Iraq’s national football team is gearing up for a World Cup Group C match against France on Monday, following training sessions at the University of Pennsylvania.
Midfielder Zidane Iqbal spoke confidently about facing the French squad. “They have big players, big personalities, big talents,” the 22-year-old said.
“They’re an amazing team, but it’s just another game. We’re preparing for it like we’ve always done.”
Iqbal, who plays for Utrecht, highlighted the historic significance of the tournament for Iraq.
“It’s been 40 years since Iraq was last at the World Cup and the country has been through so much.
It’s an honour to represent them,” he said.
The team is motivated by support from back home. “We get messages from the people in Iraq and I’ve seen a lot of stuff on Instagram.
We just want to make those people proud,” Iqbal added.
Iraq enters the match looking to rebound from a 4-1 friendly defeat to Norway in Boston last week.
“We made a few mistakes, but that can happen to anyone. We’ve learned from it,” Iqbal said.
“Inshallah, tomorrow no mistakes. We’ll bounce back and give 100% tomorrow.
Always.”
Iqbal, who has earned 26 caps since his debut in 2022, noted strong team chemistry. “Some of us have been together for two World Cup campaigns.
We know each other pretty well,” he said.
“We also know how to keep ourselves entertained at these long camps: lots of Uno, Fifa and Werewolf.”
The former Manchester United academy player came on as a substitute against Norway for the final 30 minutes.
“Reaching the World Cup has been a dream,” he said.
“When I first went on the pitch I felt it, but then it went away because you’re just focused on the game.
Afterwards I was able to sit down with my family and appreciate it. I think that experience has given us all a taste for more.
We need to work hard to get ready for this game, but we’re all excited.”
