The Iraqi city of Basra celebrated the UAE national team and its fans by welcoming banners in its streets ahead of the upcoming match between 'Al-Abda' (the UAE's nickname) and 'Lions of the Euphrates' (Iraq's nickname) on Tuesday in the Asian playoff for the 2026 World Cup qualifier. Welcome banners spread across the streets leading to Basra International Airport, the Sports City, and Basra's Al-Nahda International Stadium, coinciding with the warm reception that 'Lions of the Euphrates' and the Iraqi team's fans received during the first leg match held last Thursday at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, which ended in a draw (1-1). A source from 'Al-Ittihad' confirmed that various sports and other entities are preparing to welcome the UAE national team's delegation and fans through many community initiatives before and after the match, in line with the warm welcome that the Iraqi fans received during the first leg.
