baghdad after they secured qualification for the World Cup for the first time since 1986.

Sudani greeted players and officials, including Iraq Football Association president Adnan Dirjal, in a reception marking the team’s return to the global stage after a 40-year absence.

Iraq booked their place at the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Bolivia in an inter-confederation playoff in Mexico, with Aymen Hussein scoring the decisive second-half goal.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: BAGHDAD, IRAQ (APRIL 3, 2026) (PRIME MINISTER'S MEDIA CENTER - Access all)

1. IRAQI PRIME MINISTER MOHAMMED SHIA AL-SUDANI GREETING THE PRESIDENT OF IRAQ SOCCER ASSOCIATION ADNAN DIRJAL

2. VARIOUS OF SUDANI GREETING MEMBERS OF THE IRAQI NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM

3. (MUTE) VARIOUS DRONE SHOTS OF SUDANI POSING ALONG MEMBERS OF THE IRAQI NATIONAL TEAM ALONG WITH THE COACHING STAFF

4. SUDANI SPEAKING WITH DIRJAL AND MEMBERS OF THE IRAQI NATIONAL TEAM