A sea of red, white, and black filled downtown Toronto on Friday as thousands of Iraqi soccer fans gathered ahead of Iraq’s crucial FIFA World Cup match against Senegal. “We are very excited. We might see Iraq make history and get their first point in the World Cup ever. And it’s just, like, amazing to be here. And last time we were in the World Cup I was not even born,” said Ali Kado. Supporters packed Stanley Park hours before kickoff, waving Iraqi flags, beating drums, and chanting as they celebrated their team’s return to football’s biggest stage. Many fans travelled from across Canada, the U.S., and other countries to be part of the festivities, saying it was their first opportunity to watch Iraq compete at a FIFA World Cup in person. “I came from San Diego to support my home country. We’re very happy to be in the World Cup,” said one Iraqi fan. Families wrapped themselves in Iraqi flags while children had their faces painted in the national colours. Multiple generations gathered to celebrate not only the national team, but also their shared heritage and identity. For many in the Iraqi diaspora, the tournament has become more than a sporting event. “This match means a lot to me as we are ethnically Assyrian, sharing with our civilization and we are Indigenous to Iraq. So we’re here to represent and it’s so wonderful to see everybody come together and unite us one under one,” said Stefanie Kifarkis from London, Ont. Supporters said the World Cup has created a rare opportunity to reconnect with fellow Iraqis from around the world, bringing together communities separated by distance, but united by their pride in their country. Friday’s match against Senegal carried significant implications for Iraq’s World Cup campaign, but fans said seeing the national team back on football’s biggest stage was already a source of celebration. As supporters marched from Stanley Park toward the stadium, the atmosphere reflected a sense of optimism and national pride that extended well beyond the final result on the pitch.
