Iraqi Prime Minister Engineer Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani offered an official congratulation to the Iraqi people on the occasion of the national team's qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals, describing the achievement as a pivotal moment in the journey of Iraqi sports. He affirmed that the arrival of the 'Lions of Mesopotamia' to the World Cup for the second time solidifies Iraq's position on the global stage and reflects the determination of its youth to elevate the country's name in all fields, including sports.

In his congratulatory statement, Sudani said: 'We congratulate our esteemed people on the football achievement made by the heroes of our national team by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals, fulfilling the dream of our fans who were looking forward to this great achievement.'

He added: 'The qualification of our national team to the World Cup finals is an important milestone in the journey of Iraqi sports and solidifies our country's position in this global forum. It also confirms the strong will of our youth, who are keen to raise Iraq's name high in all fields, including sports.'

He continued: 'Since the start of the qualifying matches, we have been committed to providing full support to the national team and the Iraqi Federation in this national mission. We had complete confidence in our heroes' ability to achieve the accomplishment and qualify for the World Cup finals for the second time, raising our country's name high in the peaks of glory and victory.'

He concluded with thanks: 'All appreciation and thanks to the Iraqi fans everywhere who supported our team in all its national missions and its journey in the qualifiers, and also all thanks and gratitude to the fans from brotherly and friendly countries who supported our team, confirming that sports are not just a field for competition but a bridge for love and communication between peoples.'

The Prime Minister directed the suspension of official working days for two days across the country in celebration of the achievement, allowing for widespread public celebrations and giving Iraqi families the opportunity to participate in the joy that spread through the cities after the whistle of qualification in Monterrey.

The qualification for the 2026 World Cup is not read as an isolated sporting event; it is the culmination of a long path of work, qualifiers, and the global play-off, bringing Iraq back to the forefront after an absence of more than four decades since its first appearance in Mexico 1986. The achievement carries messages that go beyond the football field: the ability of Iraqi youth to compete at the highest levels and the importance of sustainable investment in sports as a national lever.