Inclusion in FIFA for Iraq has been for years a long and arduous battle that culminated in August 2019 when the country received approval to play competitive fixtures on home soil for the first time in 30 years.
The home qualifiers will be played in Basra International Stadium in 2020 and FIFA President, Gianni Infantino warned also that, “subject to revocation at any time if the security situation should deteriorate.” The Abdullah Al-Jiburi Contracting Company built the stadium and has also built the 10,000 capacity Al Mina’s Stadium in addition to the 35,000 capacity stadium, New Najaf, an homage to Iraq’s architectural pride and joy, Imm Ali Mosque.