A remarkable Iraqi warm welcome from the Emirati masses before the decisive battle of Basra

A day before the second leg of the Asian playoff qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, communication platforms in Iraq are witnessing a large wave of interaction and welcoming of Emirati fans expected to arrive in Basra to support “Al-Abyad” in the upcoming confrontation against “Lions of Mesopotamia” on Tuesday evening.

The ovation was not only popular, but it also came through an official step that received widespread praise. Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani directed the concerned authorities to facilitate the entry of Emirati fans, in an initiative that users considered “reflects the fraternal spirit between the two countries and confirms Iraq’s readiness to host major events.”

Iraqis circulated dozens of clips and publications showing public preparations to receive “guests” from the Emirates, while the Iraqi Fans Association confirmed its readiness to provide all forms of logistical support to the arriving fans, a gesture that found widespread resonance among followers who described it as a “civilized image” of Iraqi sports.

On the technical side, cautious optimism prevails among the UAE national team after a positive 1-1 draw in the first leg in Abu Dhabi last Thursday. National team coach Olario Cosmin confirmed to Emirates Al-Youm his confidence in the players, saying: “We will fight until the last minute, and there is no need to worry.”

On the other hand, Iraqi fans expressed their confidence in the team’s return and its ability to benefit from the stadium workers and the audience at the Basra International Stadium, “The Trunk of the Palm,” as many considered that the enthusiastic atmosphere in the stadium was capable of giving the team an important morale boost in the decisive match.