UAE fans surprise Iraqi fans with an influential message

Today, Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium witnessed an impressive Emirati crowd presence during the confrontation between the Emirati and Iraqi national teams, yesterday, in the Asian playoff qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, where the stands were filled with more than 35 thousand spectators in an exceptional atmosphere that embodied the audience’s passion and great support for “Al-Abyad”.

According to what was announced by the Iraqi Football Federation, fans of the “Lions of Mesopotamia” obtained 2,134 tickets to participate in drawing a distinctive football painting entitled Sportsmanship and Brotherhood between the Two Peoples.
Fans flocked to Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium four full hours before the start of the match, in a scene that reflects the extent of enthusiasm and great anticipation for the fateful confrontation.
The area surrounding the stadium witnessed a wonderful festive atmosphere, as fans carried UAE flags, while cars were decorated with pictures of players and expressions of motivation for the national team.
When the players entered the field, the audience received them in an emotional way that expressed their pride and confidence in them, and the cheering and enthusiastic encouragement continued throughout the course of the match without interruption.
The beautiful scenes were not limited to the encouragement of the players and the great enthusiasm during the match, but rather a classy gesture emerged from the people of the country towards the Iraqi fans, as they were greeted outside the stadium by a number of children carrying loudspeakers and chanting phrases of welcome: “Welcome to the Iraqi fans to their second country, welcome to the Emirates,” in a scene that reflects the values ​​of tolerance and hospitality that characterize the country.
The Iraqi fans inside the stands were also surprised by the presence of scraps of paper on the seats that read, “The Emirates loves Iraq,” in a beautiful symbolic initiative that confirmed the depth of relations between the two countries and the spirit of brotherhood that brought the fans together in an exceptional football night on the grounds of the capital, Abu Dhabi.
For his part, Emirati fan Majid Sultan Al Hamoudi from Dibba Al Hisn expressed his great happiness in attending the UAE-Iraq match at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, stressing that it is considered one of the historic matches for the national team.
Al-Hamoudi told “Emirates Today” that the large crowd attendance was not surprising, but rather a natural thing that reflects the Emiratis’ love for football and their keenness to support “Al-Abyad” in its journey towards qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Al-Hamoudi added that the atmosphere inside the stadium was special, and that the fans played a major role in motivating the players throughout the match, hoping that the joy of the team’s qualification for the World Cup would be complete. He pointed out that the return match in Iraq will be difficult and requires great focus from the players, explaining that he plans to travel to Iraq in order to support the team and encourage it from the stands until the last moment.
On the other hand, Iraqi fan Karim Mustafa Al Nuaimi, who has lived in Dubai for two years, praised the wonderful organization and special atmosphere that accompanied the UAE-Iraq match at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, stressing that the reception received by the Iraqi fans was impressive and reflects the Emirati hospitality and good organization.
Al-Naimi told Emirates Al-Youm that as soon as he learned that the Iraqi team would face its Emirati counterpart, he began planning early to attend this historic confrontation, considering that his presence on the field was an unforgettable experience given the brotherly atmosphere that brought together the fans of the two teams.
He pointed out that he has many Emirati friends who shared the same enthusiasm with him, stressing that “there is no loser between the two teams,” as love and mutual respect are the most beautiful title of this match, stressing that the team that qualifies will enjoy support from the fans of both countries.