Iraq Fans' Guide to
FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia
Date
April 9, 2026
The eyes of Iraq and the global football community will soon be fixed on Philadelphia as the Lions of Mesopotamia take the pitch for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ at Philadelphia Stadium.
As one of the final teams to secure their place in the 2026 tournament, Iraq is set to face football powerhouse France in Group I play on Monday, June 22. We invite Iraqi fans to discover why Philadelphia is the perfect host for the beautiful game.
Lincoln Financial Field will be called Philadelphia Stadium for the FIFA World Cup games. ©Philadelphia Eagles
Cultural connections: Iraq & Philadelphia
Iraq, like Philadelphia (home to Independence Hall), is a land of profound UNESCO World Heritage, including the legendary Babylon, the Erbil Citadel, and the Samarra Archaeological City.
Philadelphia is home to a small but resilient community of several hundred Iraqis, including those who have found sanctuary in the city as refugees. While the broader Middle Eastern community is spread throughout the region, their cultural contributions are felt in every corner of the city.
A taste of the Middle East in Philadelphia
Looking for a taste of Iraq while in town? Northeast Philadelphia’s Crispy Wonders (9200 Frankford Ave.) proudly identifies as a “Baghdad Restaurant,” serving authentic flavors from the heart of Iraq.
Additionally, dozens of eateries across the city feature traditional roasted meats and artisan flatbreads. Top recommendations include Reading Terminal Market’s Kamal’s Middle Eastern Cuisine and Old City’s Malooga (234 Market St.).
FIFA World Cup 2026™ schedule in Philadelphia
Iraq secured its place as the 48th and final team to qualify for the World Cup, marking the nation’s historic second appearance in the tournament.
For the Lions of Mesopotamia, the path to what could be their first-ever World Cup point runs directly through the heart of Philadelphia.
Lincoln Financial Field—temporarily renamed Philadelphia Stadium for the duration of the tournament—will be the epicenter of the action with these highly-anticipated matches:
- Côte d’Ivoire vs. Ecuador | Group E | Sunday, June 14
- Brazil vs. Haiti | Group C | Friday, June 19
- France vs. Iraq | Group I | Monday, June 22
- Curaçao vs. Côte d’Ivoire | Group E | Thursday, June 25
- Croatia vs. Ghana | Group L | Saturday, June 27
- Match 89 | Round of 16 | Saturday, July 4
Philadelphia will celebrate throughout the tournament with the first-ever FIFA Fan Festival™ at Lemon Hill within the city’s vast Fairmount Park—the largest landscaped park system in the United States.
FIFA Fan Fest Rendering. ©Philadelphia Soccer 2026
This citywide celebration of soccer, a.k.a. football, will span the entire 39-day tournament, from June 11 to July 19.
According to organizers, “Fans will enjoy live match broadcasts, music, cultural performances, local food vendors, and interactive activities in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.”
We hope this guide helps you feel right at home in the City of Brotherly Love. Whether you are here for the matches or the atmosphere or all of the above, we wish you an unforgettable stay.
Go Iraq!
