Al Quwa Al Jawiya Face Newroz in Iraqi Premier League Opener

The new season of the Iraq Stars League kicks off with a grand football carnival, focusing on one match that brings together the defending champions and a heavy visitor from the capital.

On an anticipated northern night, Air Force Club visits Nawroz at Nawroz Stadium in Sulaymaniyah province for the first round of the local championship.

This match will mark the official opening of the 2026-2027 season, in an initiative by the management of Nowruz Club, which has generously donated to host the season launch ceremony.

The ceremony will see the attendance of prominent figures from the Iraqi Football Federation, alongside a number of artistic and performance events organized by the committee to celebrate the return of the league.

According to sources from within the host club, tickets for the match sold out completely two days before the kickoff, clearly indicating the immense fan enthusiasm that accompanies the start of the season, as well as the special bond between Nowruz fans and their team in its first official appearance this year.

The kick-off is scheduled for 9:30 PM Baghdad and Mecca time, at the Newroz Stadium, which is expected to be packed with the colors of both teams.

The "Falcons" are entering the new season dressed as champions, with a clear desire to defend the title they won last season.

The team is led by experienced Tunisian coach Fathi Jebali, who is looking to solidify his style from the very first match, while giving opportunities to several new names that the club has brought in during the summer transfer window.

Air Force fans are counting on a strong start away from home, sending an early message that the team is on track for dominance. A win in the opener will provide a significant morale boost for the players as they prepare for the long competition ahead, and it will also serve as a real test of the harmony between the old elements and the new faces.

On the other hand, Norouz FC understands that facing the defending champions in the opener is an irreplaceable opportunity. The northern team will heavily rely on the factors of home advantage and their fans, in an attempt to halt the "Falcons" early on.

The club's management worked during the summer to strengthen the squad with quality signings, described as good and well-considered, aiming to present a different appearance this season and compete for a higher position.

The coach and players of Norouz will be required to capitalize on the fans' enthusiasm and convert it into pressure on the pitch, on a night that could be a turning point in the team's journey.

The two teams met twice last season, with the first encounter favoring Air Force, while the second ended in a draw. These statistics give a psychological edge to the visitors, but at the same time, they provide Nawruz with the motivation to break this dominance in front of their fans on opening night.